HS Code Subheading

Cadmium; waste and scrap

8112.61 Subheading
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal

About HS Code 811261

This HS code specifically covers cadmium in the form of waste and scrap. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, and its use has been significantly restricted in many applications due to environmental and health concerns. However, it still finds use in certain specialized batteries (NiCd), pigments, coatings, and solar cells. Consequently, cadmium waste and scrap primarily originate from the recycling of these products, particularly spent NiCd batteries, or from industrial processes where cadmium is a byproduct or contaminant. International trade in cadmium waste and scrap is heavily regulated, often falling under hazardous waste conventions. Importers are typically specialized recycling and refining facilities equipped to safely process and recover cadmium, or separate it from other metals, often located in countries with advanced environmental technologies and strict regulations, such as Germany, Belgium, or Japan. Exporters are industries and waste management companies globally. Key considerations include the high costs of safe handling, transport, and processing, as well as the fluctuating demand for recycled cadmium, which is influenced by environmental policies and the availability of primary cadmium.

Products Under This Code

Spent NiCd batteries, Cadmium-plated scrap metal, Cadmium-containing pigment waste, Cadmium alloy scrap, Cadmium dust from industrial processes, Cadmium-containing electronic waste

Real World Examples

Umicore (battery recycling), Recyclex (metal recycling), Accurec (battery recycling), Boliden (metal recycling), Glencore (recycling services)

Common Misclassification

This code should not be confused with 811269 (cadmium, other than waste and scrap), which covers primary cadmium forms and manufactured articles. The distinction is crucial for regulatory compliance regarding hazardous waste.

Products Classified Under 8112.61

Industry

This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.

Trade Overview

Top importers for cadmium waste and scrap are often countries with advanced recycling infrastructure like Germany, Belgium, and Japan, handling materials from global sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 811261?

HS code 811261 covers: Cadmium; waste and scrap. This HS code specifically covers cadmium in the form of waste and scrap. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, and its use has been significantly restricted in many applications due to environmental and health concerns. However, it still finds use in certain specialized batteries (NiCd), pigments, coatings, and solar cells. Consequently, cadmium waste and scrap primarily originate from the recycling of these products, particularly spent NiCd batteries, or from industrial processes where cadmium is a byproduct or contaminant. International trade in cadmium waste and scrap is heavily regulated, often falling under hazardous waste conventions. Importers are typically specialized recycling and refining facilities equipped to safely process and recover cadmium, or separate it from other metals, often located in countries with advanced environmental technologies and strict regulations, such as Germany, Belgium, or Japan. Exporters are industries and waste management companies globally. Key considerations include the high costs of safe handling, transport, and processing, as well as the fluctuating demand for recycled cadmium, which is influenced by environmental policies and the availability of primary cadmium.

What products fall under HS code 811261?

Spent NiCd batteries, Cadmium-plated scrap metal, Cadmium-containing pigment waste, Cadmium alloy scrap, Cadmium dust from industrial processes, Cadmium-containing electronic waste

What are common misclassifications for HS code 811261?

This code should not be confused with 811269 (cadmium, other than waste and scrap), which covers primary cadmium forms and manufactured articles. The distinction is crucial for regulatory compliance regarding hazardous waste.

How is HS code 811261 structured?

HS code 811261 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.