8549.31.00.00 - 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)

HTS Code 8549.31.00.00 specifically classifies "Other electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards" that contain certain hazardous or regulated materials. This includes items such as assemblies, sub-assemblies, and printed circuit boards that incorporate 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). The presence of these specific hazardous constituents is the defining characteristic for classification under this sub-heading.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 8549.39.00.00, by the explicit inclusion of components containing the specified hazardous materials. While both subheadings fall under "Other electrical and electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards," 8549.31.00.00 is reserved for those assemblies and boards where the hazardous content, as listed, is a material factor. This distinction is crucial for ensuring proper handling, disposal, and compliance with regulations concerning hazardous waste.

As a leaf node, 8549.31.00.00 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, classification within this heading relies solely on the presence or absence of the listed regulated components and materials within the electrical or electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards being classified. Importers and exporters must carefully examine the composition of the goods to determine if they fall under this specific classification due to the presence of cadmium, mercury, lead, PCBs, or specific types of activated glass or batteries.