HS 854913 Sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury
Quick Answer: Waste and scrap of primary cells and primary batteries, sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium, or mercury, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 4.70% ad valorem, and the US duty-free. This classification specifically excludes batteries containing hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury, focusing on materials suitable for recycling or reprocessing. Importers should verify the exact chemical composition to ensure correct classification and duty application. According to CustomTariffs data, these preferential rates highlight a global focus on managing and recovering valuable materials from battery waste.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8549130000 | — | — | — |
| 8549131000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8549139000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8549132000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8549132010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8549130000 | — | — | — |
| 8549131000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
| 8549132000 | 2.60 % | — | — |
| 8549132010 | 2.60 % | — | — |
| 8549132090 | 2.60 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8549130000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 854913 cover?
This subheading covers waste and scrap of electric batteries and accumulators, specifically those sorted by chemical type and confirmed to be free of lead, cadmium, or mercury. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is intended for materials that have undergone a degree of sorting to identify their primary chemical composition, ensuring they meet the exclusion criteria for hazardous heavy metals. For example, sorted lithium-ion battery scrap, free of lead, cadmium, and mercury, would fall under this classification, as would sorted nickel-metal hydride battery scrap meeting the same criteria. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide further detail on the specific types of sorted battery waste included.
What falls outside HS 854913?
The following products are excluded from HS 854913: unsorted mixed battery waste, battery waste containing lead (e.g., lead-acid batteries), battery waste containing cadmium (e.g., older Ni-Cd batteries), or battery waste containing mercury. Also excluded are batteries and accumulators that are still functional or have not yet reached their end-of-life stage, as well as components of batteries that are not considered waste or scrap. For instance, intact, used alkaline batteries, which typically do not contain significant amounts of lead, cadmium, or mercury, would generally be classified under a different heading if not sorted specifically as waste, or if they contain prohibited elements. Waste from other electronic equipment not specifically batteries or accumulators is also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854913?
A common error is misinterpreting the "sorted by chemical type" requirement. Importers may incorrectly assume that any collection of battery waste qualifies if it appears to be predominantly of one chemical type, without proper verification or documentation. Another mistake is failing to confirm the absence of lead, cadmium, or mercury, which are explicitly prohibited for this subheading. This can lead to misclassification and potential penalties. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, meaning the specific chemical composition and sorting status are paramount.
How should importers classify products under HS 854913?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854913 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first obtain detailed information from the supplier regarding the exact chemical composition of the battery waste. This should be accompanied by laboratory analysis or certification confirming the absence of lead, cadmium, and mercury. The material must also be demonstrably sorted by chemical type. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is crucial to ensure all criteria are met before declaring the goods.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854913?
A shipment of 10 metric tons of sorted lithium-ion battery scrap, declared at a customs value of $20,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 854913 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $20,000 USD = $0.00 USD. This rate is applicable for goods imported from countries that do not have a specific preferential trade agreement with the United States that might offer different terms, but for this specific code, the MFN rate is already zero.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854913?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854913, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). For goods originating from Canada or Mexico and meeting the USMCA rules of origin, the preferential duty rate is Free. Similarly, the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA, or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and the exporting country's eligibility.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 854913, specifically for goods sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium, or mercury?
HS code 854913 covers sorted waste and scrap of electric and electronic equipment, specifically those sorted by chemical type and free of lead, cadmium, or mercury. Duty rates can vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is often Free. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may also apply, potentially resulting in Free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate. For instance, the U.S.ITC provides detailed tariff information.
How is the duty for HS code 854913 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 854913 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). If the duty is ad valorem, the calculation is: Duty = (Customs Value of Goods) × (Ad Valorem Duty Rate). For example, if the customs value of a shipment classified under 854913 is $10,000 USD and the applicable ad valorem duty rate is 4.70%, the duty would be $10,000 × 0.0470 = $470.00 USD. If the duty is specific, the calculation would be: Duty = (Quantity of Goods) × (Specific Duty Rate per Unit). Always verify the exact duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) from the importing country's tariff schedule.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 854913?
When importing goods under HS code 854913, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide standard import documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, given the specific nature of this code (sorted by chemical type, free of certain hazardous materials), a declaration or certificate confirming that the waste and scrap is sorted by chemical type and does not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury is often required. This may involve laboratory analysis reports or manufacturer's declarations. Compliance with environmental regulations, such as those related to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, may also necessitate specific permits or notifications, depending on the origin and destination countries.
Which trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS code 854913?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on goods classified under HS code 854913. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Australia, Canada, Mexico (USMCA), and South Korea. Shipments originating from these countries, meeting the rules of origin, may qualify for preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free entry. Similarly, the European Union has numerous trade agreements that could affect duties for this code. The UK also has its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers should consult the specific FTA text and the relevant customs authority's guidance to determine eligibility and claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 854913, and how can a misclassification be avoided?
The primary classification criteria for HS code 854913 are that the goods must be waste and scrap of electric and electronic equipment, and they must be sorted by chemical type and explicitly not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury. This means the material composition must be identifiable and segregated, and the absence of these specific heavy metals must be verifiable. Misclassification can occur if the material is not properly sorted, if it contains prohibited substances, or if it is not clearly identifiable as waste or scrap from electric/electronic equipment. To avoid misclassification, ensure thorough product knowledge, obtain accurate declarations from suppliers, and consider pre-shipment inspections or laboratory analysis if there is any doubt about the composition. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the rulings of the importing country's customs authority (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) is essential.