Zirconium Scrap from Nuclear Reactor Components
Waste zirconium material recovered from decommissioned nuclear fuel cladding, containing less than 1 part hafnium per 500 parts zirconium by weight. Classified under HTS 8109.31.00.00 as zirconium waste and scrap due to its low hafnium content and unsuitability for direct reuse without refining. This scrap is commonly recycled for new zirconium alloy production.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If in unwrought forms like ingots or billets
Unwrought zirconium, even low hafnium, shifts to 8109.21 if not considered waste.
If containing precious metals from jewelry scrap
Scrap with recoverable gold/platinum moves to Chapter 71 for precious metal waste.
If in slag or ash form from processing
Zirconium-bearing slags classified as other mineral waste under 2620.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• ,Include material safety data sheets (MSDS) due to potential radioactivity from nuclear origins
• Avoid misclassification as unwrought zirconium (8109.21) by documenting scrap condition
Related Products under HTS 8109.31.00.00
Low-Hafnium Zirconium Turning Scrap
Machining turnings and chips from zirconium alloy aerospace parts, with hafnium below 1:500 ratio by weight. Falls under HTS 8109.31.00.00 as zirconium waste and scrap, distinct from wrought articles due to fragmented, contaminated state requiring remelting.
Zirconium Heat Exchanger Scrap
Scrap from failed plate heat exchangers in petrochemical plants, low hafnium zirconium sheets and tubes. HTS 8109.31.00.00 as waste due to pitting and weld failures rendering it non-repairable.
Pharmaceutical Reactor Zirconium Scrap
Cuttings and offcuts from zirconium vessels in pharma API synthesis, hafnium-compliant for 8109.31.00.00. Classified as scrap for its fabrication waste nature.
Zirconium Welding Rod Waste
Overrun and defective welding rods from nuclear fabricators, low hafnium per HTS 8109.31.00.00. Waste status from quality rejects.
Test Sample Zirconium Clippings
Small clippings from quality control tests on zirconium sheets for medical implants, under hafnium limit. HTS 8109.31.00.00 as lab-generated scrap.
Zirconium Extrusion Scrap Billets
Rejected extrusion billets from tube production, hafnium <1:500. Scrap under 8109.31.00.00 due to surface defects.