HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8549.21 – Electrical and electronic waste and scrap; of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical
HS code 8549.21 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical and electronic waste and scrap, of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical. It is used for printed circuit boards (PCBs) with components, mobile phone circuit boards, laptop motherboards, server rack components and gold-plated connectors.
What HS 8549.21 covers
This HS code specifically targets complex electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) that is primarily destined for the recovery of precious metals, and critically, contains hazardous components like batteries, mercury switches, or CRT glass. This material is a significant part of the circular economy, as it represents a valuable secondary source of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Importers are typically specialized recycling and refining facilities equipped to safely process hazardous materials and extract precious metals. Exporters are often countries with high consumption of electronics and robust collection systems for end-of-life products. Key trade considerations include strict environmental regulations (e.g., Basel Convention), safe handling and transport protocols, and the technological capabilities of recycling plants. The trade in this e-waste is driven by both economic incentives (metal value) and environmental mandates to reduce landfill waste and recover resources, posing significant logistical and regulatory challenges globally.
- Covers
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs) with components
- Mobile phone circuit boards
- Laptop motherboards
- Server rack components
- Gold-plated connectors
- Integrated circuits (ICs)
- Memory modules
- CPU chips
- Examples
- End-of-life smartphones
- Discarded computer motherboards
- Used server blades
- Old digital cameras
- GPS devices
Codes often confused with 8549.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 854929 because of the explicit presence of hazardous components like batteries or CRT glass, which requires specific handling and regulatory compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854921 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 38% 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 South Korea $23M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $17M 13% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $14M 11% of world exports
World total: $128M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $183M 38% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $172M 36% of world imports
- 3 Japan $61M 13% of world imports
World total: $484M 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 8549.21
Brazil does not split HS 8549.21: its NCM code is 8549.21.00.
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 8549.21
What is HS code 854921?
HS code 854921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical and electronic waste and scrap; of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical. This HS code specifically targets complex electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) that is primarily destined for the recovery of precious metals, and critically, contains hazardous components like batteries, mercury switches, or CRT glass. This material is a significant part of the circular economy, as it represents a valuable secondary source of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Importers are typically specialized recycling and refining facilities equipped to safely process hazardous materials and extract precious metals. Exporters are often countries with high consumption of electronics and robust collection systems for end-of-life products. Key trade considerations include strict environmental regulations (e.g., Basel Convention), safe handling and transport protocols, and the technological capabilities of recycling plants. The trade in this e-waste is driven by both economic incentives (metal value) and environmental mandates to reduce landfill waste and recover resources, posing significant logistical and regulatory challenges globally.
What products fall under HS code 854921?
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) with components, Mobile phone circuit boards, Laptop motherboards, Server rack components, Gold-plated connectors, Integrated circuits (ICs), Memory modules, CPU chips
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854921?
This code is distinct from 854929 because of the explicit presence of hazardous components like batteries or CRT glass, which requires specific handling and regulatory compliance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854921 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($23M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($17M) and Belgium ($14M). World exports came to about $128M, 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 854921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854921 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($183M, 38% of world imports), South Korea ($172M) and Japan ($61M). World imports came to about $484M, 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 854921 structured?
HS code 854921 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854921?
In Brazil, HS code 854921 is NCM 8549.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.