HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8549.12 – Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, containing lead, cadmium or mercury, other than lead-acid accumulators
HS code 8549.12 is the 6-digit subheading for waste and scrap, of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, containing lead, cadmium or mercury, other than lead-acid accumulators. It is used for spent NiCd batteries, mercury-containing button cells (waste), cadmium-containing industrial batteries, lead-containing primary cells (non-acid) and used portable electronic device batteries (containing heavy metals).
What HS 8549.12 covers
This code encompasses waste and scrap from various primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that contain hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, but specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (which have their own code). This category includes spent nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain mercury-containing button cells, and other specialized batteries. The trade in these materials is highly regulated due to their toxic content and the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities equipped to safely extract and process these hazardous materials, often located in regions with stringent environmental standards and advanced metallurgical capabilities. Exporters are usually waste management companies, industrial users, or electronics recyclers. Compliance with international hazardous waste conventions, such as the Basel Convention, is paramount, dictating strict tracking and handling requirements to ensure responsible recycling and prevent environmental contamination.
- Covers
- Spent NiCd batteries
- Mercury-containing button cells (waste)
- Cadmium-containing industrial batteries
- Lead-containing primary cells (non-acid)
- Used portable electronic device batteries (containing heavy metals)
- Rechargeable NiCd battery scrap
- Mercury oxide battery waste
- Examples
- Duracell mercury-free button cell waste (older types)
- Energizer NiCd battery scrap
- Panasonic industrial NiCd batteries (spent)
- Varta mercury-containing cells (historical waste)
- Saft NiCd aircraft battery waste
Codes often confused with 8549.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 854911 (spent lead-acid accumulators) if the specific battery chemistry isn't identified, or with 854913/854914 if the presence of lead, cadmium, or mercury is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854912, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854912 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 47% 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 $26M 40% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $22M 34% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $6.3M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $21M 47% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $12M 27% of world imports
- 3 Greece $3.4M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 8549.12
Brazil does not split HS 8549.12: its NCM code is 8549.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.49 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8549.12
What is HS code 854912?
HS code 854912 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, containing lead, cadmium or mercury, other than lead-acid accumulators. This code encompasses waste and scrap from various primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that contain hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, but specifically excludes lead-acid batteries (which have their own code). This category includes spent nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain mercury-containing button cells, and other specialized batteries. The trade in these materials is highly regulated due to their toxic content and the environmental risks associated with improper disposal. Importers are typically specialized recycling facilities equipped to safely extract and process these hazardous materials, often located in regions with stringent environmental standards and advanced metallurgical capabilities. Exporters are usually waste management companies, industrial users, or electronics recyclers. Compliance with international hazardous waste conventions, such as the Basel Convention, is paramount, dictating strict tracking and handling requirements to ensure responsible recycling and prevent environmental contamination.
What products fall under HS code 854912?
Spent NiCd batteries, Mercury-containing button cells (waste), Cadmium-containing industrial batteries, Lead-containing primary cells (non-acid), Used portable electronic device batteries (containing heavy metals), Rechargeable NiCd battery scrap, Mercury oxide battery waste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854912?
This code is often confused with 854911 (spent lead-acid accumulators) if the specific battery chemistry isn't identified, or with 854913/854914 if the presence of lead, cadmium, or mercury is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854912?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854912 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 40% of world exports), the Netherlands ($22M) and Guatemala ($6.3M). World exports came to about $65M, 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 854912?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854912 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($21M, 47% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and Greece ($3.4M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 854912 structured?
HS code 854912 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (49) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854912?
In Brazil, HS code 854912 is NCM 8549.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.