Product classification
HS code for Chromium residues: 2620.91
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium or their mixtures.
Classification of chromium residues under HS 2620.91
Chromium residues are classified under HS code 2620.91. Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2620 specifically addresses slag, ash, and residues (other than those from the manufacture of iron or steel) that contain metals, arsenic, or their compounds. These are typically industrial by-products used for the extraction of metals or the manufacture of chemical compounds. Subheading 2620.91 is a specific carve-out for residues containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, or their mixtures. This classification is critical because these residues are often subject to environmental regulations and the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes. The classification applies to materials resulting from industrial processes like electroplating, leather tanning, or chemical manufacturing where chromium is recovered from waste streams.
- Covers
- Chromium-bearing sludge from electroplating
- Galvanic residues containing chromium
- Spent catalysts containing chromium (for metal recovery)
- Filter cakes from chromium chemical production
- Ash from the incineration of chromium-treated materials
- Also under 2620.91
- BASF spent catalysts
- Umicore recycling inputs
- various industrial plating sludges
- battery manufacturing residues
Codes often confused with 2620.91
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2610.00, which is for chromium ores and concentrates. Ores are naturally occurring minerals, whereas residues are the result of industrial processing. Another error involves 2619.00, which covers slag and dross from the manufacture of iron or steel. If the chromium residue comes from a steel mill (like EAF dust), it might be argued under 2619, but 2620.91 is generally preferred for specific metal-bearing residues. Finally, if the residue is simply municipal waste, it would fall under 3825.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262091 (the code used for chromium residues), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262091 (the code used for chromium residues) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 72% 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 262091, not only chromium residues.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $9.2M 48% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $4.4M 23% of world exports
- 3 Poland $2.2M 11% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $5.0M 72% of world imports
- 2 Germany $955K 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$411K 5.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.9M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 chromium residues
Brazil classifies chromium residues under NCM 2620.91.00: HS 2620.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chromium residues
What is the HS code for Chromium residues?
The HS code for Chromium residues is 262091 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium or their mixtures). The HS code is 2620.91, which covers slag, ash, and residues containing chromium.
How do I classify Chromium residues for customs?
Chromium residues is classified under HS code 262091 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium or their mixtures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are chromium residues considered hazardous waste?
In many jurisdictions, yes. While the HS code 2620.91 identifies the material for customs, additional environmental codes (like Basel codes) may be required for transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium residues (HS 262091)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262091 (the code used for chromium residues) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($9.2M, 48% of world exports), the Netherlands ($4.4M) and Poland ($2.2M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 chromium residues (HS 262091)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262091 (the code used for chromium residues) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($5.0M, 72% of world imports), Germany ($955K) and Taiwan (about $411K). World imports came to about $6.9M, 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 Chromium residues the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262091 for Chromium residues 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 chromium residues in Brazil?
In Brazil, chromium residues (HS 262091) is classified under NCM 2620.91.00.