Product classification
HS code for Electronic scrap (precious metal): 8549.29
Waste and scrap, of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.21.
Classification of electronic scrap (precious metal) under HS 8549.29
Electronic scrap intended for the recovery of precious metals is classified under HS code 8549.29. This code was introduced to provide a more granular tracking of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) and to distinguish it from other types of scrap. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8549 specifically addresses electrical and electronic waste and scrap. Subheading 8549.29 is used for waste that is primarily processed to recover precious metals like gold, silver, or palladium, but which does not meet the specific criteria of subheading 8549.21 (which often refers to lead-acid batteries or specific hazardous waste). The classification is based on the material composition and the intended end-use of the scrap. It is essential for recycling facilities and international traders to use this code to comply with the Basel Convention and other environmental regulations regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
- Covers
- Discarded printed circuit boards (PCBs) with gold plating
- Scrap computer CPUs and RAM modules
- Spent telecommunications switching equipment
- Electronic connectors and pins containing precious metal alloys
- Shredded electronic components for smelting
- Also under 8549.29
- Gold-plated edge connectors from old circuit boards
- Silver contacts from relays
- Platinum sensors from industrial equipment
- Palladium capacitors from consumer electronics
- Scrap from semiconductor manufacturing
Codes often confused with 8549.29
Common mistake. This material is often misclassified under HS code 7112, which covers waste and scrap of precious metal. However, the Harmonized System notes state that if the scrap consists of electrical or electronic components, heading 8549 takes precedence. Another common error is using the older, now-deleted code 8548.10, which was replaced in the 2022 HS update by the 8549 series to better categorize e-waste types.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854929 (the code used for electronic scrap (precious metal)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854929 (the code used for electronic scrap (precious metal)) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 75% 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 854929, not only electronic scrap (precious metal).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $282M 24% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $207M 18% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$131M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $1.2B 75% of world imports
- 2 Germany $136M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $131M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 electronic scrap (precious metal)
Brazil classifies electronic scrap (precious metal) under NCM 8549.29.00: HS 8549.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electronic scrap (precious metal)
What is the HS code for Electronic scrap (precious metal)?
The HS code for Electronic scrap (precious metal) is 854929 (Waste and scrap; of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.21). The correct HS code for electronic waste used for precious metal recovery is 8549.29.
How do I classify Electronic scrap (precious metal) for customs?
Electronic scrap (precious metal) is classified under HS code 854929 — Waste and scrap; of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal n.e.c. in item no 8549.21. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to whole used computers?
If the computers are being shipped as waste for material recovery rather than for reuse or refurbishment, 8549.29 is appropriate. If they are functional and intended for resale, they remain under 8471.
Which countries are the top exporters of electronic scrap (precious metal) (HS 854929)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854929 (the code used for electronic scrap (precious metal)) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($282M, 24% of world exports), the Netherlands ($207M) and Taiwan (about $131M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 scrap (precious metal) (HS 854929)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854929 (the code used for electronic scrap (precious metal)) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.2B, 75% of world imports), Germany ($136M) and Canada ($131M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 scrap (precious metal) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854929 for Electronic scrap (precious metal) 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 scrap (precious metal) in Brazil?
In Brazil, electronic scrap (precious metal) (HS 854929) is classified under NCM 8549.29.00.