Harmonized System
U.S. exports of waste, scrap & spent lead-acid accumulators (HS 854911) totaled $58.8M in August 2026.
Importers of Waste, Scrap & Spent Lead-Acid Accumulators paid $74K in duties in August 2026, an effective tariff rate of 18.50% of the $399K imported — duty actually collected as a share of that value, not the published tariff schedule. Waste, Scrap & Spent Lead-Acid Accumulators imports of $399K in August 2026 ran 160% above the year-to-date monthly average of $154K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSpent and scrap lead-acid accumulators — the dominant battery chemistry in automotive and industrial backup-power applications — are split at the 10-digit level based on whether recovery of lead is the intended purpose: 8549111040 and 8549111080 cover spent primary cells and batteries destined for lead recovery, while 8549119000 captures those not intended for lead recovery. Cross-border flows of lead-acid battery scrap are tightly regulated under the Basel Convention and US EPA hazardous waste export/import rules, and shipments may require EPA consent documentation before entry. Canada and Mexico are the primary sources, consistent with the circular economy logistics of automotive battery recycling in North America.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
34 shipments/mo
Spent lead-acid batteries are classified as hazardous waste under RCRA. Importers must comply with EPA's hazardous waste import regulations, which may require prior notification and consent procedures depending on the country of origin and intended management method. Consulting an environmental compliance specialist alongside a licensed customs broker is strongly recommended.
The US schedule distinguishes between spent primary cells and batteries destined for lead recovery (8549111040 and 8549111080) and those not destined for lead recovery (8549119000). The importer's documented intent and the receiving facility's permitted activity are the key classification determinants, and CBP may request supporting documentation.
HSChapter 85
ImportsExports
Imports
$399KYoY · free account
Exports
$58.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
YoY · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.7M of Waste, Scrap & Spent Lead-Acid Accumulators.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 11 in heading 8549
Subheading 854911 · $58.8M of $115.1M
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8549111080 | Spent Prmry Cells & Battrs,Recry of Pb,Oth Ld-Acid | $278K | 26.58% | 88.72% | $74K |
| 8549111040 | Spent Prmry Cells & Battrs, Recry of Pb, Lead-Acid | $96K | 0.00% | 0.00% | -- |
| 8549119000 | Spent Prmry Cells & Battrs, Oth Than Recry of Lead | $25K | 0.00% | 0.00% | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
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
Mexico and Korea, South together take 99% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
38.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 18.50% of total import value.