Product classification
HS code for Molybdenum scrap: 8102.97
Molybdenum, waste and scrap.
Classification of molybdenum scrap under HS 8102.97
Molybdenum waste and scrap are classified under HS code 810297. This classification is governed by Note 8(a) to Section XV of the Harmonized System, which defines waste and scrap as metallic waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metal goods definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. For molybdenum, this includes any byproduct of the machining, grinding, or fabrication process that cannot be used in its current form without being remelted or reprocessed. It is essential to distinguish scrap from unwrought metal; while both may be destined for remelting, scrap is specifically the residue of production or the result of obsolescence. Proper classification under 810297 is vital for environmental regulations and trade statistics regarding recycled materials. The code applies to both pure molybdenum scrap and molybdenum alloy scrap, provided the molybdenum content is the highest by weight among the constituent metals. This ensures that the material is tracked as a secondary raw material within the global circular economy.
- Covers
- Molybdenum turnings and shavings
- Molybdenum milling waste
- Broken molybdenum articles
- Spent molybdenum sputtering targets
- Molybdenum chips and filings
- Also under 8102.97
- Molybdenum EDM wire scrap
- Molybdenum furnace element scrap
- Molybdenum sputtering target scrap
- Molybdenum mill scale
- Molybdenum alloy turnings
Codes often confused with 8102.97
Common mistake. Molybdenum scrap is often misclassified as unwrought molybdenum under HS code 810294. The difference is that 810294 refers to primary metal forms like ingots or blocks intended for first-time use, whereas 810297 is for secondary materials derived from waste. It is also sometimes confused with molybdenum ash and residues containing molybdenum (262099), which are chemical residues rather than metallic scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810297 (the code used for molybdenum scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810297 (the code used for molybdenum scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 26% 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 810297, not only molybdenum scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $113M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $72M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $25M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $107M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $85M 20% of world imports
- 3 Germany $76M 18% of world imports
World total: $420M 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 molybdenum scrap
Brazil classifies molybdenum scrap under NCM 8102.97.00: HS 8102.97 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about molybdenum scrap
What is the HS code for Molybdenum scrap?
The HS code for Molybdenum scrap is 810297 (Molybdenum; waste and scrap). The HS code for molybdenum waste and scrap is 810297.
How do I classify Molybdenum scrap for customs?
Molybdenum scrap is classified under HS code 810297 — Molybdenum; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spent molybdenum catalysts?
No, spent catalysts containing molybdenum are generally classified under heading 3824 or 2620, depending on their composition, rather than as metallic scrap under 810297.
Which countries are the top exporters of molybdenum scrap (HS 810297)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810297 (the code used for molybdenum scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($113M, 35% of world exports), China ($72M) and Germany ($25M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 molybdenum scrap (HS 810297)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810297 (the code used for molybdenum scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($107M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($85M) and Germany ($76M). World imports came to about $420M, 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 Molybdenum scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810297 for Molybdenum 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.
What is the NCM code for molybdenum scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, molybdenum scrap (HS 810297) is classified under NCM 8102.97.00.