Product classification
HS code for Zirconium scrap: 8109.39
Zirconium, waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight.
Classification of zirconium scrap under HS 8109.39
Zirconium scrap is classified under HS code 8109.39 because it represents the waste and scrap generated during the production or processing of zirconium and its alloys. This specific subheading is designated for materials that maintain a specific chemical profile, notably containing at least one part hafnium to every 500 parts zirconium by weight. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 81 covers "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof," and heading 8109 specifically addresses zirconium. The scrap must be fit only for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemicals, rather than being functional articles. This includes turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, and saw dust. It also includes broken or worn-out articles of zirconium that are no longer usable for their original purpose. The distinction between scrap and unwrought metal is critical; scrap must be a byproduct of manufacture or a result of breakage. If the metal has been remelted into ingots, it may no longer qualify as scrap and could be classified as unwrought metal under 8109.21. Proper documentation of the hafnium content is essential for this specific code.
- Covers
- Zirconium turnings and shavings
- Discarded zirconium machine parts
- Zirconium alloy milling waste
- Broken zirconium tubes or pipes
- Zirconium manufacturing rejects
- Also under 8109.39
- Zirconium crucible scrap
- Zirconium pump component waste
- Zirconium welding rod remnants
Codes often confused with 8109.39
Common mistake. Zirconium scrap is frequently confused with unwrought zirconium classified under 8109.21. The primary difference lies in the form; 8109.21 refers to primary metal forms like ingots or blocks, whereas 8109.39 is strictly for waste. Another common error is using 8109.91, which is for other articles of zirconium. If the item is a finished part that is simply old, it might be misclassified there unless it is clearly rendered unusable. Furthermore, zirconium ores and concentrates are classified under 2614.00, which covers the raw mineral before any metallurgical processing has occurred.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810939 (the code used for zirconium scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810939 (the code used for zirconium scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 44% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 810939, not only zirconium scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.8M 56% of world exports
- 2 Canada $294K 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Japan $243K 7.7% of world exports
The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $1.9M 44% of world imports
- 2 Canada $837K 19% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $357K 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.4M 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 zirconium scrap
Brazil classifies zirconium scrap under NCM 8109.39.00: HS 8109.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zirconium scrap
What is the HS code for Zirconium scrap?
The HS code for Zirconium scrap is 810939 (Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight). The HS code for zirconium waste and scrap, specifically containing at least 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium, is 8109.39.
How do I classify Zirconium scrap for customs?
Zirconium scrap is classified under HS code 810939 — Zirconium; waste and scrap, containing not less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include zirconium alloys?
Yes, this code includes waste and scrap of zirconium alloys, provided they meet the hafnium weight ratio requirements specified in the HS nomenclature.
Which countries are the top exporters of zirconium scrap (HS 810939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810939 (the code used for zirconium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8M, 56% of world exports), Canada ($294K) and Japan ($243K). World exports came to about $3.2M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $131M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of zirconium scrap (HS 810939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810939 (the code used for zirconium scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.9M, 44% of world imports), Canada ($837K) and the United Kingdom ($357K). World imports came to about $4.4M, 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 Zirconium scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810939 for Zirconium 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 zirconium scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, zirconium scrap (HS 810939) is classified under NCM 8109.39.00.