Product classification
HS code for Battery scrap: 8549.19
Waste and scrap, of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1.
Classification of battery scrap under HS 8549.19
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.
- Covers
- Spent alkaline batteries
- Waste nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
- Scrap primary cells (non-mercury)
- Mixed dry cell battery waste
- Spent zinc-carbon batteries
- Also under 8549.19
- Experimental EV battery waste
- Aerospace battery prototypes (scrap)
- Military-grade battery waste (unspecified type)
- Specialized medical implant battery waste
- Custom energy storage system battery scrap
Codes often confused with 8549.19
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854919 (the code used for battery scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854919 (the code used for battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 61% 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 854919, not only battery scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $155M 80% of world exports
- 2 Poland $17M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $3.8M 1.9% of world exports
World total: $195M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $60M 61% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 18% of world imports
- 3 Poland $5.3M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $99M 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 battery scrap
Brazil classifies battery scrap under NCM 8549.19.00: HS 8549.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about battery scrap
What is the HS code for Battery scrap?
The HS code for Battery scrap is 854919 (Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1). The general HS code for miscellaneous battery waste and scrap is 8549.19.
How do I classify Battery scrap for customs?
Battery scrap is classified under HS code 854919 — Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of battery scrap (HS 854919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854919 (the code used for battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($155M, 80% of world exports), Poland ($17M) and Italy ($3.8M). World exports came to about $195M, 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 battery scrap (HS 854919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854919 (the code used for battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($60M, 61% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Poland ($5.3M). World imports came to about $99M, 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 Battery scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854919 for Battery scrap 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 battery scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, battery scrap (HS 854919) is classified under NCM 8549.19.00.