Product classification
HS code for Leaded gasoline sludge: 2620.21
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead, leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges.
Classification of leaded gasoline sludge under HS 2620.21
Leaded gasoline sludge is classified under HS code 2620.21. This classification is highly specific and is dictated by the chemical nature and origin of the residue. These sludges are obtained from the storage tanks of leaded gasoline and leaded anti-knock compounds (such as tetraethyl lead). They consist essentially of lead, water, and organic matter (including unrecovered gasoline or anti-knock compounds). The Harmonized System separates these from general metallurgical lead residues because of their specific origin in the petroleum distribution chain and their distinct chemical hazards. Under Chapter 26, heading 2620, the international community created subheading 2620.21 to ensure these specific hazardous residues are tracked separately from standard industrial slag or ash.
- Covers
- Leaded gasoline storage tank sediments
- Leaded anti-knock compound sludges
- Tetraethyl lead residues from cleaning operations
- Sludge from leaded fuel filtration systems
- Also under 2620.21
- Veolia (hazardous waste management)
- Suez (environmental services)
- Ecobat (lead recycler)
- Doe Run Company (lead producer/recycler)
Codes often confused with 2620.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2620.29, which covers "other" lead residues. While 2620.29 is for general metallurgical slag and ash, 2620.21 is mandatory for residues specifically containing anti-knock compounds or originating from leaded gasoline tanks. Another misclassification is HS code 3811.11, which covers the actual anti-knock preparations themselves; however, once the product becomes a waste sludge or residue, it must be moved to Chapter 26.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262021 (the code used for leaded gasoline sludge), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262021 (the code used for leaded gasoline sludge) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 62% 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 262021, not only leaded gasoline sludge.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $89K 51% of world exports
- 2 Spain $72K 41% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $13K 7.4% of world exports
World total: $174K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $789K 62% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $337K 27% of world imports
- 3 Spain $64K 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.3M 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 leaded gasoline sludge
Brazil classifies leaded gasoline sludge under NCM 2620.21.00: HS 2620.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leaded gasoline sludge
What is the HS code for Leaded gasoline sludge?
The HS code for Leaded gasoline sludge is 262021 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges). The HS code for leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges is 2620.21.
How do I classify Leaded gasoline sludge for customs?
Leaded gasoline sludge is classified under HS code 262021 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly lead; leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is this sludge not classified as a chemical product in Chapter 38?
Chapter 38 covers functional chemical products and preparations. Once the material is a residue or waste intended for metal recovery or disposal, it is classified under heading 2620 as a residue containing metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of leaded gasoline sludge (HS 262021)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262021 (the code used for leaded gasoline sludge) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($89K, 51% of world exports), Spain ($72K) and the Netherlands ($13K). World exports came to about $174K, 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 leaded gasoline sludge (HS 262021)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262021 (the code used for leaded gasoline sludge) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($789K, 62% of world imports), Belgium ($337K) and Spain ($64K). World imports came to about $1.3M, 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 Leaded gasoline sludge the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262021 for Leaded gasoline sludge 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 leaded gasoline sludge in Brazil?
In Brazil, leaded gasoline sludge (HS 262021) is classified under NCM 2620.21.00.