Product classification
HS code for Waste tantalum: 8103.30
Tantalum, waste and scrap.
Classification of waste tantalum under HS 8103.30
Waste tantalum is classified under HS code 8103.30 because it falls within Chapter 81, which covers other base metals, cermets, and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 8103 is dedicated to tantalum in all its forms. The subheading 8103.30 is reserved for waste and scrap. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, waste and scrap are defined as 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. Tantalum waste is highly valued due to the metal's rarity and its critical role in electronics and aerospace. To qualify for this code, the material must be in a state where it is only fit for the recovery of the metal or for use as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds. If the tantalum is contaminated with significant amounts of other materials, such as plastic from capacitors, it may require different classification depending on the primary constituent by weight or value.
- Covers
- Tantalum turnings, shavings, and chips from machining processes
- Broken or defective tantalum capacitor anodes (without epoxy coating)
- Spent tantalum sputtering targets used in semiconductor manufacturing
- Tantalum skeleton scrap from stamping operations
- Worn-out tantalum laboratory crucibles and heat exchanger parts
- Also under 8103.30
- Tantalum capacitor manufacturing scrap
- Tantalum mill scrap
- Tantalum machining turnings
- Tantalum sputtering target scrap
- Tantalum furnace lining scrap
Codes often confused with 8103.30
Common mistake. Waste tantalum is frequently misclassified under HS code 8103.20, which covers unwrought tantalum, including powders. While powders are fine particles, 8103.20 is intended for primary metal production rather than recovered waste. Another common error is using HS code 8532.21 for tantalum capacitors; however, once these capacitors are discarded as scrap and stripped of non-metallic components, they should move to 8103.30. Additionally, if the waste contains precious metals, it might be incorrectly filed under 7112, which covers precious metal waste and scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810330 (the code used for waste tantalum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810330 (the code used for waste tantalum) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% 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 810330, not only waste tantalum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $32M 27% of world exports
- 2 Japan $27M 23% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $18M 15% of world exports
World total: $121M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $60M 43% of world imports
- 2 Japan $23M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $14M 10% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 waste tantalum
Brazil classifies waste tantalum under NCM 8103.30.00: HS 8103.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about waste tantalum
What is the HS code for Waste tantalum?
The HS code for Waste tantalum is 810330 (Tantalum; waste and scrap). The primary HS code for waste tantalum and tantalum scrap is 8103.30.
How do I classify Waste tantalum for customs?
Waste tantalum is classified under HS code 810330 — Tantalum; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include tantalum-rich slag?
No, tantalum-rich slag or residues from smelting are generally classified under heading 2620, which covers slag, ash, and residues containing metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of waste tantalum (HS 810330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810330 (the code used for waste tantalum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 27% of world exports), Japan ($27M) and South Korea ($18M). World exports came to about $121M, 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 waste tantalum (HS 810330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810330 (the code used for waste tantalum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($60M, 43% of world imports), Japan ($23M) and Germany ($14M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 Waste tantalum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810330 for Waste tantalum 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 waste tantalum in Brazil?
In Brazil, waste tantalum (HS 810330) is classified under NCM 8103.30.00.