HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8109.31 – Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight
HS code 8109.31 is the 6-digit subheading for zirconium, waste and scrap, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. It is used for low-hafnium zirconium turnings, nuclear-grade zirconium swarf, zirconium alloy scrap (low hafnium) and zirconium sheet offcuts (low hafnium).
What HS 8109.31 covers
This code specifically covers waste and scrap materials derived from zirconium that has a very low hafnium content, less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium. This material is highly valuable for recycling, particularly for re-processing into nuclear-grade zirconium, given the stringent purity requirements for nuclear applications. The trade in this scrap is critical for sustainability and cost-efficiency in the nuclear industry, allowing for the recovery of expensive, specialized materials. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities or primary zirconium producers with the capability to purify and re-process this high-value scrap. Exporters are often manufacturers of nuclear components or facilities that generate this specific type of waste. Strict controls and documentation are essential due to the material's origin and potential end-use.
- Covers
- Low-hafnium zirconium turnings
- Nuclear-grade zirconium swarf
- Zirconium alloy scrap (low hafnium)
- Zirconium sheet offcuts (low hafnium)
- Examples
- Used nuclear fuel cladding scrap (decontaminated)
- Zircaloy-4 machining chips
- Zirconium sponge production waste
Codes often confused with 8109.31
Common mistake. This code is distinguished from 810939 by its low hafnium content, and from other zirconium forms (e.g., unwrought, wrought) by being specifically waste and scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 810931, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 810931 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 43% 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 States $5.0M 67% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $744K 10.0% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $731K 9.8% of world exports
World total: $7.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $2.0M 43% of world imports
- 2 France $1.2M 25% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $436K 9.3% of world imports
World total: $4.7M 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 8109.31
Brazil does not split HS 8109.31: its NCM code is 8109.31.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8109.31
What is HS code 810931?
HS code 810931 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This code specifically covers waste and scrap materials derived from zirconium that has a very low hafnium content, less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium. This material is highly valuable for recycling, particularly for re-processing into nuclear-grade zirconium, given the stringent purity requirements for nuclear applications. The trade in this scrap is critical for sustainability and cost-efficiency in the nuclear industry, allowing for the recovery of expensive, specialized materials. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities or primary zirconium producers with the capability to purify and re-process this high-value scrap. Exporters are often manufacturers of nuclear components or facilities that generate this specific type of waste. Strict controls and documentation are essential due to the material's origin and potential end-use.
What products fall under HS code 810931?
Low-hafnium zirconium turnings, Nuclear-grade zirconium swarf, Zirconium alloy scrap (low hafnium), Zirconium sheet offcuts (low hafnium)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810931?
This code is distinguished from 810939 by its low hafnium content, and from other zirconium forms (e.g., unwrought, wrought) by being specifically waste and scrap.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 810931?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 810931 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.0M, 67% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($744K) and South Korea ($731K). World exports came to about $7.4M, 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 810931?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 810931 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($2.0M, 43% of world imports), France ($1.2M) and the United Kingdom ($436K). World imports came to about $4.7M, 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 810931 structured?
HS code 810931 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 810931?
In Brazil, HS code 810931 is NCM 8109.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.