8549.91.00.00 - 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)
Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit of Quantity | kg |
| General Rate of Duty | Free |
| Special Rate of Duty | N/A |
| Column 2 Rate of Duty | Free |
| Quota Quantity | N/A |
| Additional Duties | N/A |
Overview
HTS 8549.91.00.00 classifies "other" electrical and electronic waste and scrap that specifically *contain* certain hazardous or regulated materials. This includes waste and scrap items that have as components, or are themselves, primary cells, primary batteries, electric accumulators, mercury switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical or electronic components that inherently contain cadmium, mercury, lead, or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The key differentiator here is the presence of these specific materials, which often trigger special handling and disposal regulations.
This category stands apart from its sibling, HTS 8549.99.00.00 ("Other, other"), by its explicit requirement for the presence of the listed hazardous substances. While 8549.99.00.00 covers general residual waste or scrap not otherwise specified within the broader e-waste categories, 8549.91.00.00 is reserved for those instances where the hazardous composition is a defining characteristic of the e-waste. This distinction is crucial for regulatory compliance, particularly concerning environmental protection and waste management directives.
As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification under 8549.91.00.00 relies on the positive identification of the hazardous components mentioned in the description. Importers and exporters must carefully inspect the waste or scrap to determine if it contains any of these specific materials. For instance, old CRT monitors would fall here due to their activated glass, as would batteries containing lead or cadmium, and electronic components made with mercury or PCBs.