HS Heading 8549 : Electrical and electronic waste and scrap
HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION
HS Heading 8549 encompasses electrical and electronic waste and scrap. It classifies 11 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 85 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].
Subheadings Under Heading 8549
| HS Code | WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description | Chapter | Operational Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8549.11 | Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators, Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators | 85 | View 8549.11 Package → |
| 8549.12 | Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators, Other, containing lead, cadmium or mercury | 85 | View 8549.12 Package → |
| 8549.13 | Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators, Sorted by chemical type and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury | 85 | View 8549.13 Package → |
| 8549.14 | Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators, Unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury | 85 | View 8549.14 Package → |
| 8549.19 | Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators, Other | 85 | View 8549.19 Package → |
| 8549.21 | Of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, Containing primary cells, primary batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical or electronic components containing cadmium, mercury, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) | 85 | View 8549.21 Package → |
| 8549.29 | Electrical and electronic waste and scrap, Of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, Other | 85 | View 8549.29 Package → |
| 8549.31 | Other electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, Containing primary cells, primary batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical or electronic components containing cadmium, mercury, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) | 85 | View 8549.31 Package → |
| 8549.39 | Other electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards, Other | 85 | View 8549.39 Package → |
| 8549.91 | Other, Containing primary cells, primary batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical or electronic components containing cadmium, mercury, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) | 85 | View 8549.91 Package → |
| 8549.99 | Electrical and electronic waste and scrap, Other, Other | 85 | View 8549.99 Package → |
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 8549
Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Heading 8549 ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 8549 precedent rulings.
WCO Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.
Heading 8549 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 8549?
HS Heading 8549 covers Electrical and electronic waste and scrap, grouping 11 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 8549?
Subheadings under Heading 8549 range from 8549.11 to 8549.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 8549?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 8549 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 8549?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 8549?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 8549?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 8549 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 8549?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 8549?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 8549?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.