Product classification
HS code for Lead scrap: 7802.00
Lead, waste and scrap.
Classification of lead scrap under HS 7802.00
Lead scrap is classified under HS code 7802.00, which covers lead waste and scrap. This classification is intended for lead products that are no longer fit for their original purpose due to breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons, as well as waste generated during the manufacturing process (such as shavings or trimmings). According to the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, waste and scrap are generally intended for the recovery of metal through smelting or for use in the manufacture of chemicals. This code is critical for the recycling industry, as it distinguishes secondary raw materials from primary unwrought metal or finished articles.
- Covers
- Old lead pipes and sheets from demolition
- Lead shavings and turnings from machining
- Spent lead-acid battery plates (if separated from the casing)
- Lead cable sheathing scrap
- Manufacturing rejects and trimmings
- Also under 7802.00
- Used car batteries
- industrial lead battery scrap
- lead flashing scrap from construction
- lead weights from tire shops
- lead dross from smelting operations
Codes often confused with 7802.00
Common mistake. A major point of confusion is between HS code 7802.00 and HS code 7801.91/7801.99 (unwrought lead). If scrap has been melted down and cast into ingots or blocks for ease of transport, it is no longer classified as scrap but as unwrought lead under 7801. Another common misclassification involves whole lead-acid batteries, which should be classified under HS code 8548.10 (waste and scrap of primary cells/batteries) rather than 7802.00, as the latter only applies to the metallic lead component itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 780200 (the code used for lead scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 780200 (the code used for lead scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 56% 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 780200, not only lead scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $112M 15% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $95M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $77M 10% of world exports
World total: $769M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $405M 56% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $71M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Spain $55M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $727M 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 scrap
Brazil classifies lead scrap under NCM 7802.00.00: HS 7802.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead scrap
What is the HS code for Lead scrap?
The HS code for Lead scrap is 780200 (Lead; waste and scrap). The HS code for lead waste and scrap is 7802.00.
How do I classify Lead scrap for customs?
Lead scrap is classified under HS code 780200 — Lead; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can remelted lead ingots be classified as scrap?
No, once lead scrap has been remelted and cast into shapes like ingots, it must be classified under HS code 7801 as unwrought lead.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead scrap (HS 780200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 780200 (the code used for lead scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($112M, 15% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($95M) and France ($77M). World exports came to about $769M, 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 scrap (HS 780200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 780200 (the code used for lead scrap) in UN Comtrade data were India ($405M, 56% of world imports), Belgium ($71M) and Spain ($55M). World imports came to about $727M, 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 scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 780200 for Lead 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead scrap (HS 780200) is classified under NCM 7802.00.00.