Product classification
HS code for Zinc slag: 2620.11
Slag, ash and residues, (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter.
Classification of zinc slag under HS 2620.11
Zinc slag is classified under HS code 2620.11, which specifically identifies hard zinc spelter. This classification is situated within Chapter 26, covering ores, slag, and ash. The determination for this code relies on the material being a residue resulting from the manufacture of zinc or from the treatment of zinc-bearing materials. Unlike metal scrap, which is classified in Chapter 79, these residues are typically the byproduct of industrial processes like galvanization. Hard zinc spelter is a specific type of residue that accumulates at the bottom of galvanizing baths, consisting primarily of zinc and iron alloys. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), the classification is governed by the heading texts and section notes. Since heading 2620 excludes slag and ash from iron or steel manufacture (which are directed to 2618 or 2619), but includes those containing mainly zinc, 2620.11 is the most specific subheading for hard spelter. The material must be intended for the recovery of metal or for the manufacture of chemical compounds to qualify under this heading. If the material has been processed into a finished product or is simply scrap metal from a demolished structure, it would fall outside this classification.
- Covers
- Hard zinc spelter
- Zinc dross from galvanization
- Bottom dross from zinc baths
- Zinc-bearing residues from smelting
- Galvanizer's zinc ash
- Also under 2620.11
- Nyrstar (zinc refiner)
- Glencore (metals trader)
- various galvanizing companies (e.g., AZZ Inc., Valmont Industries)
- Korea Zinc
Codes often confused with 2620.11
Common mistake. Zinc slag is frequently confused with HS code 7902.00, which covers zinc waste and scrap. The distinction lies in the origin: 2620.11 is for industrial residues (byproducts), while 7902.00 is for products that have reached the end of their useful life or manufacturing waste like offcuts. Additionally, granulated slag from iron or steel manufacture is classified under 2618.00, and other residues containing zinc (not hard spelter) may fall under 2620.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262011 (the code used for zinc slag), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262011 (the code used for zinc slag) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% 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 262011, not only zinc slag.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $47M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $19M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $237M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $145M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $50M 14% of world imports
- 3 Japan $39M 11% of world imports
World total: $350M 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 slag
Brazil classifies zinc slag under NCM 2620.11.00: HS 2620.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc slag
What is the HS code for Zinc slag?
The HS code for Zinc slag is 262011 (Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter). The primary HS code for zinc slag, specifically hard zinc spelter, is 2620.11. Other zinc residues are classified under 2620.19.
How do I classify Zinc slag for customs?
Zinc slag is classified under HS code 262011 — Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is zinc slag considered hazardous for shipping?
Depending on the concentration of heavy metals and local environmental regulations, zinc slag may be classified as a hazardous material under the Basel Convention, though its HS classification remains 2620.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc slag (HS 262011)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262011 (the code used for zinc slag) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and Belgium ($19M). World exports came to about $237M, 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 slag (HS 262011)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262011 (the code used for zinc slag) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($145M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($50M) and Japan ($39M). World imports came to about $350M, 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 slag the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262011 for Zinc slag 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 slag in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc slag (HS 262011) is classified under NCM 2620.11.00.