8549.12 - Other, containing lead, cadmium or mercury:

This category, HTS Code 8549.12, encompasses waste and scrap materials derived from primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators, specifically those that are spent and contain lead, cadmium, or mercury. This designation applies to discarded electrical energy storage devices where these specific hazardous heavy metals are present as a significant component. Examples include used button cells, spent nickel-cadmium batteries, and scrap from lead-acid batteries that have not been otherwise sorted or processed for recovery.

This classification is distinct from its sibling categories primarily based on the presence of lead, cadmium, or mercury. HTS 8549.11 specifically covers waste and scrap from lead-acid accumulators, indicating a focus on that particular chemistry. Conversely, HTS 8549.13 and 8549.14 deal with sorted or unsorted waste and scrap that *do not* contain lead, cadmium, or mercury. HTS 8549.19 is a more general "other" category for waste and scrap of primary cells, batteries, and accumulators that fall outside the more specific breakdowns.

Within HTS 8549.12, further subclassification is provided to differentiate based on the intended recovery of specific materials. HTS 8549.12.40.00 specifically denotes waste and scrap containing lead, cadmium, or mercury that is intended for the recovery of lead. The remaining materials within this group, not specifically destined for lead recovery, are classified under HTS 8549.12.80.00, which serves as a residual category for other waste and scrap containing these regulated metals.