Product classification
HS code for Lead ash: 2620.29
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead, excluding leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges.
Classification of lead ash under HS 2620.29
Lead ash is classified under HS code 2620.29 because it represents a residue containing primarily lead that results from the smelting, refining, or manufacturing processes of non-ferrous metals. Unlike ores, which are naturally occurring minerals, ash and residues are the by-products of industrial heat treatments or chemical processes. This specific subheading is reserved for lead-bearing residues that do not originate from the manufacture of iron or steel and are specifically excluded from the categories of leaded gasoline sludges or anti-knock compound sludges. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, as the heading 2620 specifically covers slag, ash, and residues containing metals or metal compounds.
- Covers
- Lead dross from smelting operations
- Lead skimmings from molten metal baths
- Metallurgical residues containing lead
- Lead-rich flue dust from primary or secondary lead production
- Sludge from lead recovery tanks (non-petroleum)
- Also under 2620.29
- Ecobat (lead recycler)
- Doe Run Company (lead producer/recycler)
- Recylex S.A. (recycling group)
- Gravita India
- RSR Corporation
Codes often confused with 2620.29
Common mistake. Lead ash is frequently misclassified under HS code 2620.21, which is strictly reserved for leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges. These are hazardous wastes resulting from the cleaning of storage tanks for leaded fuel and require different regulatory handling. Another common error is using HS code 7801, which covers unwrought lead. However, 7801 is for refined metal or alloys in bulk form, whereas 2620.29 is for the industrial waste or residue from which the metal might still be recovered.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262029 (the code used for lead ash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262029 (the code used for lead ash) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 42% 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 262029, not only lead ash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $59M 33% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $42M 24% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $18M 10% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $150M 42% of world imports
- 2 Germany $96M 27% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $36M 10% of world imports
World total: $354M 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 ash
Brazil classifies lead ash under NCM 2620.29.00: HS 2620.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead ash
What is the HS code for Lead ash?
The HS code for Lead ash is 262029 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; excluding leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges). The HS code for lead ash and other residues containing mainly lead (excluding gasoline sludges) is 2620.29.
How do I classify Lead ash for customs?
Lead ash is classified under HS code 262029 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; excluding leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include lead-acid battery scrap?
No, spent lead-acid batteries are typically classified under HS code 8548.10 as waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead ash (HS 262029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262029 (the code used for lead ash) in UN Comtrade data were France ($59M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($42M) and Belgium ($18M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 ash (HS 262029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262029 (the code used for lead ash) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($150M, 42% of world imports), Germany ($96M) and Belgium ($36M). World imports came to about $354M, 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 ash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262029 for Lead ash 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 ash in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead ash (HS 262029) is classified under NCM 2620.29.00.