Product classification
HS code for Aluminum ash: 2620.40
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium.
Classification of aluminum ash under HS 2620.40
Aluminum ash is classified under HS code 2620.40, which falls within Chapter 26 covering ores, slag, and ash. This code specifically covers residues containing mainly aluminum that result from the smelting, refining, or manufacture of aluminum. Unlike scrap metal, which consists of identifiable metal pieces, ash and residues are typically the powdery or granular by-products of industrial processes. This includes dross or skimmings taken from the surface of molten aluminum during the melting process. The classification is vital for environmental regulations and recycling trade, as these materials are often processed to recover residual aluminum content. Aluminum ash typically consists of a mixture of aluminum oxide, metallic aluminum, and various impurities like salts or nitrides. The classification requires that the residue contains enough aluminum to be the primary metal of interest for recovery. Accurate classification under 2620.40 is essential for environmental compliance, as many countries have specific regulations regarding the transboundary movement of industrial residues and hazardous waste.
- Covers
- Aluminum dross
- Aluminum skimmings
- Salt cake from aluminum recycling
- Furnace residues containing aluminum
- Industrial aluminum ash and slag
- Also under 2620.40
- Rusal aluminium dross
- Alcoa spent pot lining
- Hydro aluminium residues
- Novelis recycling inputs
Codes often confused with 2620.40
Common mistake. Often confused with 7602.00, which is for aluminum waste and scrap. Scrap consists of metallic pieces, while 2620.40 is for residues. It is also confused with 2618.00, which is specifically for granulated slag from the manufacture of iron or steel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum ash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum ash) in UN Comtrade data was Greece, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 262040, not only aluminum ash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Greece $63M 16% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $50M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $385M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $127M 30% of world imports
- 2 Spain $88M 21% of world imports
- 3 India $26M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $418M 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 aluminum ash
Brazil classifies aluminum ash under NCM 2620.40.00: HS 2620.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aluminum ash
What is the HS code for Aluminum ash?
The HS code for Aluminum ash is 262040 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium). The HS code for aluminum ash and residues containing mainly aluminum is 2620.40.
How do I classify Aluminum ash for customs?
Aluminum ash is classified under HS code 262040 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is aluminum dross the same as scrap?
No, dross is a residue from the melting process classified under 2620.40, while scrap consists of discarded metal products or off-cuts classified under 7602.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum ash (HS 262040)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum ash) in UN Comtrade data were Greece ($63M, 16% of world exports), the Netherlands ($50M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $385M, 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 aluminum ash (HS 262040)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum ash) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($127M, 30% of world imports), Spain ($88M) and India ($26M). World imports came to about $418M, 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.
Is the HS code for Aluminum ash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262040 for Aluminum ash is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aluminum ash in Brazil?
In Brazil, aluminum ash (HS 262040) is classified under NCM 2620.40.00.