Product classification
HS code for Thallium scrap: 8112.52
Thallium, waste and scrap.
Classification of thallium scrap under HS 8112.52
Thallium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8112.52. This classification is governed by the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, which define waste and scrap as metal goods that are definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons, as well as waste resulting from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals. Thallium is a highly specialized base metal used in the electronics and glass industries. Because thallium is extremely toxic, the classification of its scrap is critical for compliance with international environmental regulations, such as the Basel Convention. This code ensures that secondary raw materials intended for recycling or recovery are clearly identified and separated from primary unwrought metal or finished articles. The classification applies to thallium-rich residues that retain the character of metal scrap rather than chemical waste.
- Covers
- Thallium manufacturing waste
- Broken thallium metal parts
- Thallium shavings and turnings
- Worn-out thallium articles unfit for their original use
- Thallium metal trimmings from industrial processes
- Also under 8112.52
- Umicore (specialty materials recycling)
- BASF (chemical waste management)
- Boliden (metal recycling)
- Materion (specialty materials recycling)
- Veolia (hazardous waste services)
Codes often confused with 8112.52
Common mistake. Thallium scrap is often confused with HS code 8112.51 (unwrought thallium) if the scrap has been remelted into ingots; however, if it is still recognizable as scrap, 8112.52 applies. It is also confused with 2620.99, which covers ash and residues containing metals. If the material is a chemical sludge rather than metallic scrap, Chapter 38 may apply.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811252 (the code used for thallium scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811252 (the code used for thallium scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Israel, with 100% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 98% of world imports. Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 811252, not only thallium scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Israel $73K 100% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $12 <0.1% of world exports
Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $73K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Norway $6K 98% of world imports
- 2 Croatia $58 1.0% of world imports
- 3 Latvia $35 0.6% of world imports
World total: $6K 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 thallium scrap
Brazil classifies thallium scrap under NCM 8112.52.00: HS 8112.52 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about thallium scrap
What is the HS code for Thallium scrap?
The HS code for Thallium scrap is 811252 (Thallium; waste and scrap). The HS code for thallium waste and scrap is 8112.52.
How do I classify Thallium scrap for customs?
Thallium scrap is classified under HS code 811252 — Thallium; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include thallium-containing batteries?
No, spent batteries containing thallium are generally classified under heading 8548 or 8549, depending on the specific type and local tariff schedules.
Which countries are the top exporters of thallium scrap (HS 811252)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811252 (the code used for thallium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Israel ($73K, 100% of world exports) and Malaysia ($12). World exports came to about $73K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $415M 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 thallium scrap (HS 811252)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811252 (the code used for thallium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($6K, 98% of world imports), Croatia ($58) and Latvia ($35). World imports came to about $6K, 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 Thallium scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811252 for Thallium 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 thallium scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, thallium scrap (HS 811252) is classified under NCM 8112.52.00.