HS Code: 850730
Nickel-metal hydride battery
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📋 Code Structure

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 one of the most technologically advanced chapters in the HS classification, covering various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, and utilization of electrical energy, including generator sets, transformers, batteries, household appliances, semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, etc. Goods of this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, distinguishing them from the mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84.
Heading
Heading 8507 specifically covers electric accumulators, including lead-acid accumulators, lithium-ion accumulators, nickel-metal hydride accumulators, nickel-cadmium accumulators, fuel cells, and other devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. This heading includes both lead-acid accumulators for starting piston engines and accumulators for other uses, but excludes primary cells (heading 8506) and waste batteries (heading 8548). The core characteristic of electric accumulators is that they are rechargeable and reusable.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., 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. Digits 3-4, 07: indicates heading 8507, i.e., electric accumulators, including various types of rechargeable batteries. Digits 5-6, 30: indicates subheading 850730, specifically nickel-metal hydride accumulators. This subheading is not further subdivided; all nickel-metal hydride accumulators are classified under this code. Nickel-metal hydride accumulators are secondary batteries using nickel hydroxide as the positive electrode, hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte, widely used in hybrid vehicles, consumer electronics, and other fields.
Classification Basis
Nickel-metal hydride accumulators are rechargeable electric accumulators whose working principle is based on the reversibility of electrochemical reactions, and are therefore classified under heading 8507 rather than primary cell heading 8506. Under 8507, they are further subdivided by electrode material into lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and other subheadings. Nickel-metal hydride accumulators use a hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode, distinguishing them from nickel-cadmium accumulators (cadmium negative electrode) and lithium-ion accumulators (lithium compounds), and are therefore classified under 850730.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the battery type, such as 'Nickel-Metal Hydride Accumulator.' Avoid using colloquial names or brand names.
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as 'rechargeable battery' or 'NiMH battery pack,' failing to reflect the legal name 'accumulator.'
Use
Describe the primary application scenario of the battery, such as hybrid vehicles, power tools, consumer electronics, etc. Use affects classification but is not the sole basis.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'for electronic products' without specifying whether it is for hybrid vehicles or portable devices.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the battery; if unbranded, fill in 'No Brand.' Brand helps customs identify the commodity.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or incomplete filling resulting in failure to identify.
Model
Fill in the model or specification code of the battery, such as AA, AAA, D type, or specific voltage and capacity parameters.
⚠️ Filling in the model as 'universal' or 'standard,' lacking unique identification.
Capacity
The rated capacity of the battery expressed in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh), which is an important technical parameter.
⚠️ Incorrect capacity unit, such as writing mAh as Ah, resulting in a 1000-fold numerical deviation.
Voltage
The rated voltage of the battery expressed in volts (V); nickel-metal hydride accumulators are typically 1.2V per cell.
⚠️ Filling in charging voltage instead of rated voltage, or omitting the unit.
Contains Electrolyte
Indicate whether the battery has been filled with electrolyte, which affects transportation and storage conditions. Nickel-metal hydride batteries typically contain alkaline electrolyte.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring 'does not contain electrolyte,' leading to incorrect dangerous goods transportation classification.
Packaging Specification
Fill in the packaging form of the battery, such as individual, set, industrial packaging, etc., which affects customs inspection and statistics.
⚠️ Filling in packaging specification as 'carton' without specifying inner packaging quantity or method.
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product Name: Nickel-Metal Hydride Accumulator Use: For hybrid vehicles Brand: Panasonic Model: HHR-3MRC Capacity: 2000mAh Voltage: 1.2V Contains Electrolyte: Yes Packaging Specification: 4 cells per box, 100 boxes per carton This declaration is complete, clearly stating the battery type, use, technical parameters, and packaging, helping customs quickly classify and inspect.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core classification criterion is the electrochemical system of the battery. Nickel-metal hydride accumulators use nickel hydroxide as the positive electrode, hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode, and alkaline electrolyte, and are rechargeable secondary batteries, thus classified under heading 8507. Under 8507, they are further subdivided by electrode material: lead-acid accumulators under 850710, nickel-cadmium accumulators under 850720, nickel-metal hydride accumulators under 850730, and lithium-ion accumulators under 850760. The difference between nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries lies in the negative electrode material: nickel-metal hydride uses hydrogen storage alloy, nickel-cadmium uses cadmium. The difference from lithium-ion batteries lies in the completely different electrolyte and electrode materials.
