HS Code:
The Electrical and Electronic Waste and Scrap category (HS Code: 8549) encompasses waste and scrap of electrical and electronic equipment, including components like circuit boards, batteries, and other electronic materials that are no longer functional or are intended for recycling. This category is critical due to the environmental and health hazards posed by improper disposal, as well as the potential for recovering valuable materials such as copper, gold, and rare earth metals. Global trade in this category is driven by the need for sustainable recycling solutions and the increasing generation of e-waste due to rapid technological advancements and consumer electronics turnover.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.3%
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to discourage imports of e-waste)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for recycling initiatives)
Rising e-waste generation due to shorter product lifecycles
Increased demand for recycling infrastructure and cross-border trade of e-waste to countries with advanced processing capabilities
2022
Growing emphasis on circular economy policies
Governments and organizations are pushing for recovery of valuable materials from e-waste, boosting trade in scrap for recycling
2021
Technological advancements in recycling processes
Improved recovery rates of precious metals from e-waste, making trade more economically viable
2020
The European Union introduced stricter rules under the Waste Shipment Regulation to prevent illegal exports of e-waste to non-OECD countries, ensuring better tracking and accountability.
January 2023
Likely to reduce illegal trade and redirect e-waste to certified recycling facilities within or near the EU, affecting global trade flows.
China updated its import policies on scrap materials, further restricting the inflow of low-quality e-waste while allowing high-value recyclable materials under strict guidelines.
March 2022
Shifted e-waste trade to other Southeast Asian countries and increased domestic recycling efforts in exporting nations.
The United Nations released the 2022 Global E-Waste Monitor, highlighting that only 17.4% of e-waste is formally recycled, with significant volumes still entering informal and unregulated markets.
October 2022
Increased international pressure for better e-waste management systems and potential for new trade agreements focused on sustainable recycling.