Product classification
HS code for Cadmium scrap: 8112.61
Cadmium, waste and scrap.
Classification of cadmium scrap under HS 8112.61
Cadmium scrap is classified under HS code 811261, which specifically covers "Cadmium; waste and scrap." This classification is precise, distinguishing discarded or leftover cadmium materials from primary forms of the metal or manufactured articles. The primary purpose of this classification is to identify cadmium materials intended for recovery, recycling, or reprocessing. This code is crucial for tracking the trade of secondary raw materials in the metals industry, ensuring proper environmental management and resource recovery. The definition emphasizes the material's state as waste or scrap, indicating it has served its original purpose or is a byproduct of manufacturing, and is now destined for reclamation.
- Covers
- Cadmium waste from industrial processes
- Cadmium scrap from discarded products
- Used cadmium battery components (specifically the cadmium material, not the whole battery)
- Cadmium residues suitable for metal recovery
- Spent cadmium anodes or cathodes for recycling
- Also under 8112.61
- Umicore (battery recycling)
- Recyclex (metal recycling)
- Accurec (battery recycling)
- Boliden (metal recycling)
- Glencore (recycling services)
Codes often confused with 8112.61
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for cadmium scrap often involve distinguishing it from primary cadmium forms or other metal waste. HS code 811269 covers "Cadmium; unwrought, powders," which refers to primary, refined cadmium in forms like ingots, billets, or powders, not waste material. The key differentiator is the material's intended use and processing state: 811269 is for new, primary cadmium, while 811261 is for material designated for recycling. Another potential confusion arises with HS code 854810, which covers "Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators." While cadmium scrap might originate from batteries, 854810 applies to the entire spent battery unit, whereas 811261 is specifically for the separated cadmium waste or scrap component. Additionally, general non-ferrous metal scrap codes, such as those in Chapter 76 or 79 for aluminum or zinc scrap, could be mistakenly applied if the specific cadmium content is not identified, leading to incorrect duties and regulations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811261 (the code used for cadmium scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811261 (the code used for cadmium scrap) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% 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 811261, not only cadmium scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.1M 80% of world exports
- 2 Germany $132K 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $70K 5.0% of world exports
World total: $1.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83K 80% of world imports
- 2 Spain $12K 12% of world imports
- 3 Guyana* ~$5K 4.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $104K 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 cadmium scrap
Brazil classifies cadmium scrap under NCM 8112.61.00: HS 8112.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cadmium scrap
What is the HS code for Cadmium scrap?
The HS code for Cadmium scrap is 811261 (Cadmium; waste and scrap). The HS code for Cadmium scrap is 811261. This code specifically identifies cadmium in its waste and scrap forms, distinguishing it from primary cadmium or manufactured cadmium articles, and is used for materials intended for recovery and recycling.
How do I classify Cadmium scrap for customs?
Cadmium scrap is classified under HS code 811261 — Cadmium; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes cadmium scrap from unwrought cadmium for classification?
Cadmium scrap (811261) refers to discarded or leftover cadmium material intended for recovery or recycling. In contrast, unwrought cadmium (811269) refers to primary, refined cadmium in forms such as ingots, billets, or powders, which are new materials for manufacturing, not waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of cadmium scrap (HS 811261)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811261 (the code used for cadmium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.1M, 80% of world exports), Germany ($132K) and Japan ($70K). World exports came to about $1.4M, 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 cadmium scrap (HS 811261)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811261 (the code used for cadmium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83K, 80% of world imports), Spain ($12K) and Guyana (about $5K). World imports came to about $104K, 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 Cadmium scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811261 for Cadmium 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 cadmium scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, cadmium scrap (HS 811261) is classified under NCM 8112.61.00.