Confused Codes:
850610 - Manganese dioxide primary cells
Primary cells are non-rechargeable, single-use; nickel-metal hydride accumulators are rechargeable and cyclically usable. Classification requires confirming rechargeability.
850720 - Nickel-cadmium accumulators
Nickel-cadmium accumulators use cadmium as the negative electrode; nickel-metal hydride accumulators use hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode. They appear similar but differ in chemical composition and must be distinguished by technical parameters.
850760 - Lithium-ion accumulators
Lithium-ion accumulators use lithium compounds as electrodes and organic electrolyte; nickel-metal hydride accumulators use hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode and alkaline electrolyte. Voltage and energy density differ significantly.
850780 - Other accumulators
Other accumulators include sodium-sulfur batteries, flow batteries, etc. Nickel-metal hydride accumulators have a dedicated subheading and should not be classified under this code.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: What is the difference in HS codes between nickel-metal hydride accumulators and nickel-cadmium accumulators?
A: Nickel-metal hydride accumulators are classified under 850730, and nickel-cadmium accumulators under 850720. Both are alkaline secondary batteries, but the negative electrode materials differ: nickel-metal hydride batteries use hydrogen storage alloy as the negative electrode, while nickel-cadmium batteries use cadmium. Classification requires providing negative electrode material documentation, such as technical specifications or composition test reports.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for nickel-metal hydride accumulators?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the customs administration's official website or the International Trade Single Window, or consult a professional customs broker. Note the applicable conditions for MFN rates, agreement rates, and general rates.
Q: Do nickel-metal hydride accumulator exports require dangerous goods certification?
A: Nickel-metal hydride accumulators contain alkaline electrolyte and typically qualify as dangerous goods, requiring classification according to the United Nations 'Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.' Export requires providing MSDS, dangerous goods packaging certification, etc. For specific regulatory conditions, consult local customs.
Q: How are nickel-metal hydride accumulator packs for hybrid vehicles classified?
A: Nickel-metal hydride accumulator packs for hybrid vehicles are still classified under 850730, as their core component is the nickel-metal hydride accumulator. However, if integrated with motors, electronic controls, etc., they may be classified under 8703 or other codes as hybrid power systems. Classification depends on composition and function.
Q: Are capacity and voltage mandatory in the declaration elements for nickel-metal hydride accumulators?
A: Yes, capacity and voltage are important technical parameters that help customs confirm the battery type and classification. Failure to provide them may lead to classification disputes or inspection delays. It is recommended to fill them in accurately according to the battery nameplate or specification sheet.
Q: Can nickel-metal hydride accumulators and lithium-ion accumulators be classified under the same code?
A: No. Nickel-metal hydride accumulators are classified under 850730, and lithium-ion accumulators under 850760. They have different electrochemical systems and must be classified separately. Misclassification will result in incorrect application of tariff rates and regulatory conditions.
Q: What special requirements apply to importing used nickel-metal hydride accumulators?
A: Used nickel-metal hydride accumulators may involve solid waste management and must comply with the Basel Convention and domestic solid waste laws. Before importation, confirm whether import is permitted and obtain relevant permits. It is recommended to consult customs and environmental protection authorities.
Q: Are HS codes for nickel-metal hydride accumulators consistent across countries?
A: The first 6 digits of HS codes are harmonized internationally, but countries may further subdivide in the last 4 digits. For example, China may further subdivide under 850730, while the United States and the European Union also have their own subheadings. For import and export, the destination country's customs code shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.