Product classification
HS code for Aluminum slag: 2620.40
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium.
Classification of aluminum slag under HS 2620.40
HS code 262040 is assigned to slag, ash, and residues, specifically those not originating from the manufacture of iron or steel, but containing primarily aluminium. This classification covers non-metallic by-products generated during the production, melting, or processing of aluminium. These residues typically consist of aluminium oxides, nitrides, carbides, and other impurities, often mixed with small amounts of metallic aluminium. The critical criteria for this code are the material's origin (non-ferrous) and its predominant aluminium content in a non-metallic, residual form.
- Covers
- Aluminium dross from melting furnaces
- Skimmings and furnace residues from aluminium foundries
- Aluminium ash resulting from incineration processes
- Spent potlining (SPL) residues from primary aluminium production, where aluminium content is predominant
- Non-metallic residues from secondary aluminium refining
- 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. Aluminum slag (262040) is frequently misclassified with aluminium waste and scrap (760200) and slag from iron or steel manufacturing (261900). The primary distinction from 760200 is that slag is a non-metallic residue, often containing oxides and impurities, whereas scrap is metallic aluminium intended for remelting. Unlike scrap, slag requires significant further processing to recover metallic aluminium. The distinction from 261900 is explicit in the description of 262040, which specifies "not from the manufacture of iron or steel," ensuring that only non-ferrous residues are classified here.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum slag), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum slag) 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 slag.
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 slag
Brazil classifies aluminum slag 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 slag
What is the HS code for Aluminum slag?
The HS code for Aluminum slag is 262040 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly aluminium). The Harmonized System (HS) code for aluminum slag is 262040.
How do I classify Aluminum slag for customs?
Aluminum slag 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.
What is the difference between aluminum slag and aluminum scrap?
Aluminum slag (262040) is a non-metallic residue from aluminum processing, primarily composed of oxides and impurities. Aluminum scrap (760200) is metallic aluminum waste material intended for recycling.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum slag (HS 262040)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum slag) 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 slag (HS 262040)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262040 (the code used for aluminum slag) 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 slag the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262040 for Aluminum slag 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 slag in Brazil?
In Brazil, aluminum slag (HS 262040) is classified under NCM 2620.40.00.