HS Code Classification for Exporting Lithium-Ion Battery

clock Mar 03,2026
pen By admin
Lithium battery

In this digital era, the role of portable electronic devices, including smartphones and laptops, is essential for promoting productivity. However, the portable electric device needs batteries to be operated without being connected to a power socket. Therefore, the contribution of lithium batteries is increasingly essential as a main source of energy to generate our electronic devices. No surprise that the lithium battery trade is persistent in the international market. One requirement that needs to be considered for transferring products to other countries is the Harmonized Standard (HS) code. This article will observe the HS code for lithium battery, major export and import, and how to find the HS code for lithium battery. 

What is a lithium battery, and why are they application? 

A lithium battery, or Li-ion battery, is an abbreviation for Lithium-ion battery. This battery is made from lithium metal ions, and it consistently developed to support portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and others. With a lithium battery, we can use our electronic devices anywhere and anytime, especially when we are not near any power sockets. This is because it can retain a high volume of energy and support rechargeability. 

Lithium batteries can be called the replacement of the conventional or non-rechargeable battery. The non-rechargeable batteries have several types, such as alkaline batteries, carbon-zinc batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and others. The main advantages of lithium batteries are that they have a longer lifespan, are safer, and have better performance, as well as being more environmentally friendly than traditional batteries. 

Due to its importance, lithium batteries have been used in every aspect of our lives. These batteries are also claimed to have a pivotal position for the development of modern technologies. Here are some common applications of lithium batteries. 

  • Electronic Devices: The most popular application of lithium batteries is for electronic devices, particularly for portable devices. These batteries are indispensable to make portable electronic devices so that they can stay on anywhere and at any time. 
  • Renewable Energy: As the development of renewable energy sources increases steadily, the necessity of lithium batteries also increases. These batteries support the storage of solar modules or wind turbines. Therefore, these batteries can help to retain the excessive energy that is produced by solar panels. 
  • Electric Vehicles: These days, the demand for electric vehicle are persistent due to the promotion of transportation modes from renewable energy. Therefore, the usage of lithium batteries is also in high demand as the main power source of electric vehicles. 
  • Medical and Defense Devices: The rapid development of modern technology also expanded into the medical and defense sectors. Lithium batteries for electronic devices that are specifically developed for medical use, such as pacemakers, mobile X-ray units, glucometers, etc. Meanwhile, the defense sector also increasingly uses lithium batteries for military drones, missiles, and other defense systems. They also use the batteries for non-lethal defense devices, including Tasers. 

What are HS codes for batteries? 

We know that HS codes are essential for the export and import process. These identification codes cannot be set aside for transferring a product, including a lithium battery, from one country to another. The accuracy of the HS code for lithium battery also plays a crucial role in order to make the customs process run seamlessly and obtaining customs clearance. The correct HS code for lithium battery can help you avoid potential charges or other penalties due to the incorrect declaration. 

HS code for lithium battery covers under Chapter 85, which also includes other electronic equipment and machinery. Following this chapter, there are two digits of Heading 8507 that encompass many types of accumulator batteries, including lithium-ion. Then, it is followed by two digits of Subheading 60, which is a special number for lithium-ion batteries. The full six-digit HS code for lithium battery is 8507.60. 

Other than lithium batteries, there are other HS codes for batteries made from other materials. These are common HS codes for batteries that are covered under the World Customs Organization (WCO) lists. 

HS codeDescription
8506.60Primary batteries made from lithium (non-rechargeable batteries)
8507.10Lead-acid batteries that use for piston engines.
8507.30Electronic accumulators or batteries made from nickel-cadmium.
8507.50Electronic accumulator or rechargeable batteries made out of nickel-metal hydride. 

The top 5 major international trade players in lithium batteries

After understanding the HS code for lithium battery, we probably need to understand the biggest trade players. It is important to know where the world lithium battery market is and the busiest trade lanes of lithium batteries in international trade. These are the largest producers and exporters of lithium batteries under the HS code 8507.60 in the world in 2024. 

