Steel Slag
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2621100000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2621900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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ποΈ Steel Slag & Industrial Ash (Industrial Wastes & Residues)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Steel Slag"?
Steel slag is a by-product of steelmaking, formed during the removal of impurities from molten iron. In international trade and customs classification, it falls under Chapter 26 (Ores, Slag and Ash). It is broadly categorized based on its source and origin:
1. Municipal Waste Incineration Ash (2621.10): Ash and residues derived specifically from the burning of municipal solid waste. Note: While often grouped nearby, this is distinct from metallurgical slag unless mixed. 2. Other Slag, Ash, and Residues (2621.90): This category captures metallurgical by-products, including Steel Slag, industrial ash, and other residues not explicitly listed elsewhere.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the material is strictly municipal waste ash β It falls under 2621.10.
- If the material is industrial by-product (like steel slag, blast furnace slag, or mixed industrial ash) β It falls under 2621.90.
- Crucial Check: Many shipments labeled broadly as "Slag" are actually Steel Slag (Industrial), which maps to 2621.90. Misclassifying industrial slag as municipal waste ash can lead to severe penalties due to different tariff structures.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Origin Source |
|---|---|---|---|
2621.10.00.00 |
Ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste | Municipal garbage incineration plants, city waste management | Municipal |
2621.90.00.00 |
Other slag, ash, including seaweed ash; other ash and residues from incineration | Steel Slag, Blast Furnace Slag, Industrial Ash, Mixed Industrial Residues | Industrial/Metallurgical |
π Critical Reminder:
- Steel Slag is an industrial by-product of steel manufacturing. It is NOT municipal waste. Therefore, it must be classified under2621.90.00.00. - Classifying Steel Slag under2621.10is a common error that results in incorrect tax liability.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Note: Tariff rates may vary if origin is different, but below reflects current US-China trade context based on provided data)
β Effective Date: Current as of 2026
π― 1. 2621.10.00.00 β Ash from Municipal Waste Incineration
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/Retaliatory) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Bulk industrial/municipal waste usually excluded) |
π Explanation:
- While the base rate is low, the 7.5% additional tariff applies due to specific trade measures. - This code is strictly for municipal waste ash. If you ship steel slag here, you risk audit and back-taxes.
π― 2. 2621.90.00.00 β Other Slag, Ash, and Residues (Including Steel Slag)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/Retaliatory) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS:2621.90.00.00 β Section 301 Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- Steel Slag falls here. The total tax burden is 25%. - The 25% rate is a significant tariff barrier, often associated with Section 301 duties on Chinese-origin industrial goods. - Do not underestimate this cost: For a $100,000 shipment of steel slag, you owe $25,000 in duties alone.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Must state "China" if applicable; determines tariff eligibility. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Steel Slag," chemical composition, particle size, and industrial origin. |
| β Bill of Lading / Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and quantity must match invoice exactly. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must read: "Steel Slag, Industrial By-Product, HS 2621.90" β Avoid vague terms like "Sludge" or "Waste". |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Many countries classify slag as potentially hazardous. SDS proves non-hazardous nature if applicable. |
| β Import License/Permit | βοΈ | Some jurisdictions require special permits for importing industrial residues. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βBe Precise: Industrial Slag β Municipal Ashβ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Slag from Steel Mill | 2621.90.00.00 β "Steel Slag, Industrial Residue" |
2621.10.00.00 β "Municipal Ash" |
Back Taxes + Penalties: You would have underpaid 17.5% (25% - 7.5%). |
| Mixed Industrial Ash | 2621.90.00.00 |
2621.10.00.00 |
Penalties: Misclassification of waste type. |
| Seaweed Ash (Kelp) | 2621.90.00.00 |
2621.10.00.00 |
Penalties: Specific exemption lost. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Environmental Compliance | Ensure the steel slag does not contain excessive heavy metals. Provide lab test reports if customs requests it. |
| Bulk Shipping | Steel slag is often shipped in bulk vessels. Ensure stowage compatibility and provide "Dry Cargo" certification if not hazardous. |
| Origin Determination | If steel slag is recycled from scrap metal processing, ensure the origin is clearly marked. Recycled content may affect other trade preferences. |
| Volatility | Fresh steel slag can be reactive. Ensure it is cooled and stabilized before export to avoid safety incidents during transit. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2621.90.00.00 |
25.0% (Total) | Strict SDS, Origin Proof |
| π¨π³ China | 2621.90.00.00 |
0% (Export) / 5-10% (Import) | Environmental Permit |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2621.90 |
0-2% (Varies) | Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) compliance |
| π»π³ Vietnam | 2621.90 |
0-5% | Quality Inspection Certificate |
π Conclusion:
- The US market imposes a 25% tariff on industrial slag/ash from China.
- Municipal ash (2621.10) is taxed lower at 7.5%, but steel slag cannot be misclassified here.
- Always prioritize correct classification over tax minimization to avoid severe customs penalties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Labeling Steel Slag as "Municipal Waste Ash" to save taxes.
π Result: Customs audit reveals industrial origin. 17.5% underpayment penalty + fines.
β Mistake 2: Using vague descriptions like "Industrial Waste" or "Slag" without HS code.
π Result: Delayed clearance, potential seizure, or forced reclassification by customs.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring SDS/Environmental Reports.
π Result: Shipment held for environmental compliance checks, causing demurrage charges.
β Mistake 4: Assuming all "Ash" is the same.
π Result: Confusion between 2621.10 and 2621.90. Steel Slag is ALWAYS 2621.90.
β Correct Practice:
"Steel Slag, Granular, Industrial By-Product of Steel Manufacturing, HS Code 2621.90.00.00, Non-Hazardous, Certificate of Origin Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Steel Slag is Industrial, Not Municipal."
πΉ "HS 2621.90 Bears the 25% Burden."
πΉ "Misclassification is a Costly Gamble."
π Pro Tip:
If your steel slag is sourced from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, India, EU), the 25% Section 301 tariff may not apply. Check for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or MFN rates to reduce costs significantly. Always verify the Country of Origin on the Bill of Lading.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker to verify your specific steel slag composition.
π Prepare a detailed Product Specification and SDS.
π Ensure Accurate HS Code Declaration to avoid costly delays and penalties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Donβt Let Wrong HS Codes Cost You 25% of Your Shipment Value!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.