HS Code for Electronic waste

Electronic waste, specifically those types not containing primary cells, batteries, or mercury switches and not elsewhere specified, is classified under HS code 8549.99. Heading 8549 was introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature to better track and regulate the international trade of electrical and electronic waste and scrap (e-waste). This heading is structured to distinguish between waste containing hazardous materials and other types of scrap. Subheading 8549.99 serves as a residual category for electronic waste that does not fit into the more specific subheadings like 8549.11 (lead-acid batteries) or 8549.21 (waste containing precious metals). Classification in this category requires the product to be unusable for its original purpose and intended only for the recovery of materials or disposal. It covers a broad spectrum of discarded electronic equipment, from old computer peripherals to broken household appliances that do not contain specific hazardous components listed in other subheadings. This classification is vital for environmental compliance and Basel Convention tracking.

Products Included

• Discarded computer mice and keyboards
• Broken household appliances (non-hazardous)
• Mixed electronic scrap without batteries
• Obsolete telecommunications equipment
• Scrapped printed circuit boards (non-precious)

Common Misclassification

Electronic waste is often misclassified under 7112 if it contains any trace of precious metals, but 7112 is reserved for scrap primarily used for precious metal recovery. Another common error is using 8549.11 through 8549.19, which are specifically for waste batteries and accumulators. If the waste consists of a device with the battery still inside, it may need to be classified based on the most hazardous component or separated for correct coding.

FAQ

What is the HS code for electronic waste?

General electronic waste not containing batteries or mercury is classified under HS code 8549.99.

Does this include old mobile phones?

If the batteries are removed, they fall under 8549.99. If the batteries remain, they may fall under 8549.31 or similar, depending on the battery type.