HS 262019 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 2620.19, "Other," covers ash and residues primarily containing metals or metal compounds, specifically those containing zinc, lead, or copper, but not falling under more specific subheadings. This typically includes various industrial by-products and waste materials from metal processing, such as dross, skimmings, and sludges, that are destined for metal recovery. For importers, the duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction. The UK and EU generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty. In contrast, the US imposes complex specific duties, such as 8.8¢/kg on copper content, 3.3¢/kg on lead content, and 3.7¢/kg on zinc content for certain entries. Other US subheadings may have lower specific duties or be "Free" under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, KR). Importers must accurately declare metal content to ensure correct duty assessment. Customs brokers should verify specific product composition against the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and leverage applicable free trade agreements where eligible.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2620190000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2620190000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26201960 | 0.7¢/kg on copper content + 0.7¢/kg on lead content | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2620196020 | — | — | ["Pb kg"] |
| 2620196040 | — | — | ["Ag g"] |
| 262019 | — | — | — |
| 2620193000 | Free | — | ["kg","Zn kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2620.19?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 262019 cover?
This subheading covers ash and residues containing mainly zinc, but not containing arsenic, mercury, thallium, or mixtures thereof, of a kind used principally for the extraction of zinc or for the manufacture of chemical compounds of zinc. Specifically, it encompasses various forms of zinc-containing waste and scrap, such as zinc dross, skimmings, and other residues from metallurgical processes, provided they meet the criteria of being primarily zinc-bearing and not containing the specified hazardous elements. This aligns with the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2620, which broadly defines "ash and residues" as those containing metals or metallic compounds, of a kind used in industry either for the extraction of metal or as a basis for the manufacture of chemical compounds. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC further specify this scope for subheading 2620.19.
What falls outside HS 262019?
The following products are excluded from HS 262019: ash and residues containing arsenic, mercury, thallium, or mixtures thereof, which are specifically classified under HS 2620.60. Furthermore, zinc waste and scrap that are not in the form of ash or residues, such as unwrought zinc scrap or zinc alloy scrap, are classified under Heading 7902.00. Slag, dross (other than zinc dross), scalings, and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel are classified under Heading 2618 or 2619, depending on their composition. For instance, zinc-containing dust from electric arc furnaces, if it contains lead or cadmium in significant quantities, might be classified under other subheadings within 2620 or even other chapters if it constitutes a finished product or a specific chemical compound.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 262019?
A common error is misclassifying zinc-containing ash and residues that also contain arsenic, mercury, or thallium under 262019, when they correctly belong to 2620.60. Importers often overlook the specific exclusion criteria regarding these hazardous elements, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential compliance issues. Another frequent mistake involves classifying actual zinc waste and scrap (e.g., old zinc sheets, broken zinc castings) under this subheading instead of Heading 7902.00, which covers unwrought zinc waste and scrap. This highlights the importance of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which extends this principle to subheadings, ensuring the most specific description is applied.
How should importers classify products under HS 262019?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 262019 involves a meticulous review of the material's chemical composition and physical form. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed "ash and residues" and not unwrought waste or scrap. Second, a detailed laboratory analysis or certificate of analysis is crucial to verify the absence of arsenic, mercury, or thallium, as their presence mandates classification under HS 2620.60. Third, confirm that the primary metallic content is zinc, aligning with the "mainly zinc" requirement. Finally, consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 26 and Heading 2620, along with the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), to ensure all legal notes and interpretative rules are applied correctly, thereby preventing misclassification and ensuring accurate duty assessment.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2620.19, 'Hard zinc spelter and other zinc residues'?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2620.19 vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States (under HTSUS 2620.19.0000) applies a complex duty of 8.8¢/kg on copper content + 3.3¢/kg on lead content + 3.7¢/kg on zinc content. The European Union (under TARIC 2620.19.00.00) generally applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the precise and current MFN rate applicable to their shipment.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2620.19 under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS 2620.19, frequently resulting in a 'Free' (0.00%) duty. For example, the United States offers 'Free' duty under various trade agreements and preference programs for eligible goods originating from countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin requirements of the respective trade agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2620.19, 'Hard zinc spelter and other zinc residues'?
HS 2620.19 specifically covers 'Hard zinc spelter and other zinc residues.' The primary classification criteria revolve around the material composition and its origin as a residue. 'Hard zinc spelter' refers to dross and skimmings from zinc galvanizing operations, rich in zinc but also containing iron. 'Other zinc residues' would encompass similar waste and scrap materials predominantly containing zinc, not elsewhere specified in more specific subheadings. It is crucial that the product is clearly identifiable as a residue from zinc processing, rather than primary zinc ore (Chapter 26) or refined zinc metal (Chapter 79). Analysis of the chemical composition and the industrial process from which the material originates are key for accurate classification.
What specific documentation is required for importing goods classified under HS 2620.19?
Standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For HS 2620.19, additional documentation may be critical. If claiming preferential duty rates (e.g., 'Free' under a Free Trade Agreement), a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or other FTA-specific declaration) is mandatory. Due to the nature of residues, some countries may require environmental or waste management permits, or specific declarations regarding the material's safety and handling. Importers should verify with the customs authority of the importing country for any specific import licenses, permits, or environmental compliance documentation required for metallic residues.