Product classification
HS code for Industrial metal waste: 2620.99
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620.
Classification of industrial metal waste under HS 2620.99
Industrial metal waste in the form of slag, ash, and residues is classified under HS code 2620.99. This heading is reserved for residues that contain metals or metallic compounds resulting from industrial processes, excluding those from the manufacture of iron or steel (which fall under 2618 or 2619). The classification 2620.99 is a residual category for residues that do not contain significant amounts of arsenic, mercury, thallium, or other specifically named metals like aluminum (2620.40) or zinc (2620.11). It is critical to distinguish these residues from solid metal scrap. While scrap consists of identifiable metal objects or fragments, residues under 2620 are typically the byproduct of metallurgical or chemical processes, often appearing as dross, skimmings, or sludge. These materials are usually destined for the recovery of the metals they contain. The classification is based on the physical state of the waste and its chemical composition, ensuring that industrial byproducts are tracked separately from post-consumer or manufacturing metal scrap.
- Covers
- Galvanizing dross
- Battery scrap residues
- Spent catalysts containing metal
- Metallurgical skimmings
- Non-ferrous metal sludge
- Lead-containing residues (other)
- Also under 2620.99
- Recyclex zinc dross
- Johnson Matthey precious metal residues
- various industrial dusts and sludges
- e-waste processing residues
Codes often confused with 2620.99
Common mistake. Industrial metal waste is often misclassified under Chapter 72 (for iron and steel scrap, 7204) or Chapter 74 (for copper scrap, 7404). These chapters are for solid metal waste and scrap, whereas 2620.99 is specifically for slag, ash, and residues. Another error is using 2621, which is for other slag and ash that do not contain metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262099 (the code used for industrial metal waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262099 (the code used for industrial metal waste) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 262099, not only industrial metal waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $307M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $302M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $150M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $313M 23% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $307M 22% of world imports
- 3 Canada $115M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 codes for industrial metal waste
Brazil splits HS 2620.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2620.99.10Slag, ash and residues, mainly titanium
- 2620.99.90Other slag, ash, residues with metals or arsenic
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial metal waste
What is the HS code for Industrial metal waste?
The HS code for Industrial metal waste is 262099 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620). The HS code for industrial metal residues, slag, and ash containing metals (other than iron/steel) is 2620.99.
How do I classify Industrial metal waste for customs?
Industrial metal waste is classified under HS code 262099 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 2620 differ from 7204?
Heading 2620 is for residues and ash from industrial processes, while 7204 is for solid ferrous waste and scrap from manufacturing or broken metal articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial metal waste (HS 262099)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262099 (the code used for industrial metal waste) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($307M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($302M) and the United States ($150M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 industrial metal waste (HS 262099)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262099 (the code used for industrial metal waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($313M, 23% of world imports), Sweden ($307M) and Canada ($115M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Industrial metal waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262099 for Industrial metal 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 industrial metal waste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 262099 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial metal waste depends on the product's details: 2620.99.10 (Slag, ash and residues, mainly titanium), 2620.99.90 (Other slag, ash, residues with metals or arsenic).