HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8549.99 – Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in item no 8549.91
HS code 8549.99 is the 6-digit subheading for waste and scrap, n.e.c. in item no 8549.91. It is used for highly mixed electronic waste, residual electronic scrap, unidentifiable electronic components, general low-grade e-waste and electronic waste fragments.
What HS 8549.99 covers
This HS code represents the most residual category for electrical and electronic waste and scrap, covering items not specifically classified under 8549.91 or any other more precise subheading within 8549. It typically includes highly mixed, low-value, or difficult-to-categorize electronic waste streams. The trade involves waste management firms, specialized recyclers, and sometimes informal sectors, driven by the need for final disposal or minimal material recovery. Key aspects include the challenges of economic recovery due to the mixed nature and low concentration of valuable materials, and the significant environmental and health risks associated with improper handling. This category often represents the 'leftovers' after more valuable components have been extracted, making its processing particularly complex and costly.
- Covers
- Highly mixed electronic waste
- Residual electronic scrap
- Unidentifiable electronic components
- General low-grade e-waste
- Electronic waste fragments
- Mixed plastic and metal electronic waste
- Non-recoverable electronic debris
- Examples
- Shredded electronic waste residue
- mixed plastic casings from electronics
- general electronic waste for landfill or incineration
- low-grade mixed circuit board fragments
Codes often confused with 8549.99
Common mistake. This code is the ultimate 'other' within the e-waste chapter, often confused with 8549.91, which is also a general 'other' but typically for slightly more identifiable or higher-grade mixed electronic scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854999, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854999 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 30% 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 $45M 21% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $21M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 France $21M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $48M 30% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $16M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $16M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 8549.99
Brazil does not split HS 8549.99: its NCM code is 8549.99.00.
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 8549.99
What is HS code 854999?
HS code 854999 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in item no 8549.91. This HS code represents the most residual category for electrical and electronic waste and scrap, covering items not specifically classified under 8549.91 or any other more precise subheading within 8549. It typically includes highly mixed, low-value, or difficult-to-categorize electronic waste streams. The trade involves waste management firms, specialized recyclers, and sometimes informal sectors, driven by the need for final disposal or minimal material recovery. Key aspects include the challenges of economic recovery due to the mixed nature and low concentration of valuable materials, and the significant environmental and health risks associated with improper handling. This category often represents the 'leftovers' after more valuable components have been extracted, making its processing particularly complex and costly.
What products fall under HS code 854999?
Highly mixed electronic waste, residual electronic scrap, unidentifiable electronic components, general low-grade e-waste, electronic waste fragments, mixed plastic and metal electronic waste, non-recoverable electronic debris
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854999?
This code is the ultimate 'other' within the e-waste chapter, often confused with 8549.91, which is also a general 'other' but typically for slightly more identifiable or higher-grade mixed electronic scrap.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854999?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854999 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($21M) and France ($21M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 854999?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854999 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($48M, 30% of world imports), the Netherlands ($16M) and South Africa ($16M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 854999 structured?
HS code 854999 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854999?
In Brazil, HS code 854999 is NCM 8549.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.