Product classification
HS code for Zinc ash: 2620.19
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter.
Classification of zinc ash under HS 2620.19
Zinc ash is classified under HS code 262019, which specifically covers slag, ash, and residues (other than from the manufacture of iron or steel) containing mainly zinc, excluding hard zinc spelter. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific notes of Chapter 26, which pertains to ores, slag, and ash. Unlike primary zinc ores, zinc ash is a secondary material or industrial by-product. It typically results from the oxidation of molten zinc during processes such as galvanizing or the melting of zinc scrap. The material consists of a mixture of metallic zinc, zinc oxide, and various impurities such as chlorides or silicates. To be classified under 262019, the residue must be of a kind used in industry either for the extraction of metal or as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds of metals. It is distinct from 'unwrought' metal because it has not been refined into a metallic form suitable for fabrication, but rather remains a residue of a metallurgical process.
- Covers
- Zinc dross from galvanizing baths
- Zinc skimmings and residues
- Zinc-bearing flue dust
- Zinc-rich sludge from industrial wastewater treatment
- Oxidized zinc residues from smelting operations
- Also under 2620.19
- Nyrstar (zinc refiner)
- Recylex S.A. (recycling group)
- Boliden (smelter)
- various brass foundries
- Big River Zinc
Codes often confused with 2620.19
Common mistake. Zinc ash is frequently misclassified under HS code 262011, which is reserved specifically for hard zinc spelter. Hard zinc spelter is a specific type of residue that forms at the bottom of galvanizing baths and has a higher metallic content and density than standard zinc ash. Another common error is using HS code 790200, which covers zinc waste and scrap. The distinction lies in the physical form: 790200 is for metallic scrap (like old zinc gutters or clippings), whereas 262019 is for residues like ash and slag that require further chemical or metallurgical processing to recover the metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc ash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc ash) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 16% 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 262019, not only zinc ash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $183M 27% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $83M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $65M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $677M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $111M 16% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $111M 16% of world imports
- 3 Spain $105M 15% of world imports
World total: $699M 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 zinc ash
Brazil classifies zinc ash under NCM 2620.19.00: HS 2620.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc ash
What is the HS code for Zinc ash?
The HS code for Zinc ash is 262019 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter). The HS code for zinc ash is 262019, which falls under the category of slag, ash, and residues containing mainly zinc.
How do I classify Zinc ash for customs?
Zinc ash is classified under HS code 262019 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, other than hard zinc spelter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is zinc ash considered a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes, zinc ash is often classified as a hazardous material (Class 4.3 or Class 9 depending on composition) because it can emit flammable gases when in contact with water or contain toxic impurities, requiring specific documentation alongside the HS code.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc ash (HS 262019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc ash) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($183M, 27% of world exports), Belgium ($83M) and the Netherlands ($65M). World exports came to about $677M, 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 zinc ash (HS 262019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc ash) in UN Comtrade data were India ($111M, 16% of world imports), the Netherlands ($111M) and Spain ($105M). World imports came to about $699M, 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 Zinc ash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262019 for Zinc ash 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 zinc ash in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc ash (HS 262019) is classified under NCM 2620.19.00.