Product classification
HS code for Lead-acid battery scrap: 8549.11
Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators, spent lead-acid accumulators.
Classification of lead-acid battery scrap under HS 8549.11
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.
- Covers
- 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)
- Also under 8549.11
- Exide Technologies spent batteries
- Johnson Controls (Clarios) used batteries
- East Penn Manufacturing scrap batteries
- Yuasa spent industrial batteries
- Optima Batteries waste
Codes often confused with 8549.11
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854911 (the code used for lead-acid battery scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854911 (the code used for lead-acid battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 26% 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 854911, not only lead-acid battery scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $640M 46% of world exports
- 2 France $96M 6.9% of world exports
- 3 Canada $78M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $519M 26% of world imports
- 2 India $518M 26% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $465M 23% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 lead-acid battery scrap
Brazil classifies lead-acid battery scrap under NCM 8549.11.00: HS 8549.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead-acid battery scrap
What is the HS code for Lead-acid battery scrap?
The HS code for Lead-acid battery scrap is 854911 (Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators). The primary HS code for lead-acid battery scrap is 8549.11, covering spent lead-acid accumulators.
How do I classify Lead-acid battery scrap for customs?
Lead-acid battery scrap is classified under HS code 854911 — Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead-acid battery scrap (HS 854911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854911 (the code used for lead-acid battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($640M, 46% of world exports), France ($96M) and Canada ($78M). 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 lead-acid battery scrap (HS 854911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854911 (the code used for lead-acid battery scrap) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($519M, 26% of world imports), India ($518M) and Mexico ($465M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Lead-acid battery scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854911 for Lead-acid battery scrap 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 lead-acid battery scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead-acid battery scrap (HS 854911) is classified under NCM 8549.11.00.