Harmonized System
U.S. exports of Waste & Scrap Containing Lead, Cadmium, or Mercury from Primary Cells & Batteries (HS 854912) totaled $1.1M in August 2026, exported to 2 countries.
Last updated: August 2026 dataBattery scrap containing lead, cadmium, or mercury occupies a distinct regulatory and commercial space from general electronic scrap because all three metals trigger hazardous waste controls under US EPA rules and international Basel Convention obligations. The US schedule provides three 10-digit lines under this heading: 8549120000 (general), 8549124000 (scrap destined for lead recovery, NESOI), and 8549128000 (scrap containing cadmium or mercury, NESOI). Canada is the dominant supplier, reflecting established cross-border recycling infrastructure for nickel-cadmium and sealed lead-acid batteries. Importers should be aware that cadmium- and mercury-containing streams face stricter state-level environmental restrictions in addition to federal requirements.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The HS and US HTS structure reflects the distinct hazard profiles and recycling pathways of these metals. Cadmium (from NiCd batteries) and mercury (from button cells and older alkaline batteries) require different smelting and recovery processes than lead, and regulators — including EPA and state environmental agencies — apply different management standards to each stream.
Beyond standard CBP entry documentation, shipments of hazardous battery scrap from Canada typically require EPA prior notification under RCRA import rules, and the shipment must be consigned to a permitted hazardous waste treatment or recycling facility. USMCA origin documentation may also be relevant for duty purposes. A licensed customs broker with hazardous materials experience should be engaged.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$1.1MYoY · free account
Low of 10 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.5M of Waste & Scrap Containing Lead, Cadmium, or Mercury from Primary Cells & Batteries and exported $29.8M.
Through August 2026 · imports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Subheading 7 of 11 in heading 8549
Subheading 854912 · $1.1M of $115.1M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 854912 — Waste & Scrap Containing Lead, Cadmium, or Mercury from Primary Cells & Batteries, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8549124000 | Wste/Scrp Prmry Cells & Battrs, Recry of Lead, NESOI | — | -- | -- |
| 8549128000 | Wste/Scrp Prmry Cells & Battrs, Cnt Cad/Mer, NESOI | — | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8549120000 | Waste, Scrap Lead, Cadmium/Mercury Prim Cel, Bat Etc | $1.1M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Exports · August 2026
destination
India and South Korea together take 99% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.