💾 Data Updated: Latest version • Last updated: December 09, 2025

8549.12.40.00 - For recovery of lead 🖩

Details

FieldValue
Unit of QuantityNo., kg
General Rate of Duty (Column 1 - General)Free
Special Rate of Duty (Column 1 - Special)N/A
Column 2 Rate of Duty11.5%
Quota QuantityN/A
Additional DutiesN/A
About Duty Rates: Rates are divided into Column 1 and Column 2. Column 1 is subdivided into General (normal trade relations rates for all countries not eligible for special programs) and Special (preferential rates for countries with free trade agreements or preference programs). Column 2 rates apply to products from Cuba, North Korea, Belarus, and Russia. When no special rate exists for a classification, General rates apply.

Overview

This HTS classification, 8549.12.40.00, specifically covers waste and scrap materials from primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators that are intended for the recovery of lead. This includes materials such as spent lead-acid batteries, lead battery plates, and other lead-containing scrap derived from these electrical power sources, where the primary objective of their importation or exportation is the extraction and recycling of lead. The defining characteristic is the presence of lead in a form that makes its recovery economically viable or technically feasible.

This category is distinct from its sibling, 8549.12.80.00, which is designated for "Other" waste and scrap of primary cells, batteries, and accumulators containing lead, cadmium, or mercury. While both categories deal with lead-bearing waste, 8549.12.40.00 is narrowly defined for lead recovery purposes, implying a specific intention and potential processing direction. The "Other" category would encompass lead-bearing waste materials that do not meet the specific criteria for lead recovery or where the primary recovery objective is for other metals or materials, or where the lead content is incidental.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification under 8549.12.40.00 hinges on the material's composition, its origin from primary cells, batteries, or accumulators, and the explicit purpose of lead recovery. Importers and exporters must be prepared to demonstrate this intended use, potentially through documentation or evidence of planned recycling processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

›What is HTS code 8549.12.40.00?
HTS code 8549.12.40.00 covers For recovery of lead under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule. It falls under Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles.
›What products are classified under 8549.12.40.00?
This classification covers For recovery of lead. It is a subcategory of Other, containing lead, cadmium or mercury: (8549.12).
›What is the import duty rate for 8549.12.40.00?
The general rate of duty for HTS 8549.12.40.00 is Free. The Column 2 rate is 11.5%.
›What unit of quantity is used for 8549.12.40.00?
Imports under HTS 8549.12.40.00 are measured in No.","kg.

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