2620 - Slag, ash and residues (other than from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, metals or their compounds:
Sub-classifications
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2620 1100 00
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2620 19
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2620 3000
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2620 4000
Overview
Heading 2620 encompasses slag, ash, and residues, excluding those specifically generated during the manufacturing of iron or steel. These materials are characterized by their significant content of arsenic, metals, or their chemical compounds. This classification is crucial for identifying waste and by-product materials that may have economic value due to their metallic content or pose environmental concerns due to the presence of hazardous elements like arsenic.
Distinguishing this heading from its siblings in Section V is important. Unlike Chapter 25's mineral products, which are generally raw materials or processed minerals for industrial use, and Chapter 27's fuels, 2620 focuses on post-processing waste streams. While other chapters might classify pure metals or their compounds, 2620 specifically addresses materials where these metals or arsenic are present as incidental components within a slag, ash, or residue matrix, often requiring further processing for recovery or disposal.
Within Heading 2620, subheadings further refine classification based on the primary metal or hazardous element present. Categories exist for materials primarily containing zinc, lead, copper, and aluminum, guiding importers and exporters to the specific material being handled. Additionally, a distinct subheading is dedicated to residues containing arsenic, mercury, or thallium, or their mixtures, particularly when these are intended for the extraction of these metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds. The "Other" category serves as a residual catch-all for slag, ash, and residues that do not fit into the more specific metallic or arsenic-focused subheadings.