Product classification
HS code for Sorted battery waste: 8549.13
Waste and scrap, of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury.
Classification of sorted battery waste under HS 8549.13
Sorted battery waste is classified under HS code 8549.13. This code was introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to better track and regulate the trade of electrical and electronic waste. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8549 specifically addresses electrical and electronic waste and scrap. Subheading 8549.13 is reserved for waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that have been sorted by chemical type. Crucially, this specific code applies only to those batteries that do not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury. The classification process involves identifying the chemical composition of the waste. If the batteries are unsorted or contain hazardous heavy metals like lead, they would fall under different subheadings such as 8549.11 or 8549.12. This classification ensures that recycling facilities receive materials that are compatible with their specific processing capabilities, promoting environmental safety and resource recovery. The sorting process is a critical step that changes the classification from a general waste category to a specific chemical waste stream.
- Covers
- Spent lithium-ion batteries (sorted)
- Sorted alkaline battery waste
- Spent nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
- Sorted zinc-carbon battery scrap
- Also under 8549.13
- Apple iPhone battery scrap (sorted Li-ion)
- Samsung Galaxy battery waste (sorted Li-ion)
- Panasonic Eneloop NiMH battery scrap
- Duracell alkaline battery waste (sorted)
- Tesla Powerwall battery modules (end-of-life, sorted)
Codes often confused with 8549.13
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 8549.11, which is specifically for lead-acid battery waste, or 8549.12, which covers waste containing cadmium or mercury. Additionally, some traders still mistakenly use the obsolete code 8548.10, which was the primary code for battery waste before the 2022 Harmonized System updates created the more specific 8549 heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854913 (the code used for sorted battery waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854913 (the code used for sorted battery waste) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bulgaria, with 48% 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 854913, not only sorted battery waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $5.3M 31% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $2.6M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.9M 12% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bulgaria $6.4M 48% of world imports
- 2 Canada $1.4M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.1M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 sorted battery waste
Brazil classifies sorted battery waste under NCM 8549.13.00: HS 8549.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sorted battery waste
What is the HS code for Sorted battery waste?
The HS code for Sorted battery waste is 854913 (Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury). The HS code for sorted battery waste not containing lead, cadmium, or mercury is 8549.13.
How do I classify Sorted battery waste for customs?
Sorted battery waste is classified under HS code 854913 — Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is sorting important for this HS code?
Sorting is required because the HS system differentiates battery waste based on chemical composition to manage environmental risks and recycling procedures effectively.
Which countries are the top exporters of sorted battery waste (HS 854913)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854913 (the code used for sorted battery waste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.3M, 31% of world exports), Belgium ($2.6M) and Japan ($1.9M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 sorted battery waste (HS 854913)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854913 (the code used for sorted battery waste) in UN Comtrade data were Bulgaria ($6.4M, 48% of world imports), Canada ($1.4M) and Germany ($1.1M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 Sorted battery waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854913 for Sorted battery 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 sorted battery waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, sorted battery waste (HS 854913) is classified under NCM 8549.13.00.