Product classification
HS code for Circuit board waste: 8549.39
Waste and scrap, electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.31.
Classification of circuit board waste under HS 8549.39
HS code 8549.39 is utilized for the classification of waste and scrap consisting of electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBs). This code was introduced as part of the HS 2022 amendments to provide better visibility into the global trade of electronic waste, or e-waste. The classification applies to assemblies that are no longer fit for their original purpose due to damage, obsolescence, or wear. Specifically, 8549.39 is a residual category for electronic waste that is "other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal." This means that while the boards may contain trace amounts of gold, silver, or palladium, they do not meet the specific criteria or intent for high-value precious metal recovery that would place them under subheading 8549.31. The code covers the entire assembly, including the laminate board and the various components attached to it, such as integrated circuits, capacitors, and resistors. It is important to distinguish this from pure metal scrap or from functional second-hand goods. If a circuit board is being shipped for repair and reuse, it should not be classified as waste. However, when the boards are destined for material recovery or disposal, 8549.39 is the appropriate designation.
- Covers
- Discarded computer motherboards
- Scrap printed circuit boards from telecommunications equipment
- Non-functional electronic assemblies from consumer electronics
- Mixed electronic scrap containing PCBs
- Waste circuit boards from industrial controllers
- Also under 8549.39
- WEEE scrap from computers
- circuit boards from industrial control systems
- mixed PCB waste from consumer electronics
- discarded automotive electronic modules
Codes often confused with 8549.39
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8549.31, which is reserved for waste and scrap used principally for the recovery of precious metal. Determining the "principal use" often requires chemical analysis or specific contract terms. Another error is using HS code 7112, which covers waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; however, for electronic assemblies, the 8549 heading takes precedence under current HS rules. Additionally, functional used boards should be classified under their original heading (e.g., 8534.00) rather than as waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854939 (the code used for circuit board waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854939 (the code used for circuit board waste) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 21% 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 854939, not only circuit board waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $18M 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $18M 14% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $13M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $132M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $11M 21% of world imports
- 2 Japan $8.7M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $6.8M 13% of world imports
World total: $54M 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 circuit board waste
Brazil classifies circuit board waste under NCM 8549.39.00: HS 8549.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about circuit board waste
What is the HS code for Circuit board waste?
The HS code for Circuit board waste is 854939 (Waste and scrap; electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.31).
How do I classify Circuit board waste for customs?
Circuit board waste is classified under HS code 854939 — Waste and scrap; electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, other than those used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.31. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for scrap PCBs?
The HS code for scrap printed circuit boards not primarily for precious metal recovery is 8549.39.
Does this code include lithium batteries?
No, waste batteries are classified under different subheadings within 8549, specifically 8549.11 through 8549.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of circuit board waste (HS 854939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854939 (the code used for circuit board waste) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($18M, 14% of world exports), the United States ($18M) and Colombia ($13M). World exports came to about $132M, 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 circuit board waste (HS 854939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854939 (the code used for circuit board waste) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($11M, 21% of world imports), Japan ($8.7M) and the United States ($6.8M). World imports came to about $54M, 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 Circuit board waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854939 for Circuit board 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 circuit board waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, circuit board waste (HS 854939) is classified under NCM 8549.39.00.