HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8549.91 – Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in heading no 8549
HS code 8549.91 is the 6-digit subheading for waste and scrap, n.e.c. in heading no 8549. It is used for mixed electronic scrap, discarded small household appliances, end-of-life IT equipment without specific precious metal focus, mixed electronic components and non-functional electronic gadgets.
What HS 8549.91 covers
This category serves as a general catch-all for electrical and electronic waste and scrap not specifically covered in other subheadings of 8549. It encompasses a wide array of discarded electronic items and components that don't fit into more specific classifications like batteries, copper waste, or PCBs for precious metal recovery. Trade in these goods is dominated by waste management companies, specialized recyclers, and brokers dealing in mixed electronic scrap. The primary motivation for trade is material recovery, environmental compliance, and responsible disposal. Key considerations include the heterogeneous nature of the waste, which makes processing challenging, and the need for robust sorting and separation technologies to maximize recovery value and minimize environmental impact. Regulatory compliance for transboundary movement is also critical.
- Covers
- Mixed electronic scrap
- Discarded small household appliances
- End-of-life IT equipment without specific precious metal focus
- Mixed electronic components
- Non-functional electronic gadgets
- Obsolete office electronics
- General e-waste streams
- Examples
- Mixed WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) streams
- discarded electronic toys
- broken printers and scanners
- old VCRs and DVD players
- non-specific electronic device scrap
Codes often confused with 8549.91
Common mistake. This code can be confused with more specific categories like 8549.10 (batteries) or 8549.21 (copper waste), as well as 8549.99, which is an even broader 'other' category for items not covered by 8549.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854991, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854991 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 58% 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 $5.2M 83% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $237K 3.8% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $196K 3.1% of world exports
World total: $6.3M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $3.3M 58% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $1.5M 26% of world imports
- 3 United States $331K 5.8% of world imports
World total: $5.7M 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 8549.91
Brazil does not split HS 8549.91: its NCM code is 8549.91.00.
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 8549.91
What is HS code 854991?
HS code 854991 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in heading no 8549. This category serves as a general catch-all for electrical and electronic waste and scrap not specifically covered in other subheadings of 8549. It encompasses a wide array of discarded electronic items and components that don't fit into more specific classifications like batteries, copper waste, or PCBs for precious metal recovery. Trade in these goods is dominated by waste management companies, specialized recyclers, and brokers dealing in mixed electronic scrap. The primary motivation for trade is material recovery, environmental compliance, and responsible disposal. Key considerations include the heterogeneous nature of the waste, which makes processing challenging, and the need for robust sorting and separation technologies to maximize recovery value and minimize environmental impact. Regulatory compliance for transboundary movement is also critical.
What products fall under HS code 854991?
Mixed electronic scrap, discarded small household appliances, end-of-life IT equipment without specific precious metal focus, mixed electronic components, non-functional electronic gadgets, obsolete office electronics, general e-waste streams
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854991?
This code can be confused with more specific categories like 8549.10 (batteries) or 8549.21 (copper waste), as well as 8549.99, which is an even broader 'other' category for items not covered by 8549.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854991?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854991 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.2M, 83% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($237K) and Hong Kong ($196K). World exports came to about $6.3M, 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 854991?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854991 in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($3.3M, 58% of world imports), Sweden ($1.5M) and the United States ($331K). World imports came to about $5.7M, 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 854991 structured?
HS code 854991 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854991?
In Brazil, HS code 854991 is NCM 8549.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.