Product classification
HS code for Battery waste: 8549.19
Waste and scrap, of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1.
Classification of battery waste under HS 8549.19
Battery waste is classified under HS code 8549.19, which specifically covers "Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1." This classification is applied to batteries that have reached the end of their useful life and are intended for recycling, disposal, or recovery of materials. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere specified) designation within 8549.1 indicates that this subheading is for battery waste types not specifically enumerated in other sub-categories of 8549.1, such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or lithium-ion battery waste. The primary criterion for this classification is the status of the item as 'waste and scrap' rather than a functional, new, or reconditioned battery.
- Covers
- Spent lead-acid batteries (if not specifically covered by 8549.11)
- Spent nickel-cadmium batteries (if not specifically covered by 8549.12)
- Spent lithium-ion batteries (if not specifically covered by 8549.13)
- Spent alkaline batteries
- Spent zinc-carbon batteries
- Mixed battery waste streams not separable into specific types
- 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 waste is often misclassified with new or reconditioned batteries, which fall under different HS codes. For instance, new primary cells are classified under 8506, and new electric accumulators (rechargeable batteries) are classified under 8507. The critical distinction is the functional status: 8506 and 8507 are for usable products, while 8549.19 is for non-functional waste. Furthermore, specific types of battery waste, such as lead-acid (8549.11), nickel-cadmium (8549.12), and lithium-ion (8549.13), have their own dedicated subheadings. Misclassification can occur if these specific types are incorrectly placed under the broader 8549.19, or if 8549.19 is used for waste that clearly fits one of the more specific categories.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854919 (the code used for battery waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854919 (the code used for battery waste) 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 waste.
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 waste
Brazil classifies battery waste 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 waste
What is the HS code for Battery waste?
The HS code for Battery waste is 854919 (Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, n.e.c. in item no 8549.1). The HS code for battery waste, particularly those not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8549.1, is 8549.19.
How do I classify Battery waste for customs?
Battery waste 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.
What distinguishes battery waste from new batteries for classification purposes?
The primary distinction is the functional status. Battery waste (HS 8549.19) refers to non-functional, end-of-life batteries intended for recycling or disposal. New batteries (HS 8506 for primary cells, HS 8507 for accumulators) are functional products designed for use.
Which countries are the top exporters of battery waste (HS 854919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854919 (the code used for battery waste) 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 waste (HS 854919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854919 (the code used for battery waste) 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854919 for Battery waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, battery waste (HS 854919) is classified under NCM 8549.19.00.