HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8105.30 – Cobalt; waste and scrap
HS code 8105.30 is the 6-digit subheading for cobalt, waste and scrap. It is used for spent cobalt-containing batteries, cobalt alloy scrap, cobalt catalyst waste, cobalt superalloy scrap and cobalt magnet scrap.
What HS 8105.30 covers
This HS code covers cobalt in its recycled forms, specifically waste and scrap. Given cobalt's high value and strategic importance, the trade in its secondary materials is significant for promoting resource efficiency and reducing reliance on primary mining. Industries involved in recycling cobalt include those recovering it from spent batteries, superalloys, and catalysts. International trade in cobalt waste and scrap is driven by the demand from refiners and manufacturers looking for more sustainable and often more cost-effective sources of this critical metal. Major importers are countries with advanced metallurgical facilities capable of processing complex scrap materials to extract high-purity cobalt. Exporters often include nations with large industrial bases that generate cobalt-containing waste or those with established battery recycling infrastructure. Key considerations include the cobalt content, the presence of other valuable or hazardous elements, and the form of the scrap, all of which influence its value and processing requirements. The global push for electric vehicle battery recycling is rapidly increasing the volume and complexity of trade in this category.
- Covers
- Spent cobalt-containing batteries
- Cobalt alloy scrap
- Cobalt catalyst waste
- Cobalt superalloy scrap
- Cobalt magnet scrap
- Cobalt-chrome dental alloy scrap
- Cobalt-nickel alloy waste
- Examples
- EV battery recycling scrap
- Aerospace turbine blade scrap
- Industrial catalyst waste
- Medical implant cobalt scrap
- Hard metal tool cobalt scrap
Codes often confused with 8105.30
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 810520 (Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders) if the scrap is mistakenly identified as unwrought forms, or with 7204 (Ferrous waste and scrap) if the cobalt scrap is part of a mixed ferrous alloy.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 810530, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 810530 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $12M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $9.1M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5.1M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $59M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $20M 29% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $15M 21% of world imports
- 3 Finland $10M 15% of world imports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8105.30
Brazil does not split HS 8105.30: its NCM code is 8105.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8105.30
What is HS code 810530?
HS code 810530 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cobalt; waste and scrap. This HS code covers cobalt in its recycled forms, specifically waste and scrap. Given cobalt's high value and strategic importance, the trade in its secondary materials is significant for promoting resource efficiency and reducing reliance on primary mining. Industries involved in recycling cobalt include those recovering it from spent batteries, superalloys, and catalysts. International trade in cobalt waste and scrap is driven by the demand from refiners and manufacturers looking for more sustainable and often more cost-effective sources of this critical metal. Major importers are countries with advanced metallurgical facilities capable of processing complex scrap materials to extract high-purity cobalt. Exporters often include nations with large industrial bases that generate cobalt-containing waste or those with established battery recycling infrastructure. Key considerations include the cobalt content, the presence of other valuable or hazardous elements, and the form of the scrap, all of which influence its value and processing requirements. The global push for electric vehicle battery recycling is rapidly increasing the volume and complexity of trade in this category.
What products fall under HS code 810530?
Spent cobalt-containing batteries, Cobalt alloy scrap, Cobalt catalyst waste, Cobalt superalloy scrap, Cobalt magnet scrap, Cobalt-chrome dental alloy scrap, Cobalt-nickel alloy waste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810530?
This code can be confused with 810520 (Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, unwrought cobalt, powders) if the scrap is mistakenly identified as unwrought forms, or with 7204 (Ferrous waste and scrap) if the cobalt scrap is part of a mixed ferrous alloy.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 810530?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 810530 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($12M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($9.1M) and Germany ($5.1M). World exports came to about $59M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 810530?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 810530 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20M, 29% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($15M) and Finland ($10M). World imports came to about $69M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 810530 structured?
HS code 810530 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 810530?
In Brazil, HS code 810530 is NCM 8105.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.