HS Code for Nickel waste

Nickel waste and scrap are classified under HS code 7503.00. This is a specific, single-level heading within Chapter 75 that encompasses all forms of metallic nickel waste. According to the Section XV legal notes, "waste and scrap" refers to 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. This code is intended for materials that are destined for the recovery of metal through smelting or for use in the manufacture of chemical compounds. It does not include products that can be refurbished or used for their original purpose without significant reprocessing.

Products Included

• Nickel turnings and shavings from machining
• Rejected nickel alloy castings for remelting
• Spent nickel anodes from electroplating processes
• Scrap nickel-cadmium battery plates (metallic form)
• Clippings and offcuts from nickel sheet production

Common Misclassification

Nickel waste is often misclassified under 2620.99, which covers ash and residues containing metals. However, 2620 is for non-metallic residues like sludge or scale, whereas 7503.00 is for metallic waste. Another error is using 8548.10 for waste nickel batteries; while the batteries themselves fall under Chapter 85, the extracted metallic nickel scrap from those batteries is classified under 7503.00.

FAQ

What is the HS code for nickel waste?

The HS code for nickel waste and scrap is 7503.00.

Does this code include nickel-plated steel scrap?

No, nickel-plated steel scrap is generally classified under heading 7204 as ferrous waste and scrap, because the steel (iron) remains the predominant metal by weight.