HS Code for Mixed battery scrap
Mixed battery scrap is classified under HS code 8549.14, a classification introduced in the 2022 HS update to better track electrical and electronic waste. This code specifically covers waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that are unsorted and do not contain significant amounts of hazardous substances like lead, cadmium, or mercury. The classification is determined by the physical state of the product (waste/scrap) and its chemical composition. Because the scrap is "mixed" and "unsorted," it implies a collection of various battery types that have reached the end of their life cycle. To qualify for 8549.14, the shipment must be verified as non-hazardous regarding the specific heavy metals mentioned in the higher-tier subheadings. This code is vital for environmental regulation and the circular economy, as it facilitates the movement of recyclable materials to processing facilities while ensuring hazardous waste is handled under stricter codes.
Products Included
- Spent alkaline battery mixtures
- Unsorted lithium-ion battery scrap (non-hazardous)
- Mixed zinc-carbon battery waste
- End-of-life primary cell collections
- Scrap from battery manufacturing (unsorted)
Common Misclassification
Mixed battery scrap is often misclassified under 8549.11 if it contains lead-acid batteries, which are strictly regulated due to their lead content. It may also be confused with 8549.12 (other hazardous battery waste containing cadmium or mercury). Before 2022, these items were often incorrectly placed in 8548.10, a code that has been largely superseded by the 8549 series. Misclassifying hazardous batteries as 8549.14 can lead to significant legal penalties under international environmental treaties like the Basel Convention.
FAQ
What is the HS code for mixed battery scrap?
The HS code for unsorted, non-hazardous mixed battery scrap is 8549.14.
Does this code include lead-acid batteries?
No, lead-acid battery waste is classified under HS code 8549.11 due to its specific hazardous material profile.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Mixed battery scrap?
The HS code for Mixed battery scrap is 854914 (Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury).
How do I classify Mixed battery scrap for customs?
Mixed battery scrap is classified under HS code 854914 — Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Mixed battery scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854914 for Mixed battery 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.