Product classification
HS code for Hard zinc spelter: 2620.11
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter.
Classification of hard zinc spelter under HS 2620.11
Hard zinc spelter is classified under HS code 2620.11. This classification is found within Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Specifically, heading 2620 applies to slag, ash, and residues (other than from the manufacture of iron or steel) that contain metals, arsenic, or their compounds. Hard zinc spelter is a specific type of residue that originates from the hot-dip galvanizing process. It is a metallic residue consisting primarily of zinc and iron (a zinc-iron alloy) that settles at the bottom of the galvanizing kettle. Because it is a byproduct intended for the recovery of zinc rather than a finished unwrought metal, it is classified as a residue. The classification under 2620.11 is reserved for residues containing mainly zinc, with the "hard zinc spelter" subheading being the most specific designation. This allows customs authorities to track the trade of metallurgical byproducts separately from primary metal ingots.
- Covers
- Galvanizers' dross (bottom dross)
- Zinc-iron alloy residues from galvanizing baths
- Hard zinc spelter in block or irregular form
- Zinc-rich residues from metal surface treatment
- Also under 2620.11
- Nyrstar (zinc refiner)
- Glencore (metals trader)
- various galvanizing companies (e.g., AZZ Inc., Valmont Industries)
- Korea Zinc
Codes often confused with 2620.11
Common mistake. Hard zinc spelter is often misclassified under HS code 7901.11, which is for unwrought zinc (99.9% purity). However, spelter is a residue with significant iron content and does not meet the purity standards of heading 7901. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 7902.00 (zinc waste and scrap). The distinction is that 7902 covers scrap from finished zinc products, whereas 2620.11 covers residues arising from industrial metallurgical processes. Finally, it should not be confused with 2620.19, which covers other zinc-containing residues like zinc sludges or filter cakes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262011 (the code used for hard zinc spelter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262011 (the code used for hard zinc spelter) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% 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 262011, not only hard zinc spelter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $47M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $19M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $237M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $145M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $50M 14% of world imports
- 3 Japan $39M 11% of world imports
World total: $350M 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 hard zinc spelter
Brazil classifies hard zinc spelter under NCM 2620.11.00: HS 2620.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hard zinc spelter
What is the HS code for Hard zinc spelter?
The HS code for Hard zinc spelter is 262011 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter). The specific HS code for hard zinc spelter is 2620.11.
How do I classify Hard zinc spelter for customs?
Hard zinc spelter is classified under HS code 262011 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is hard zinc spelter considered a hazardous waste?
While it is a residue, its status as hazardous waste depends on regional environmental regulations (like the Basel Convention), but for trade, it remains under 2620.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of hard zinc spelter (HS 262011)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262011 (the code used for hard zinc spelter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and Belgium ($19M). World exports came to about $237M, 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 hard zinc spelter (HS 262011)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262011 (the code used for hard zinc spelter) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($145M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($50M) and Japan ($39M). World imports came to about $350M, 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 Hard zinc spelter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262011 for Hard zinc spelter 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 hard zinc spelter in Brazil?
In Brazil, hard zinc spelter (HS 262011) is classified under NCM 2620.11.00.