Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy, including generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and application field, and 8507 is dedicated to storage batteries, reflecting their independent status in electrical energy storage. Heading 8507 covers storage batteries, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and other types of rechargeable batteries, as well as their parts. This heading distinguishes batteries of different electrochemical systems and further subdivides them by use (such as for starting piston engines, industrial use, portable use, etc.) and electrode material. 850710 specifically refers to lead-acid storage batteries used for starting piston engines. These batteries use lead and sulfuric acid as their main materials, have high-current discharge characteristics, and are widely used for starting internal combustion engines in automobiles, motorcycles, etc. First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, the chapter on electrical equipment. Digits 3-4, 07: indicates heading 8507, namely storage batteries. Digits 5-6, 10: indicates subheading 850710, specifically lead-acid storage batteries used for starting piston engines. This subheading is usually not further subdivided, but some countries may further divide it according to rated voltage, capacity, etc. Coding hierarchy logic: chapter → heading → subheading, refined level by level, with 850710 precisely identifying starting-type lead-acid batteries, distinct from other lead-acid batteries (such as 850720 other lead-acid storage batteries) and lithium-ion batteries (850760). This product is a lead-acid storage battery and is specially used for starting piston engines (such as automobile starter batteries), so it is classified under 850710. If it is a lead-acid battery for other uses (such as energy storage or power), it is classified under 850720; if it is a lithium-ion battery, even if it is also used for starting, it is classified under 850760. The core determination for 850710 lies in the dual conditions of electrochemical system (lead-acid) and main use (starting piston engines).
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy, including generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and application field, and 8507 is dedicated to storage batteries, reflecting their independent status in electrical energy storage.
Heading
Heading 8507 covers storage batteries, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and other types of rechargeable batteries, as well as their parts. This heading distinguishes batteries of different electrochemical systems and further subdivides them by use (such as for starting piston engines, industrial use, portable use, etc.) and electrode material. 850710 specifically refers to lead-acid storage batteries used for starting piston engines. These batteries use lead and sulfuric acid as their main materials, have high-current discharge characteristics, and are widely used for starting internal combustion engines in automobiles, motorcycles, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, the chapter on electrical equipment. Digits 3-4, 07: indicates heading 8507, namely storage batteries. Digits 5-6, 10: indicates subheading 850710, specifically lead-acid storage batteries used for starting piston engines. This subheading is usually not further subdivided, but some countries may further divide it according to rated voltage, capacity, etc. Coding hierarchy logic: chapter → heading → subheading, refined level by level, with 850710 precisely identifying starting-type lead-acid batteries, distinct from other lead-acid batteries (such as 850720 other lead-acid storage batteries) and lithium-ion batteries (850760).
Classification Basis
This product is a lead-acid storage battery and is specially used for starting piston engines (such as automobile starter batteries), so it is classified under 850710. If it is a lead-acid battery for other uses (such as energy storage or power), it is classified under 850720; if it is a lithium-ion battery, even if it is also used for starting, it is classified under 850760. The core determination for 850710 lies in the dual conditions of electrochemical system (lead-acid) and main use (starting piston engines).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the battery type, such as "lead-acid storage battery (for starting use)." Use: Clearly state the main use of the battery, such as "used for starting piston engines of automobiles, motorcycles, etc." Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the battery; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the model or specification code of the battery, such as "55B24L." Rated Voltage: Fill in the nominal voltage of the battery in volts (V), such as "12V." Rated Capacity: Fill in the rated capacity of the battery in ampere-hours (Ah), such as "45Ah." Electrode Material: Indicate that the electrodes are lead and lead dioxide, and the electrolyte is sulfuric acid. Sealed or Not: State whether the battery is sealed valve-regulated (VRLA) or flooded. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Lead-acid storage battery (for starting use)
Use: Used for starting automobile piston engines
Brand: VARTA
Model: 55B24L
Rated Voltage: 12V
Rated Capacity: 45Ah
Electrode Material: Lead, lead dioxide, sulfuric acid
Sealed or Not: Sealed valve-regulated
HS Code: 8507100000
Declaration elements are complete and compliant. The use is not specific enough and does not clearly state "starting piston engines," which may lead to classification errors. Rated capacity is confused with cold cranking amps; the latter is measured in CCA, not Ah. Ignoring electrode materials and incorrectly declaring as lithium-ion batteries may trigger classification disputes.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the battery type, such as "lead-acid storage battery (for starting use)."
⚠️ Writing only "storage battery" or "battery" without indicating lead-acid and starting use.
