Product classification
HS code for Nickel waste: 7503.00
Nickel, waste and scrap.
Classification of nickel waste under HS 7503.00
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 7503.00
- ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) scrap
- Industrial nickel turnings
- Used Inconel parts
- Discarded nickel-cadmium batteries
Codes often confused with 7503.00
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 750300 (the code used for nickel waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 750300 (the code used for nickel waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 750300, not only nickel waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $181M 15% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $169M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $137M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $350M 29% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $176M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $140M 12% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 nickel waste
Brazil classifies nickel waste under NCM 7503.00.00: HS 7503.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel waste
What is the HS code for Nickel waste?
The HS code for Nickel waste is 750300 (Nickel; waste and scrap). The HS code for nickel waste and scrap is 7503.00.
How do I classify Nickel waste for customs?
Nickel waste is classified under HS code 750300 — Nickel; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel waste (HS 750300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 750300 (the code used for nickel waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($181M, 15% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($169M) and the United States ($137M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 nickel waste (HS 750300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 750300 (the code used for nickel waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($350M, 29% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($176M) and Germany ($140M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Nickel waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 750300 for Nickel waste 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 nickel waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, nickel waste (HS 750300) is classified under NCM 7503.00.00.