HS Code Subheading

Electrical and electronic waste and scrap; electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switch

8549.31 Subheading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 854931

This HS code specifically covers electrical and electronic waste, including assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBs), that contain hazardous components such as batteries, accumulators, or mercury switches, but are *not* primarily intended for precious metal recovery. Instead, these materials are typically processed for the recovery of base metals (like copper, aluminum) or for the safe disposal of hazardous substances. Importers are often specialized waste management and recycling facilities equipped to handle and separate hazardous components and extract non-precious metals. Exporters are usually countries with high volumes of end-of-life electronics from industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors. Key trade considerations include stringent environmental regulations, safe transport protocols for hazardous waste, and the technological capabilities for material separation and detoxification. This trade is crucial for environmental protection and resource recovery, addressing the growing challenge of e-waste management globally.

Products Under This Code

Used computer power supplies, Discarded TV circuit boards, Old appliance control panels, Automotive electronic modules, Industrial control boards, Unsorted mixed PCBs, Electronic assemblies with attached batteries, Mercury-switch containing devices

Real World Examples

End-of-life washing machine control boards, Discarded car infotainment systems, Old VCR circuit boards, Broken microwave oven electronics, Used UPS battery packs

Common Misclassification

This code is distinct from 854921 and 854929 because its primary purpose is not precious metal recovery, but rather base metal recovery or hazardous waste management, despite containing hazardous components.

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

Countries like Germany, Belgium, the USA, and China are significant in the import and export of this type of hazardous e-waste for base metal recovery and safe disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 854931?

HS code 854931 covers: Electrical and electronic waste and scrap; electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switch. This HS code specifically covers electrical and electronic waste, including assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBs), that contain hazardous components such as batteries, accumulators, or mercury switches, but are *not* primarily intended for precious metal recovery. Instead, these materials are typically processed for the recovery of base metals (like copper, aluminum) or for the safe disposal of hazardous substances. Importers are often specialized waste management and recycling facilities equipped to handle and separate hazardous components and extract non-precious metals. Exporters are usually countries with high volumes of end-of-life electronics from industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors. Key trade considerations include stringent environmental regulations, safe transport protocols for hazardous waste, and the technological capabilities for material separation and detoxification. This trade is crucial for environmental protection and resource recovery, addressing the growing challenge of e-waste management globally.

What products fall under HS code 854931?

Used computer power supplies, Discarded TV circuit boards, Old appliance control panels, Automotive electronic modules, Industrial control boards, Unsorted mixed PCBs, Electronic assemblies with attached batteries, Mercury-switch containing devices

What are common misclassifications for HS code 854931?

This code is distinct from 854921 and 854929 because its primary purpose is not precious metal recovery, but rather base metal recovery or hazardous waste management, despite containing hazardous components.

How is HS code 854931 structured?

HS code 854931 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.