Product classification
HS code for Scrap zirconium: 8109.39
Zirconium, waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight.
Classification of scrap zirconium under HS 8109.39
HS code 810939 is a highly specific classification for zirconium waste and scrap. The primary defining characteristic for this code is the chemical composition, specifically the ratio of hafnium to zirconium. Zirconium and hafnium are chemically similar and often found together in nature. For nuclear applications, zirconium must be nearly hafnium-free because hafnium absorbs neutrons. Therefore, the industry distinguishes between nuclear-grade and industrial-grade zirconium. This specific code, 810939, applies to scrap containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This distinction is critical for regulatory compliance and export controls, as zirconium is a dual-use material. The classification covers waste generated during the fabrication of zirconium parts or from the decommissioning of industrial equipment containing zirconium alloys.
- Covers
- Industrial-grade zirconium scrap
- Zirconium alloy turnings with high hafnium content
- Zirconium waste from chemical processing equipment
- Hafnium-bearing zirconium shavings
- Also under 8109.39
- Zirconium crucible scrap
- Zirconium pump component waste
- Zirconium welding rod remnants
Codes often confused with 8109.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 810931, which is for zirconium waste and scrap containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium (nuclear-grade). Using the wrong code can lead to significant legal issues due to international nuclear non-proliferation treaties. It is also sometimes confused with 810929, which covers unwrought zirconium.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810939 (the code used for scrap zirconium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810939 (the code used for scrap zirconium) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 44% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 810939, not only scrap zirconium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.8M 56% of world exports
- 2 Canada $294K 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Japan $243K 7.7% of world exports
The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $1.9M 44% of world imports
- 2 Canada $837K 19% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $357K 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.4M 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 scrap zirconium
Brazil classifies scrap zirconium under NCM 8109.39.00: HS 8109.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about scrap zirconium
What is the HS code for Scrap zirconium?
The HS code for Scrap zirconium is 810939 (Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight). For scrap containing at least 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium, the HS code is 810939.
How do I classify Scrap zirconium for customs?
Scrap zirconium is classified under HS code 810939 — Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is the hafnium ratio important for classification?
The ratio determines if the material is industrial-grade or nuclear-grade, which dictates different regulatory requirements and different HS subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of scrap zirconium (HS 810939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810939 (the code used for scrap zirconium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8M, 56% of world exports), Canada ($294K) and Japan ($243K). World exports came to about $3.2M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of scrap zirconium (HS 810939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810939 (the code used for scrap zirconium) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.9M, 44% of world imports), Canada ($837K) and the United Kingdom ($357K). World imports came to about $4.4M, 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 Scrap zirconium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810939 for Scrap zirconium 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 scrap zirconium in Brazil?
In Brazil, scrap zirconium (HS 810939) is classified under NCM 8109.39.00.