HS Code:
The 'Unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury' category typically refers to waste and scrap materials, often under HS Code 8549.11 or related codes, which include electrical and electronic waste that does not contain hazardous substances like lead, cadmium, or mercury. This category is significant in global trade due to the increasing focus on recycling and sustainable waste management. It encompasses materials from various industries, including electronics and manufacturing, that are processed for recovery of valuable components while adhering to environmental regulations such as the Basel Convention.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$600 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$500 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$400 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
3.5%
Highest Rate
8% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic recycling industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for recycled materials
Increased trade volume as countries seek to recover valuable metals and components from e-waste, driven by circular economy policies.
2021-2023
Stricter environmental regulations
Higher compliance costs but improved safety standards, leading to a shift in trade towards certified recyclers in developed nations.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in sorting
Enhanced efficiency in identifying and separating non-hazardous waste, boosting trade in this category by reducing contamination risks.
2022
The European Union updated its Circular Economy Action Plan, introducing stricter rules on e-waste exports and incentivizing recycling within member states.
March 2023
Likely to reduce export volumes from the EU to non-EU countries while increasing intra-EU trade in this category.
New amendments to the Basel Convention tightened controls on transboundary movements of e-waste, including non-hazardous categories, to prevent illegal dumping.
January 2022
Increased documentation and compliance costs for exporters, potentially slowing trade to developing regions.
A bilateral agreement between the US and China eased restrictions on certain recyclable materials, including non-hazardous e-waste, to promote sustainable trade.
September 2022
Expected to boost trade volumes between the two countries in this category by 10-15% over the next two years.