Product classification
HS code for Metal residues: 2620.99
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620.
Classification of metal residues under HS 2620.99
Metal residues are classified under HS code 2620.99, which falls within Chapter 26 (Ores, slag, and ash). Heading 2620 is designated for slag, ash, and residues (other than those from the manufacture of iron or steel) that contain metals, arsenic, or their compounds. These materials are typically the by-products of metallurgical processes or chemical treatments. The subheading 2620.99 is a residual category for other residues that do not meet the specific criteria of the preceding subheadings, such as those primarily containing zinc (2620.1x), lead (2620.2x), or copper (2620.30). To be classified here, the residue must contain metals or metallic compounds in a form that allows for the recovery of the metal or for use in the manufacture of chemical compounds of metals. It excludes waste and scrap of precious metals or of metal clad with precious metal, which are classified in heading 7112. Furthermore, residues from the iron and steel industry are specifically excluded and directed toward headings 2618 or 2619. This classification requires chemical analysis to ensure the absence of prohibited concentrations of other regulated substances.
- Covers
- Non-ferrous metal dross and skimmings
- Galvanic sludge containing metallic compounds
- Spent catalysts containing metal (not precious)
- Metallurgical residues from non-ferrous smelting
- Flue dust from non-ferrous metal production
- Also under 2620.99
- Recyclex zinc dross
- Johnson Matthey precious metal residues
- various industrial dusts and sludges
- e-waste processing residues
Codes often confused with 2620.99
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 2618.00 (granulated slag from iron/steel) or 2619.00 (slag, dross, and other waste from iron/steel). It is vital to distinguish the source of the residue; 2620 is strictly for non-ferrous residues. Furthermore, if the residue contains significant amounts of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, it must be classified under 7112. Misclassification also occurs with 3824, which covers prepared binders for foundry molds or chemical products; residues in 2620 must be unprepared by-products of metallurgical processes. Finally, municipal waste is classified under 3825 and should not be confused with industrial metal residues.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262099 (the code used for metal residues), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262099 (the code used for metal residues) in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 262099, not only metal residues.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $307M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $302M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $150M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $313M 23% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $307M 22% of world imports
- 3 Canada $115M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 codes for metal residues
Brazil splits HS 2620.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2620.99.10Slag, ash and residues, mainly titanium
- 2620.99.90Other slag, ash, residues with metals or arsenic
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal residues
What is the HS code for Metal residues?
The HS code for Metal residues is 262099 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620). The HS code for slag, ash, and residues containing mainly metals (other than iron/steel) not elsewhere specified is 2620.99.
How do I classify Metal residues for customs?
Metal residues is classified under HS code 262099 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly metals or their compounds, n.e.c. in heading no. 2620. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include iron or steel slag?
No, iron and steel slag are classified under headings 2618 or 2619 depending on their form and processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal residues (HS 262099)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262099 (the code used for metal residues) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($307M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($302M) and the United States ($150M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 metal residues (HS 262099)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262099 (the code used for metal residues) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($313M, 23% of world imports), Sweden ($307M) and Canada ($115M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Metal residues the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262099 for Metal 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 metal residues in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 262099 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for metal residues depends on the product's details: 2620.99.10 (Slag, ash and residues, mainly titanium), 2620.99.90 (Other slag, ash, residues with metals or arsenic).