Product classification
HS code for Zinc scrap: 7902.00
Zinc, waste and scrap.
Classification of zinc scrap under HS 7902.00
Zinc waste and scrap are classified under HS code 7902.00. This classification is part of Chapter 79 and is reserved for zinc materials that are no longer usable for their original intended purpose. According to the Section XV notes (which cover base metals), waste and scrap consist of metallic waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metallic articles definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. This code is essential for the recycling industry, as it covers the raw material for secondary zinc production. It is important to note that for a product to be classified as scrap, it must be fit only for the recovery of metal or for use as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds. If the item can be repaired or used for its original purpose, it cannot be classified under 7902.00.
- Covers
- Worn-out zinc roofing sheets
- Zinc manufacturing clippings and trimmings
- Broken zinc die-cast parts
- Used zinc battery cases (cleaned)
- Zinc shavings and turnings from machining
- Also under 7902.00
- Scrap collected by Sims Metal Management
- EMR Group zinc scrap
- Schnitzer Steel zinc waste
- specialized zinc recyclers' dross
Codes often confused with 7902.00
Common mistake. Zinc scrap is often misclassified as zinc residues or ash under HS code 2620.11 or 2620.19. The distinction is that 7902.00 covers metallic scrap, while 2620 covers non-metallic residues like dross, skimmings, and ash from galvanizing baths. Another common error is classifying remelted zinc scrap ingots under 7902.00; once the scrap is melted and cast into ingots, it must be classified as unwrought zinc under 7901.11 or 7901.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790200 (the code used for zinc scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790200 (the code used for zinc scrap) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 39% 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 790200, not only zinc scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $118M 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $104M 14% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $90M 12% of world exports
World total: $736M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $236M 39% of world imports
- 2 Italy $120M 20% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $70M 12% of world imports
World total: $607M 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 scrap
Brazil classifies zinc scrap under NCM 7902.00.00: HS 7902.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc scrap
What is the HS code for Zinc scrap?
The HS code for Zinc scrap is 790200 (Zinc; waste and scrap). The HS code for zinc waste and scrap is 7902.00.
How do I classify Zinc scrap for customs?
Zinc scrap is classified under HS code 790200 — Zinc; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are zinc residues from galvanizing included in this code?
No, zinc residues such as ash and dross are classified under HS code 2620, not under the scrap code 7902.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc scrap (HS 790200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790200 (the code used for zinc scrap) in UN Comtrade data were France ($118M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($104M) and Malaysia ($90M). World exports came to about $736M, 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 scrap (HS 790200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790200 (the code used for zinc scrap) in UN Comtrade data were India ($236M, 39% of world imports), Italy ($120M) and Belgium ($70M). World imports came to about $607M, 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 scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790200 for Zinc scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc scrap (HS 790200) is classified under NCM 7902.00.00.