HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8549.13 – Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury
HS code 8549.13 is the 6-digit subheading for waste and scrap, of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury. It is used for sorted lithium-ion battery scrap, sorted NiMH battery waste, sorted alkaline battery waste, sorted zinc-carbon battery scrap and sorted lithium primary cell waste.
What HS 8549.13 covers
This HS code covers waste and scrap from primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that have been sorted by their chemical type and are free from lead, cadmium, or mercury. This category primarily includes common consumer batteries like alkaline, lithium-ion, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are increasingly recycled due to their valuable materials and environmental concerns. The "sorted by chemical type" aspect is crucial, indicating that these materials have undergone initial processing to separate different battery chemistries, optimizing them for specific recycling processes. International trade is driven by the growing volume of spent consumer electronics and the demand for recovering materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Importers are specialized battery recyclers, while exporters are often large-scale waste collection centers or electronics dismantling facilities. Proper sorting significantly enhances the efficiency and economic viability of recycling, reducing contamination and improving material recovery rates.
- Covers
- Sorted lithium-ion battery scrap
- Sorted NiMH battery waste
- Sorted alkaline battery waste
- Sorted zinc-carbon battery scrap
- Sorted lithium primary cell waste
- Sorted button cell waste (non-heavy metal)
- Sorted rechargeable battery packs (non-heavy metal)
- Examples
- Apple iPhone battery scrap (sorted Li-ion)
- Samsung Galaxy battery waste (sorted Li-ion)
- Panasonic Eneloop NiMH battery scrap
- Duracell alkaline battery waste (sorted)
- Tesla Powerwall battery modules (end-of-life, sorted)
Codes often confused with 8549.13
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 854912 because it specifically excludes batteries containing lead, cadmium, or mercury, and from 854914 because the waste is sorted by chemical type. Misclassification can occur if the sorting status or heavy metal content is not accurately assessed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854913, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854913 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bulgaria, with 48% 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 Germany $5.3M 31% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $2.6M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.9M 12% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bulgaria $6.4M 48% of world imports
- 2 Canada $1.4M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.1M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 8549.13
Brazil does not split HS 8549.13: its NCM code is 8549.13.00.
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 8549.13
What is HS code 854913?
HS code 854913 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, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury. This HS code covers waste and scrap from primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that have been sorted by their chemical type and are free from lead, cadmium, or mercury. This category primarily includes common consumer batteries like alkaline, lithium-ion, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which are increasingly recycled due to their valuable materials and environmental concerns. The "sorted by chemical type" aspect is crucial, indicating that these materials have undergone initial processing to separate different battery chemistries, optimizing them for specific recycling processes. International trade is driven by the growing volume of spent consumer electronics and the demand for recovering materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Importers are specialized battery recyclers, while exporters are often large-scale waste collection centers or electronics dismantling facilities. Proper sorting significantly enhances the efficiency and economic viability of recycling, reducing contamination and improving material recovery rates.
What products fall under HS code 854913?
Sorted lithium-ion battery scrap, Sorted NiMH battery waste, Sorted alkaline battery waste, Sorted zinc-carbon battery scrap, Sorted lithium primary cell waste, Sorted button cell waste (non-heavy metal), Sorted rechargeable battery packs (non-heavy metal)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854913?
This code is distinct from 854912 because it specifically excludes batteries containing lead, cadmium, or mercury, and from 854914 because the waste is sorted by chemical type. Misclassification can occur if the sorting status or heavy metal content is not accurately assessed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854913?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854913 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.3M, 31% of world exports), Belgium ($2.6M) and Japan ($1.9M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 854913?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854913 in UN Comtrade data were Bulgaria ($6.4M, 48% of world imports), Canada ($1.4M) and Germany ($1.1M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 854913 structured?
HS code 854913 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854913?
In Brazil, HS code 854913 is NCM 8549.13.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.