8549.11 - Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators:

This category, HTS Code 8549.11, specifically pertains to waste and scrap derived from lead-acid accumulators, as well as spent lead-acid accumulators themselves. This encompasses materials that have reached the end of their useful life as functional batteries but still contain significant quantities of lead and its associated components. The primary characteristic is the presence and origin from lead-acid battery technology.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial. While other categories within 8549.1 deal with different types of electrical waste, 8549.11 is exclusively for lead-acid accumulators. For instance, sibling categories like 8549.12 and 8549.14 address waste containing or not containing lead, cadmium, or mercury, and are further differentiated by being sorted or unsorted. 8549.13 and 8549.19 cover sorted waste not containing these specific heavy metals or other miscellaneous sorted waste, respectively.

The subcategories under 8549.11 further refine the classification based on the intended use of the recovered materials. 8549.11.10 is for waste and scrap destined specifically for the recovery of lead, highlighting the primary valuable component. The remaining waste and scrap, not intended for lead recovery or falling into other specific uses, are classified under 8549.11.90.00. This bifurcation allows for more precise tracking and potential differentiated tariffs or regulations based on the recovery process and its intended outcome.