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HSChapter 85
U.S. exports of waste & scrap containing lead, cadmium, or mercury from primary cells & batteries (HS 854912) totaled $1.0M in July 2026.
Waste & Scrap Containing Lead, Cadmium, or Mercury from Primary Cells & Batteries imports of $79K in July 2026 ran 62% below the year-to-date monthly average of $211K.
Last updated: July 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.
7 shipments/mo
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.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8549124000 | Wste/Scrp Prmry Cells & Battrs,Recry of Lead,NESOI | $67K | 0.00% | 0.00% | -- |
| 8549128000 | Wste/Scrp Prmry Cells & Battrs, Cnt Cad/Mer,NESOI | $12K | 10.00% | 100.00% | $1K |
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 | $1.0M |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$79KYoY · Pro
Exports
$1.0MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · July 2026
destination
India and Korea, South together take 99% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
84.6% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 1.54%.