Use
Clearly state the main use of the battery, such as "used for starting piston engines of automobiles, motorcycles, etc."
⚠️ Filling in "for automobiles" is too broad and does not emphasize the starting function.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the battery; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the model or specification code of the battery, such as "55B24L."
⚠️ Model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual product.
Rated Voltage
Fill in the nominal voltage of the battery in volts (V), such as "12V."
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in charging voltage or operating voltage range.
Rated Capacity
Fill in the rated capacity of the battery in ampere-hours (Ah), such as "45Ah."
⚠️ Incorrect capacity unit or filling in cold cranking amps (CCA).
Electrode Material
Indicate that the electrodes are lead and lead dioxide, and the electrolyte is sulfuric acid.
⚠️ Incorrectly writing lithium-ion or other materials.
Sealed or Not
State whether the battery is sealed valve-regulated (VRLA) or flooded.
⚠️ Ignoring the sealing type, which affects classification or regulatory conditions.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Lead-acid storage battery (for starting use)
Use: Used for starting automobile piston engines
Brand: VARTA
Model: 55B24L
Rated Voltage: 12V
Rated Capacity: 45Ah
Electrode Material: Lead, lead dioxide, sulfuric acid
Sealed or Not: Sealed valve-regulated
HS Code: 8507100000
Declaration elements are complete and compliant.
Common Mistakes:
The use is not specific enough and does not clearly state "starting piston engines," which may lead to classification errors.
Rated capacity is confused with cold cranking amps; the latter is measured in CCA, not Ah.
Ignoring electrode materials and incorrectly declaring as lithium-ion batteries may trigger classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1. The electrochemical system is lead-acid; 2. The main use is starting piston engines. According to HS notes, 850710 applies only to lead-acid storage batteries for starting piston engines, regardless of whether they also have other uses (such as lighting). If the battery is for other uses (such as energy storage or power), even if it is lead-acid, it is classified under 850720. If it is a lithium-ion battery, even if used for starting, it is classified under 850760. Therefore, both conditions of lead-acid and starting use must be met simultaneously. 850720 Other lead-acid storage batteries: 850720 covers lead-acid batteries other than those for starting piston engines, such as energy storage batteries, power batteries, stationary batteries, etc. The core difference lies in use: 850710 is dedicated to starting, while 850720 is for other uses. 850760 Lithium-ion storage batteries: 850760 is for lithium-ion batteries, which have a different electrochemical system. Even if a lithium-ion battery is used for starting piston engines, it is classified under 850760, not 850710. 850780 Other storage batteries: 850780 includes other types of storage batteries such as nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and sodium-sulfur, excluding lead-acid and lithium-ion. If a battery is nickel-cadmium and used for starting, it is classified under 850780. 850790 Parts of storage batteries: 850790 is for dedicated parts of storage batteries, such as battery cases, separators, electrodes, etc. Complete batteries are classified under 850710-850780, and parts under 850790. 851110 Spark plugs: 851110 is for parts of ignition systems for internal combustion engines and has a different function from storage batteries. However, the two often appear together in automobile parts, so attention must be paid to distinguishing them. Is the battery a lead-acid system? Is the battery mainly used for starting piston engines? Does it simultaneously meet lead-acid and starting use requirements? Could it be incorrectly classified under 850720 or 850760? Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1. The electrochemical system is lead-acid; 2. The main use is starting piston engines. According to HS notes, 850710 applies only to lead-acid storage batteries for starting piston engines, regardless of whether they also have other uses (such as lighting). If the battery is for other uses (such as energy storage or power), even if it is lead-acid, it is classified under 850720. If it is a lithium-ion battery, even if used for starting, it is classified under 850760. Therefore, both conditions of lead-acid and starting use must be met simultaneously.
Confused Codes:
850720 - Other lead-acid storage batteries
850720 covers lead-acid batteries other than those for starting piston engines, such as energy storage batteries, power batteries, stationary batteries, etc. The core difference lies in use: 850710 is dedicated to starting, while 850720 is for other uses.
850760 - Lithium-ion storage batteries
850760 is for lithium-ion batteries, which have a different electrochemical system. Even if a lithium-ion battery is used for starting piston engines, it is classified under 850760, not 850710.
850780 - Other storage batteries
850780 includes other types of storage batteries such as nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and sodium-sulfur, excluding lead-acid and lithium-ion. If a battery is nickel-cadmium and used for starting, it is classified under 850780.
