Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) but excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste

HS code 262190 covers a diverse range of slag and ash materials that are not classified elsewhere in chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. This includes seaweed ash, commonly known as kelp, as well as various industrial byproducts and residues. These materials play a crucial role in a wide array of industries, from construction and agriculture to chemical processing and environmental remediation. Understanding the production, inputs, and applications of these slag and ash materials is essential for businesses engaged in import/export activities across multiple sectors.

The production of slag and ash materials covered under HS code 262190 can vary significantly depending on the specific source and composition. In general, these materials are generated as byproducts or residues from various industrial processes, such as metal smelting, coal combustion, and waste incineration. The key production techniques often involve the controlled cooling and processing of molten slag, the collection and processing of ash from industrial furnaces, or the harvesting and processing of seaweed to extract the desired ash components.

The primary inputs for the industries covered under HS code 262190 include the raw materials that generate the slag and ash, such as metal ores, coal, and seaweed. Additionally, these industries may require specialized equipment and machinery for the collection, processing, and handling of the slag and ash materials. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also important inputs for the various production processes involved.

The diverse range of slag and ash materials classified under HS code 262190 have a wide variety of applications and end-uses. These materials can be used as construction aggregates, soil amendments in agriculture, raw materials for the production of 281820 (Aluminium oxide (alumina)) and 281511 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)) , and in various environmental remediation and waste management applications. The specific outputs and their downstream uses will depend on the composition and properties of the individual slag and ash materials.