HS Code: 850680
Other primary batteries
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter has an extremely broad scope, ranging from power generation, transformation, and energy storage equipment to consumer electronics. Primary cells, as independent power sources that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy, are important foundational products of this chapter and are widely used in portable electronic devices, medical devices, emergency power supplies, and other fields.
Heading
Heading 8506 specifically refers to primary cells (primary batteries), i.e., non-rechargeable chemical power sources. It covers primary cells of various electrochemical systems, such as zinc-manganese, alkaline manganese, zinc-silver, lithium primary batteries, etc., including various physical forms such as cylindrical, button, and prismatic. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include storage batteries (secondary batteries, classified under 8507) or parts of primary cells (classified under subsequent subheadings of 8506 or 8507, etc.).
Digit Breakdown
Code 850680 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 8506 (primary cells and primary batteries); digits 5-6 "80" represent subheading 8506.80, i.e., "other primary cells." This subheading is a residual subheading covering primary cells not named in 8506.10 to 8506.50, such as zinc-air batteries, magnesium-manganese batteries, thermal batteries, and other special systems. It should be noted that 8506.80 refers only to primary cells (primary batteries) and does not include storage batteries.
Classification Basis
This product is a primary cell (primary battery), non-rechargeable, meeting the definition of heading 8506. If it were a rechargeable storage battery, it should be classified under 8507; if it were a part of a primary cell, it might be classified under a parts subheading of 8506 or 8507. As an "other" subheading, 8506.80 applies to primary cell types not specifically named, such as special primary cells other than lithium-manganese dioxide button cells.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as "alkaline zinc-manganese primary battery," "lithium primary battery," etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Filling in "battery" generically without distinguishing primary cells from storage batteries.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the battery; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the model or specification of the battery, such as AA, AAA, CR2032, etc.
⚠️ Incomplete model information, making it impossible to determine battery size and electrochemical system.
Electrochemical System
Explain the chemical system of the battery, such as alkaline zinc-manganese, lithium-manganese dioxide, zinc-air, etc.
⚠️ Misreporting lithium-ion batteries as lithium primary batteries, leading to classification errors.
Rechargeable or Not
Clearly declare as "non-rechargeable" (primary cell) or "rechargeable" (storage battery).
⚠️ Ignoring this item, leading to classification under 8507 storage battery subheading.
Appearance and Dimensions
Describe the shape and dimensions of the battery, such as cylindrical, button, prismatic, and specific dimensions.
⚠️ Writing only "small battery," which cannot meet classification requirements.
Use
Explain the main use of the battery, such as for watches, remote controls, medical devices, etc.
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as "for electronic products."
Packaging Specification
Fill in the packaging method of the battery, such as single blister pack, bulk box, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring packaging specifications, affecting customs value and regulatory conditions.
Example:
Product Name: Alkaline zinc-manganese primary battery; Brand: Duracell; Model: MN1500; Electrochemical System: Alkaline zinc-manganese; Rechargeable or Not: Non-rechargeable; Appearance and Dimensions: Cylindrical, diameter 14.5mm, height 50.5mm; Use: For remote controls, toys; Packaging Specification: 4 cells/card, 12 cards/box.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First, determine whether it is a primary cell (primary battery), i.e., a non-rechargeable chemical power source. Second, determine the specific subheading based on the electrochemical system, shape, etc. 8506.80 is a residual subheading applicable to primary cells not named in 8506.10 to 8506.50. If it is a storage battery, it is classified under 8507. If it is a part of a primary cell, it is handled according to the principles for classifying parts.
Confused Codes:
850610 - Manganese dioxide primary cells
850610 specifically refers to primary cells with manganese dioxide as the positive active material, such as zinc-manganese batteries; while 850680 covers primary cells of other electrochemical systems, such as lithium primary batteries, zinc-air batteries, etc.
850650 - Lithium primary cells
850650 specifically refers to lithium primary cells (primary lithium batteries), such as lithium-manganese dioxide batteries; 850680 includes other primary cells of non-lithium systems.
850760 - Lithium-ion storage batteries
850760 refers to rechargeable lithium-ion storage batteries, which are secondary batteries; 850680 refers to non-rechargeable primary cells, and the two differ in chemical principles and uses.
850780 - Other storage batteries
850780 refers to other rechargeable storage batteries, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries; 850680 refers to non-rechargeable primary cells, with the core difference being rechargeability.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 850680?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the Customs Import and Export Tariff, enter HS code 850680, and check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, and consumption tax. You can also obtain real-time tariff rates through the Single Window or by consulting a customs broker. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff schedule should prevail.
Q: How are primary cells and storage batteries distinguished in HS codes?
A: Primary cells (primary batteries) are non-rechargeable and are classified under 8506; storage batteries (secondary batteries) are rechargeable and are classified under 8507. When declaring, it is necessary to specify "rechargeable or not" and provide proof of the electrochemical system. Misreporting may lead to classification errors, supplementary taxes, or penalties.
Q: What common primary cells fall under subheading 850680?
A: Common ones include zinc-air batteries, magnesium-manganese batteries, thermal batteries, seawater-activated batteries, and other special primary cells. In addition, other primary cells not named in 8506.10 to 8506.50 are also classified under this subheading. It should be noted that lithium primary batteries of the lithium-manganese dioxide system are usually classified under 850650.
Q: What special documents are required when declaring 850680?
A: Generally, basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are required. If the battery contains hazardous components, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and dangerous goods packaging certificate may be required. In addition, according to customs requirements, a certificate of origin, battery certification, etc., may be required.
Q: What regulatory conditions apply to the export of primary cells under 850680?
A: The export of primary cells may involve dangerous goods regulation and must comply with the Rules for the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Some batteries require a UN38.3 test report (for lithium batteries). Specific regulatory conditions can be checked in the regulatory condition codes issued by the General Administration of Customs, such as "A" for inbound goods customs clearance form and "B" for outbound goods customs clearance form.
Q: If a primary cell is used for medical devices, are there special classification provisions?
A: Classification is still determined by the characteristics of the battery itself, i.e., 850680. However, if a battery dedicated to a medical device is imported together with the equipment, it may be classified as a complete machine. Batteries imported separately are still classified under 8506. It should be noted that regulatory conditions for medical devices may require a medical device registration certificate.
Q: What are the differences in declaration elements between 850680 and 850610?
A: 850610 (manganese dioxide primary cells) requires key declaration that the positive active material is manganese dioxide, while 850680 requires specifying the specific electrochemical system (such as zinc-air, lithium, etc.). Both require declaration of brand, model, rechargeable or not, etc., but 850680 places more emphasis on the particularity of the "other" systems.
Q: How can cross-border e-commerce retail exports of primary cells simplify declaration?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail exports may use simplified declaration, but HS code 850680 must be truthfully filled in. Declaration can be made through the Cross-border E-commerce Customs Clearance Service Platform. Note that batteries may be subject to air transport restrictions and may require test reports such as UN38.3. It is recommended to confirm transport requirements with the logistics provider in advance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.