HS Code for Lead-acid battery scrap

Lead-acid battery scrap is classified under HS code 8549.11, which specifically covers waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators, with a focus on spent lead-acid accumulators. This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. In the 2022 HS nomenclature update, waste and scrap of electrical and electronic assemblies were consolidated into heading 8549. Subheading 8549.11 is reserved for lead-acid batteries that are no longer functional or are being disposed of for lead recovery. These items are distinguished from new batteries (8507) because they are intended for recycling or disposal rather than for providing electrical power in their current state. The classification also considers the hazardous nature of the lead and sulfuric acid components, which often subjects these goods to the Basel Convention regulations during international transit.

Products Included

• Spent lead-acid automotive batteries
• Waste industrial lead-acid storage batteries
• Damaged sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries
• Scrap valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries
• Spent lead-acid cells from uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Common Misclassification

A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7802.00, which covers lead waste and scrap. While lead-acid batteries contain significant amounts of lead, they must be classified under 8549.11 as long as they retain the form of a battery or accumulator. Only the extracted lead plates or lead scrap separated from the battery casing would fall under 7802.00. Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use 8507.10, which is the code for new lead-acid batteries used for starting piston engines. Using 8507 for scrap is incorrect as it implies the product is a functional commodity rather than waste.

FAQ

What is the HS code for lead-acid battery scrap?

The primary HS code for lead-acid battery scrap is 8549.11, covering spent lead-acid accumulators.

Can lithium-ion battery scrap be classified here?

No, lithium-ion battery scrap is classified under HS code 8549.13, as 8549.11 is strictly reserved for lead-acid chemistry.