Block 14: Waste Identification and Classification
Block 14: Waste Identification and Classification
← Basel Knowledge Hub/Basel Form Guide/ Block 14
Block 14 — Quick Reference
Waste Identification and Classification
Assigns Basel Y-codes, A/B-codes, H hazard codes, UN numbers, and customs HS codes to formally classify the waste under international law.
Basel Article
Annexes I, II, VIII, IX
Rejection Risk
Critical — Wrong codes = illegal traffic
ULAB Code
Y31 / A1181 / H6, H8
What Block 14 Captures
Block 14 is the legal classification of your waste under the Basel Convention. It assigns four distinct code types: the Y-code (Annex I category), the A or B-code (Annex VIII/IX list), the H hazard characteristic code, and the UN transport number. Optionally, the customs HS code is also recorded here for border clearance purposes. This block determines whether the waste is subject to the full prior informed consent (PIC) procedure, the simplified procedure, or whether it is classified as non-hazardous. An incorrect classification in Block 14 does not just result in rejection — it can constitute illegal traffic under Article 9 of the Basel Convention, with criminal liability in some jurisdictions.
ULAB Reference Codes — Block 14
Code Type Code Description Y-code Y31 Lead-acid batteries — used/scrap A-code A1181 Waste lead-acid batteries, whole or crushed (Annex VIII — hazardous) H-code H6.1, H8 H6.1: Toxic substances; H8: Corrosives (sulphuric acid) UN Number UN 2794 Batteries, wet, filled with acid (for intact ULAB) HS Code 8548.10 Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators (customs)
How to Complete Block 14
1
Enter Y-code(s).
For ULAB: Y31. If the waste includes other battery types (nickel-cadmium, lithium), add their Y-codes as well. Multiple Y-codes are permitted. See
E-Waste Classifications
for codes beyond ULAB.
2
Enter Annex VIII or IX code.
For ULAB: A1181 (Annex VIII — confirms hazardous classification). Check Annex IX (B-codes) only if claiming non-hazardous status for a specific fraction. Most ULAB export requires A1181, not a B-code.
3
Enter H hazard code(s).
For ULAB: H6.1 (toxic, for lead content) and H8 (corrosive, for sulphuric acid electrolyte). Both codes typically apply. Some notifiers also add H13 (capable of yielding hazardous substances after disposal) depending on CA requirements in the destination country.
4
Enter UN transport number.
For intact ULAB: UN 2794. For crushed/processed batteries: UN 2800 (batteries, wet, non-spillable) or confirm with your dangerous goods consultant. The UN number governs transport documentation, not just the Basel form.
5
Enter HS code (customs field).
Use 8548.10 for scrap batteries. This code is used by customs authorities for tariff classification. Some countries have export licensing requirements tied to this HS code — verify with your freight forwarder before finalising.
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Wrong Classification = Illegal Traffic
Under Article 9 of the Basel Convention, waste transported with incorrect or falsified classification constitutes illegal traffic. This exposes the exporter, carrier, and receiving facility to criminal liability. If you are unsure which codes apply to a mixed waste stream, seek qualified legal or technical advice before submitting the notification.
Common Errors → Correct Approach
❌ Wrong
Using B1160 (Annex IX) to claim non-hazardous status for mixed ULAB loads without confirmation of B1160 eligibility
✅ Correct
ULAB for recovery require A1181 (Annex VIII). B1160 applies only to cleaned, drained, and otherwise processed battery fractions — not whole used batteries
❌ Wrong
Declaring H8 only and omitting H6.1 — underreporting hazard characteristics to avoid routing restrictions
✅ Correct
Declare all applicable H-codes. For ULAB: H6.1 and H8 both apply. Omitting a hazard code is misrepresentation under the Convention.
❌ Wrong
Using Y49 (e-waste category) for lead-acid batteries because it seems broader
✅ Correct
Use Y31 for lead-acid batteries specifically. Y49 applies to e-waste equipment. Using the wrong Y-code causes classification mismatches that trigger CA queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A1181 and B1160 for battery waste?
▼
A1181 (Annex VIII) classifies waste lead-acid batteries as hazardous, triggering the full PIC procedure. B1160 (Annex IX) classifies used batteries destined for direct re-use as non-hazardous, subject only to the Article 11 bilateral agreement procedure. For whole ULAB destined for smelting or recycling — not re-use — A1181 is the correct classification. Using B1160 for recycling-bound ULAB is a misclassification.
Does the Basel Ban Amendment affect which codes I use?
▼
The Basel Ban Amendment (Decision III/1) prohibits hazardous waste exports from Annex VII countries (OECD, EU, Liechtenstein) to non-Annex VII countries for disposal. Codes alone do not change — but the Ban Amendment determines whether your movement is legally permissible at all, regardless of correct coding. If exporting from an OECD country to a non-OECD country, verify Ban Amendment applicability before filing.
Can I use the same Block 14 codes for all battery types?
▼
No. Each battery chemistry has specific codes. Lead-acid: Y31/A1181. Nickel-cadmium: Y26/A1020. Lithium: covered under Y31 for used batteries but may also require Y36 (organics) depending on composition. Mixed battery loads require multiple Y-codes and the applicable A-codes for each type present in the shipment.
Supporting Documents
- Basel Annex VIII – List A- Basel Annex VIII (List A) hazardous waste entries.
- Basel Annex IX – List B- Basel Annex IX (List B) non-hazardous entries.
- Basel Waste Identification Tool- Waste identification decision tool for Basel classification.
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DexMetal Expert Tip
Block 14 is the block most frequently scrutinised by competent authorities. Before submission, cross-reference your codes against the Basel Convention Annexes directly atbasel.int. A second set of eyes from a qualified Basel consultant on Block 14 alone is worth the cost for first-time notifiers.
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