HS Code for Hafnium scrap

Hafnium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8112.31. According to the General Rules of Interpretation and the specific notes for Chapter 81, hafnium and its articles are grouped under heading 8112. Subheading 8112.31 specifically aggregates unwrought hafnium, powders, and waste/scrap. Waste and scrap are defined as metallic products resulting from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, or metal goods definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. For hafnium, because it is a high-value specialty metal, the scrap is often recovered for recycling. The classification remains in 8112.31 regardless of whether the scrap originated from wrought or unwrought sources, as long as it is intended for recovery or chemical processing. This classification is consistent with Section XV Note 8(a), which defines waste and scrap. The high value of hafnium ensures that even small quantities of scrap are traded internationally for secondary smelting. The classification is straightforward as the subheading text explicitly includes waste and scrap alongside the unwrought metal forms.

Products Included

• Hafnium metal turnings and shavings
• Broken hafnium rod ends
• Spent hafnium sputtering targets
• Hafnium manufacturing rejects
• Discarded hafnium components for recycling

Common Misclassification

Hafnium scrap is often misclassified under 8112.39 if the user assumes it should be grouped with wrought products. It may also be confused with 2615.10, which covers zirconium ores and concentrates that may contain hafnium, but 8112.31 is for the metal itself after extraction. Another error is using 8112.92, which is for other metals like vanadium scrap.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Hafnium scrap?

Hafnium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8112.31.

Can hafnium scrap be classified as hazardous waste?

While it is classified under 8112.31 for customs purposes, it may also require environmental permits under different regulations if the scrap is considered hazardous due to reactivity.