Product classification
HS code for Lead slag: 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 slag under HS 2620.29
Lead slag is classified under HS code 2620.29, which covers slag, ash, and residues containing mainly lead, excluding those specifically derived from the manufacture of iron or steel. This classification is found within Chapter 26, which encompasses ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2620 is intended for residues that are used industrially either for the extraction of metals or as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds of metals. Lead slag typically results from the primary or secondary smelting of lead ores or lead scrap. The classification 2620.29 serves as the residual category for lead-bearing residues that do not meet the specific criteria for leaded gasoline sludges or anti-knock compound sludges, which are separated for environmental and chemical safety reasons.
- Covers
- Lead smelting slag
- Lead dross from refining processes
- Lead-bearing ash from industrial incineration
- Metallurgical residues containing lead
- Lead-rich skimmings from molten metal
- 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 slag is often confused with HS code 2618.00 (granulated slag from the manufacture of iron or steel) or HS code 2619.00 (slag, dross, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel). However, if the residue contains lead as the primary recoverable metal and does not originate from the iron/steel industry, it must stay within 2620. Furthermore, it is often misclassified as 2620.21, which is strictly reserved for leaded gasoline sludges and anti-knock compound sludges.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262029 (the code used for lead slag), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262029 (the code used for lead slag) 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 slag.
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 slag
Brazil classifies lead slag 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 slag
What is the HS code for Lead slag?
The HS code for Lead slag 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 slag (not from iron/steel manufacture and not gasoline sludge) is 2620.29.
How do I classify Lead slag for customs?
Lead slag 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.
Can lead slag be classified as a hazardous waste?
While lead slag is classified under 2620.29 for customs purposes, it may also be subject to the Basel Convention and specific national environmental regulations regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead slag (HS 262029)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262029 (the code used for lead slag) 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 slag (HS 262029)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262029 (the code used for lead slag) 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 slag the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262029 for Lead slag 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 slag in Brazil?
In Brazil, lead slag (HS 262029) is classified under NCM 2620.29.00.