Product classification
HS code for Electronic assembly scrap: 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 electronic assembly scrap under HS 8549.39
Electronic assembly scrap is classified under HS code 8549.39, a category introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to provide more granular tracking of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). This code specifically addresses waste and scrap of electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are not primarily intended for the recovery of precious metals. The classification is based on the material composition and the intended end-of-life process. Unlike scrap classified under 8549.31, which is sorted for high-value metal extraction, 8549.39 covers general electronic assemblies that may contain a mix of plastics, base metals, and minor electronic components. Proper classification under this heading is critical for environmental regulation compliance, particularly regarding the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes.
- Covers
- Discarded computer motherboards without significant gold plating
- Populated printed circuit board (PCB) scrap
- Defective electronic controller assemblies
- Mixed consumer electronic circuit scrap
- Industrial electronic interface waste
- 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. A common error is classifying this material under HS code 7112, which is reserved for waste and scrap of precious metals or of metal clad with precious metal. If the primary value of the scrap is the recovery of gold, silver, or platinum, 7112 or 8549.31 is more appropriate. Furthermore, unsorted electronic waste containing batteries might be pushed toward 8549.21, which specifically covers waste containing primary cells or lead-acid batteries.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854939 (the code used for electronic assembly scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854939 (the code used for electronic assembly scrap) 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 electronic assembly scrap.
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 electronic assembly scrap
Brazil classifies electronic assembly scrap 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 electronic assembly scrap
What is the HS code for Electronic assembly scrap?
The HS code for Electronic assembly scrap 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). The HS code for electronic assembly scrap not primarily for precious metal recovery is 8549.39.
How do I classify Electronic assembly scrap for customs?
Electronic assembly scrap 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.
Why was the 8549 heading created?
Heading 8549 was created to better categorize and monitor the global trade of e-waste, distinguishing it from standard metal scrap or functional second-hand goods.
Which countries are the top exporters of electronic assembly scrap (HS 854939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854939 (the code used for electronic assembly scrap) 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 electronic assembly scrap (HS 854939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854939 (the code used for electronic assembly scrap) 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 Electronic assembly scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854939 for Electronic assembly 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 electronic assembly scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, electronic assembly scrap (HS 854939) is classified under NCM 8549.39.00.