HS Code for Waste zinc

Waste zinc is classified under HS code 7902.00. This code is found in Chapter 79, which covers zinc and articles thereof. The classification is straightforward as 7902.00 is a dedicated heading for zinc waste and scrap. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation, this code applies to metallic zinc recovered from worn-out articles or generated as a byproduct of manufacturing processes like die-casting or galvanizing. To be classified here, the material must be in a state that renders it unusable for its original purpose, intended only for metal recovery or chemical production. Zinc scrap is a major commodity in the recycling industry, often appearing as old roofing sheets, die-cast components from the automotive industry, or residues from galvanizing baths that have solidified into metallic chunks. It is important to distinguish between metallic scrap and chemical residues like zinc oxide, which have different industrial applications and classification paths.

Products Included

• Old zinc roofing sheets and gutters
• Zinc die-cast scrap from automotive parts or toys
• Galvanizing dross (top dross) that is primarily metallic
• Zinc battery casings (cleaned of electrolytes and carbon)
• Clippings and trimmings from zinc plate manufacturing

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for waste zinc is HS code 2620.11, which covers hard zinc spelter, or 2620.19 for other zinc-containing ash and residues. These codes are for metallurgical byproducts that are not purely metallic scrap. Another error is using 7901.11, which is for unwrought non-alloyed zinc. If scrap has been melted and refined into ingots, it must be classified as unwrought metal under 7901 rather than waste under 7902.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Waste zinc?

The HS code for zinc waste and scrap is 7902.00.

Does this code include zinc dust?

No, zinc dust is specifically classified under HS code 7903.10, while zinc powders and flakes are under 7903.90.