Product classification
HS code for Electronic waste: 8549.99
Waste and scrap, n.e.c. in item no 8549.91.
Classification of electronic waste under HS 8549.99
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.
- Covers
- Discarded computer mice and keyboards
- Broken household appliances (non-hazardous)
- Mixed electronic scrap without batteries
- Obsolete telecommunications equipment
- Scrapped printed circuit boards (non-precious)
- Also under 8549.99
- Shredded electronic waste residue
- mixed plastic casings from electronics
- general electronic waste for landfill or incineration
- low-grade mixed circuit board fragments
Codes often confused with 8549.99
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854999 (the code used for electronic waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854999 (the code used for electronic waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 30% 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 854999, not only electronic waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $45M 21% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $21M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 France $21M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $48M 30% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $16M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $16M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 waste
Brazil classifies electronic waste under NCM 8549.99.00: HS 8549.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electronic waste
What is the HS code for Electronic waste?
The HS code for Electronic waste is 854999 (Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in item no 8549.91). General electronic waste not containing batteries or mercury is classified under HS code 8549.99.
How do I classify Electronic waste for customs?
Electronic waste is classified under HS code 854999 — Waste and scrap; n.e.c. in item no 8549.91. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of electronic waste (HS 854999)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854999 (the code used for electronic waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($21M) and France ($21M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 waste (HS 854999)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854999 (the code used for electronic waste) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($48M, 30% of world imports), the Netherlands ($16M) and South Africa ($16M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854999 for Electronic 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 electronic waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, electronic waste (HS 854999) is classified under NCM 8549.99.00.