Product classification
HS code for Zinc residues: 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 residues under HS 2620.19
Zinc residues are classified under HS code 2620.19. This classification falls under Chapter 26, which covers ores, slag, and ash. Heading 26.20 specifically applies to slag, ash, and residues (other than from the manufacture of iron or steel) that contain metals, arsenic, or their compounds. Subheading 2620.19 is used for residues containing mainly zinc, excluding hard zinc spelter. These residues are typically by-products of metallurgical processes, such as the smelting or refining of zinc. They are not considered waste or scrap in the metallic sense (which would fall under Chapter 79) but rather as industrial residues from which the metal is usually recovered. This includes materials like zinc dross, skimmings, and flue dusts that are rich in zinc content but are not in a metallic, workable form.
- Covers
- Zinc skimmings from galvanizing baths
- Zinc-rich flue dust
- Zinc sludge from chemical processing
- Zinc-containing ash from smelting
- Zinc dross (excluding hard zinc spelter)
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2620.11, which is specifically for "Hard zinc spelter." Hard zinc spelter is a specific type of residue from galvanizing that contains high amounts of iron and zinc. Another frequent error is classifying these residues as zinc waste and scrap under 7902.00. The distinction is that 7902.00 covers metallic waste from the manufacture or mechanical working of zinc, whereas 2620.19 covers metallurgical residues like ash and slag. If the residue is from the manufacture of iron or steel and contains zinc, it might be classified under 2620.91 or 2620.99 depending on its primary constituents.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc residues), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc residues) 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 residues.
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 residues
Brazil classifies zinc residues 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 residues
What is the HS code for Zinc residues?
The HS code for Zinc residues 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 residues (excluding hard zinc spelter) is 2620.19.
How do I classify Zinc residues for customs?
Zinc residues 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.
What is the difference between zinc scrap and zinc residue?
Zinc scrap (7902.00) consists of metallic pieces from manufacturing or worn-out articles, while zinc residues (2620.19) are metallurgical by-products like ash, slag, or dross.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc residues (HS 262019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc residues) 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 residues (HS 262019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262019 (the code used for zinc residues) 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 residues the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262019 for Zinc residues 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 residues in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc residues (HS 262019) is classified under NCM 2620.19.00.