850790 - Parts of storage batteries
850790 is for dedicated parts of storage batteries, such as battery cases, separators, electrodes, etc. Complete batteries are classified under 850710-850780, and parts under 850790.
851110 - Spark plugs
851110 is for parts of ignition systems for internal combustion engines and has a different function from storage batteries. However, the two often appear together in automobile parts, so attention must be paid to distinguishing them.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the battery a lead-acid system?
✓ Is the battery mainly used for starting piston engines?
✓ Does it simultaneously meet lead-acid and starting use requirements?
✓ Could it be incorrectly classified under 850720 or 850760?
✓ Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
❓ FAQ
How can I query the exact tax rate for HS code 850710? Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements, which require a certificate of origin. What certifications are required for exporting lead-acid storage batteries? Exporting lead-acid storage batteries usually requires a UN38.3 test report (transport safety), MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), dangerous goods packaging certificate, etc. Some countries also require certifications such as CE and UL. The specifics depend on the destination country's regulations. What is the difference in classification between lead-acid batteries for starting and lead-acid batteries for energy storage? Lead-acid batteries for starting are classified under 850710, and lead-acid batteries for energy storage under 850720. The key difference is use: the former is dedicated to starting piston engines, while the latter is used for energy storage, backup power, etc. The use must be clearly stated at declaration. If a battery can be used both for starting and for energy storage, how should it be classified? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, it should be classified according to its principal use. If it is mainly designed for starting piston engines, it is classified under 850710; if it is mainly designed for energy storage, it is classified under 850720. Design specifications, sales materials, and other evidence of principal use must be provided. In the declaration elements for lead-acid storage batteries, what is the difference between rated capacity and cold cranking amps? Rated capacity (Ah) indicates the amount of electricity a battery can provide under specified conditions; cold cranking amps (CCA) indicates its ability to start an engine at low temperatures. The two have different units. At declaration, rated capacity should be filled in, not CCA. What taxes and fees are required for importing lead-acid storage batteries? Usually involves tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable). Specific rates vary by country and may be affected by trade agreements. It is recommended to check the customs tariff schedule or consult a customs broker. Is the HS code for lead-acid storage batteries globally uniform? The first 6 digits of the HS code are uniform internationally, but countries may further subdivide the later digits. For example, China may further subdivide under 850710 by voltage or capacity. When exporting, the complete code of the destination country must be confirmed. How can classification errors for lead-acid storage batteries be avoided? Focus on confirming the electrochemical system (lead-acid) and use (starting piston engines). Keep product specifications, use statements, and other evidence. If uncertain, apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: How can I query the exact tax rate for HS code 850710?
A: Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements, which require a certificate of origin.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting lead-acid storage batteries?
A: Exporting lead-acid storage batteries usually requires a UN38.3 test report (transport safety), MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), dangerous goods packaging certificate, etc. Some countries also require certifications such as CE and UL. The specifics depend on the destination country's regulations.
Q: What is the difference in classification between lead-acid batteries for starting and lead-acid batteries for energy storage?
A: Lead-acid batteries for starting are classified under 850710, and lead-acid batteries for energy storage under 850720. The key difference is use: the former is dedicated to starting piston engines, while the latter is used for energy storage, backup power, etc. The use must be clearly stated at declaration.
Q: If a battery can be used both for starting and for energy storage, how should it be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, it should be classified according to its principal use. If it is mainly designed for starting piston engines, it is classified under 850710; if it is mainly designed for energy storage, it is classified under 850720. Design specifications, sales materials, and other evidence of principal use must be provided.
Q: In the declaration elements for lead-acid storage batteries, what is the difference between rated capacity and cold cranking amps?
A: Rated capacity (Ah) indicates the amount of electricity a battery can provide under specified conditions; cold cranking amps (CCA) indicates its ability to start an engine at low temperatures. The two have different units. At declaration, rated capacity should be filled in, not CCA.
Q: What taxes and fees are required for importing lead-acid storage batteries?
A: Usually involves tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable). Specific rates vary by country and may be affected by trade agreements. It is recommended to check the customs tariff schedule or consult a customs broker.
Q: Is the HS code for lead-acid storage batteries globally uniform?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code are uniform internationally, but countries may further subdivide the later digits. For example, China may further subdivide under 850710 by voltage or capacity. When exporting, the complete code of the destination country must be confirmed.
Q: How can classification errors for lead-acid storage batteries be avoided?
A: Focus on confirming the electrochemical system (lead-acid) and use (starting piston engines). Keep product specifications, use statements, and other evidence. If uncertain, apply to customs for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.