HS Code for Battery scrap

Battery scrap is classified under HS code 8549.19, a code introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to improve the tracking of electrical and electronic waste. Heading 8549 is a comprehensive category for "Electrical and electronic waste and scrap." Within this heading, the 8549.1 sub-group specifically targets waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators. The specific code 8549.19 is used for battery waste that does not fall into the more specific categories of lead-acid (8549.11) or those containing specific hazardous substances like antimony, beryllium, or mercury (8549.12). This includes common household alkaline batteries and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that have reached the end of their life cycle. Classification under this code is vital for compliance with international environmental treaties, such as the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. It ensures that spent batteries are correctly identified for recycling or disposal.

Products Included

• Spent alkaline batteries
• Waste nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
• Scrap primary cells (non-mercury)
• Mixed dry cell battery waste
• Spent zinc-carbon batteries

Common Misclassification

Battery scrap was historically classified under 8548.10, but this code was largely replaced by the 8549 series in the 2022 update. It is also frequently confused with 7802.00 (lead waste and scrap) if the scrap consists of lead-acid battery components; however, 8549.11 is now the preferred code for lead-acid battery waste. Lithium-ion battery scrap is also distinct, falling under 8549.11 or 8549.12 depending on the chemistry and local sub-heading variations.

FAQ

What is the HS code for battery scrap?

The general HS code for miscellaneous battery waste and scrap is 8549.19.

Does this code include lithium-ion batteries?

No, lithium-ion battery waste is typically classified under 8549.11 or 8549.12; 8549.19 is for other types not elsewhere specified.