HS Code for Unsorted battery waste
Unsorted battery waste is classified under HS code 8549.14. This code was introduced as part of the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System to better track and regulate the trade of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). Heading 8549 covers electrical and electronic waste and scrap. Subheading 8549.14 specifically addresses waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that are 'unsorted.' This means the shipment contains a mixture of different battery chemistries (such as alkaline, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium) that have not been separated. Crucially, this specific code is for waste that does not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury in concentrations that would classify it as hazardous under the more specific subheadings 8549.11, 8549.12, or 8549.13. This classification is used by recyclers and waste management firms when shipping bulk spent batteries where the exact chemical composition of the entire lot is mixed or unknown, provided they are not predominantly lead-acid or other heavy-metal-heavy types.
Products Included
- Mixed spent primary batteries
- Unsorted lithium-ion battery scrap
- Mixed alkaline and zinc-carbon battery waste
- Spent electric accumulators (unsorted)
- Discarded battery packs from consumer electronics
Common Misclassification
Unsorted battery waste is often misclassified under 8549.11 if it is mistakenly thought to be primarily lead-acid batteries. It may also be confused with 8548.00, which in older versions of the HS nomenclature was the general code for waste and scrap of primary cells, but 8549 is now the correct heading for most e-waste. If the waste is sorted by chemistry (e.g., pure lithium-ion scrap), it should be classified under 8549.19.
FAQ
What is the HS code for unsorted battery waste?
The HS code for unsorted battery waste not containing lead, cadmium, or mercury is 8549.14.
What if the unsorted batteries contain lead?
If the unsorted waste contains lead-acid batteries or significant lead content, it should be classified under HS code 8549.11.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Unsorted battery waste?
The HS code for Unsorted battery waste is 854914 (Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury).
How do I classify Unsorted battery waste for customs?
Unsorted battery waste is classified under HS code 854914 — Waste and scrap; of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, spent or not, unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Unsorted battery waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854914 for Unsorted 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.