Product classification
HS code for Mercury residues: 2620.60
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of arsenic or those metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds.
Classification of mercury residues under HS 2620.60
Mercury residues are classified under HS code 2620.60. This classification is situated within Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2620 is dedicated to slag, ash, and residues (other than those from the manufacture of iron or steel) that contain metals, arsenic, or their compounds. Subheading 2620.60 specifically addresses residues containing arsenic, mercury, thallium, or their mixtures. These materials are typically industrial by-products intended for the extraction of these specific metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds. The classification requires that the substance be a residue from an industrial process, such as smelting or refining, rather than a finished chemical product. It is important to distinguish these from hazardous waste intended for disposal, as 2620.60 implies a potential for metal recovery. The presence of mercury must be significant enough to characterize the residue under this specific subheading according to the GRI.
- Covers
- Sludge containing mercury from industrial gas cleaning
- Filter cakes containing mercury from metal smelting
- Residues from the extraction of mercury from cinnabar
- Ash containing mercury and arsenic mixtures
- Industrial residues used for mercury compound manufacturing
- Also under 2620.60
- Nyrstar arsenic residues
- Boliden mercury-containing waste
- specialized hazardous waste streams from electronics manufacturing
Codes often confused with 2620.60
Common mistake. Mercury residues are sometimes confused with 2805.40, which is the code for pure elemental mercury. However, 2620.60 is for waste-like residues, not the refined metal. They may also be misclassified under 3825.41 if they are considered organic solvent wastes containing mercury, or 3825.61 if they are other chemical wastes. If the residue is primarily for the recovery of precious metals like gold or silver, it should be classified under 7112.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262060 (the code used for mercury residues), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262060 (the code used for mercury residues) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 86% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Slovakia, with 53% 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 262060, not only mercury residues.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $884K 86% of world exports
- 2 Germany $83K 8.1% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $61K 5.9% of world exports
World total: $1.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Slovakia $856K 53% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$693K 43% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $32K 2.0% of world imports
World total: $1.6M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 mercury residues
Brazil classifies mercury residues under NCM 2620.60.00: HS 2620.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mercury residues
What is the HS code for Mercury residues?
The HS code for Mercury residues is 262060 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of arsenic or those metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds). The HS code for slag, ash, and residues containing mercury, arsenic, or thallium used for metal extraction is 2620.60.
How do I classify Mercury residues for customs?
Mercury residues is classified under HS code 262060 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of arsenic or those metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are mercury-containing batteries classified here?
No, spent mercury batteries are classified under HS code 8548.10 as waste and scrap of primary cells, not as industrial residues under 2620.60.
Which countries are the top exporters of mercury residues (HS 262060)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262060 (the code used for mercury residues) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($884K, 86% of world exports), Germany ($83K) and South Africa ($61K). World exports came to about $1.0M, 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 mercury residues (HS 262060)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262060 (the code used for mercury residues) in UN Comtrade data were Slovakia ($856K, 53% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $693K) and Malaysia ($32K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 Mercury residues the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262060 for Mercury residues 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 mercury residues in Brazil?
In Brazil, mercury residues (HS 262060) is classified under NCM 2620.60.00.