Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators - Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators

Subheading 854911 covers waste and scrap of primary cells and batteries and of electric accumulators that are lead-acid. Typical goods include spent automotive batteries, starter batteries, traction batteries and stationary batteries based on lead and sulphuric acid. Lead-acid battery waste is one of the most important non-ferrous metal recycling streams due to the value of lead and ease of processing. Subheading 854911 covers waste in the form of both complete spent batteries and their fragments. Lead-acid battery waste must be distinguished from lithium battery waste (854914) and manganese battery waste (854913). Classification follows the GIR, rules 1 and 6.

Transboundary movement of lead-acid battery waste under 854911 is subject to Regulation (EU) 1013/2006 on waste shipments (Waste Shipment Regulation) implementing the Basel Convention. Lead-acid battery waste is classified as hazardous waste due to its lead and sulphuric acid content. Transboundary movement requires a prior informed consent procedure with competent authorities of the countries of export, import and transit. The Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 introduces comprehensive requirements for collection, recycling and material recovery. WEEE 2 applies to waste electrical equipment containing batteries. CBAM does not apply.

Current MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC. Transboundary trade in lead-acid battery waste requires compliance with the Waste Shipment Regulation, including obtaining consent from competent national authorities. The importer must hold authorised waste recipient status and the capacity to process or recycle waste according to EU standards. The Basel Convention prohibits export of hazardous waste from OECD to non-OECD countries. National VAT is charged on import. Current TARIC codes should be checked before clearance.

Importing lead-acid battery waste (CN 8549 11) into the European Union requires compliance with RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) and CE marking. An EORI number and correct customs declaration are mandatory. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC, as ITA preferences or EU FTA rates (e.g. CETA, EPA, EU-Korea) may apply. Import from Russia and Belarus is subject to EU sanctions. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.