Product classification
HS code for Waste tungsten: 8101.97
Tungsten (wolfram), waste and scrap.
Classification of waste tungsten under HS 8101.97
Waste tungsten is classified under HS code 8101.97. Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System covers "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof," and heading 8101 is specifically assigned to tungsten (wolfram). The classification logic follows the structure of the chapter where unwrought forms and powders are listed first, followed by intermediate forms, and finally waste and scrap. Subheading 8101.97 is designated for tungsten waste and scrap. This classification requires that the material be metallic and fit only for the recovery of tungsten or for use in chemical manufacturing. Tungsten is often found in the form of tungsten carbide, which is a cermet. While pure tungsten scrap is straightforward, scrap consisting of tungsten carbide (a mixture of tungsten and carbon) is also typically classified here or under 8113.00 depending on the binder. However, for standard metallic tungsten scrap, 8101.97 is the internationally recognized code. The high density and melting point of tungsten make its scrap highly recyclable and strictly regulated in international trade.
- Covers
- Broken tungsten filaments from lamps or heaters
- Tungsten electrode stubs from TIG welding
- Tungsten carbide tool inserts (worn or broken)
- Tungsten shavings and turnings from precision machining
- Heavy metal alloy scrap where tungsten is the primary component
- Also under 8101.97
- Recycled tungsten carbide inserts
- Tungsten-containing battery scrap
- Tungsten lamp filament waste
- Tungsten alloy machining chips
- Spent X-ray tube components
Codes often confused with 8101.97
Common mistake. Waste tungsten is often misclassified under 8101.10, which is the code for tungsten powders. While some scrap may be finely ground, 8101.10 is for primary production powders. Another common error is using 2849.90 for tungsten carbide; while 2849.90 covers the chemical compound, the scrap of tools made from it is generally treated as metal scrap. Additionally, tungsten ores are classified under 2611.00, which should never be used for processed metallic waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810197 (the code used for waste tungsten), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810197 (the code used for waste tungsten) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% 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 810197, not only waste tungsten.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $284M 39% of world exports
- 2 India $62M 8.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $59M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $725M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $237M 34% of world imports
- 2 United States $115M 17% of world imports
- 3 Finland $76M 11% of world imports
World total: $692M 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 tungsten
Brazil classifies waste tungsten under NCM 8101.97.00: HS 8101.97 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about waste tungsten
What is the HS code for Waste tungsten?
The HS code for Waste tungsten is 810197 (Tungsten (wolfram); waste and scrap). The HS code for tungsten waste and scrap is 8101.97.
How do I classify Waste tungsten for customs?
Waste tungsten is classified under HS code 810197 — Tungsten (wolfram); waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is tungsten sludge classified under this code?
If the sludge is a chemical residue or ash, it may fall under 2620.99. However, if it is a collection of metallic particles from grinding, it may qualify for 8101.97.
Which countries are the top exporters of waste tungsten (HS 810197)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810197 (the code used for waste tungsten) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($284M, 39% of world exports), India ($62M) and Japan ($59M). World exports came to about $725M, 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 tungsten (HS 810197)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810197 (the code used for waste tungsten) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($237M, 34% of world imports), the United States ($115M) and Finland ($76M). World imports came to about $692M, 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 tungsten the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810197 for Waste tungsten 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 tungsten in Brazil?
In Brazil, waste tungsten (HS 810197) is classified under NCM 8101.97.00.