CountryTotal Export Value (USD)
China61,126,922,874
Hungary7,244,993,783
Poland6,431,138,560
Germany5,757,881,223
South Korea5,417,432,812

Source: UN Comtrade Database: accessed February 6, 2026

From the table above, China undoubtedly comes first as the biggest producer and exporter of lithium batteries in the world, with a total export of more than 61 billion USD. The second place is held by Hungary with a total export of more than 7.2 billion USD. The two countries are followed by Poland, Germany, and South Korea as the third, fourth, and fifth biggest exporters of lithium batteries in the world. 

Other than the exporters, we also need to know where most of the lithium batteries are entering. These are the largest importers or buyers of lithium batteries under HS code 8507.60 in the world. 

CountryTotal Import Value (USD)
United States23,848,684,743
Germany23,549,862,886
Mexico5,662,720,043
South Korea4,755,054,406
Czech Republic3,683,595,863

Source: UN Comtrade Database: accessed February 6, 2026

Based on the data above, the United States is the biggest consumer of lithium batteries in 2024, with a total import amount of more than 23.8 billion USD. It is only slightly larger than Germany, with a value of more than 23.5 billion USD in the second position. The following countries are Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, which come as the third, fourth, and fifth largest importing countries of lithium batteries in 2024. 

Finding the HS code for lithium battery

Finding the HS code for lithium battery sometimes needs deep research to identify the products. The identification process is crucial and cannot be neglected to ensure the declared HS code for lithium battery is accurate. As we know, that the there are serious consequences for declaring the inaccurate HS code for Li-ion battery or other products. 

To ease your time for researching the HS code for lithium battery, you can use the third-party application, namely HSCodeMatch. This application is an alternative to help you reduce the time for correcting the HS code for any products based on the origin and destination countries. Here is the step-by-step guide for using HSCodeMatch to find the accurate HS code for lithium battery. 

  • First step: Accessing HSCodeMatch application by entering hscodematch.com on your desktop browser. For finding HS code for lithium battery, you can choose HS Code Search. Then, the writer products name, origin, and destination country. For this example, we can use the largest exporter and importer of lithium batteries, namely Hungary and Germany. 
  • Second step: After the product name and countries are set, you can submit it and tap the Search button. In seconds, you will find the list of HS codes and the national code for lithium batteries in the destination country. For example, we can choose the HS code 8507600058, which is the HS code for an electric vehicle battery. 
  • Third step: Select the HS code 8507600058 and you will be directed to the HS Code Details. This page allows you to check the HS code and applicable latest regulations related to the exportation of lithium battery from Hungary to Germany. 
  • Fourth step: On the lower part of the HS Code Details, you will find the applicable regulations as well as the tariff rates. On the right side of the page, there is an AI chatbot assistant to help you find the specific regulations or tariff rates for exporting lithium battery from Hungary to Germany. 

If you want to know more about an AI assistant, we provides example of answers from an AI chatbot assistant to export lithium battery from Hungary to Germany below: 

Are there any additional duties or taxes applicable besides the 0% tariff rate for intra-EU trade?

In order to export and import products intra-EU, including from Hungary to Germany, there is no applicable tariff rate. This is because Hungary and Germany are members of the EU, and they are under the EU Customs Union. However, you need to consider the antidumping duties that may be implemented for some EU member countries. Thus, no other duties or taxes are imposed for exporting these products. 

What are the latest regulations for exporting products under HS code 8507600058 from Hungary to Germany?

Exporting products under HS code 8507600058 from Hungary to Germany requires compliance with several laws, including the antidumping duties from the European Commission, Data Protection laws from Germany, and the Cybersecurity Standard based on Germany’s Act on the Federal Office for Information Security. A lithium battery is also subject to the technical regulation for low and medium-power wireless broadband systems. Thus, these products must follow the telecommunications monitoring from the German Constitutional Court.

Key requirement for exporting lithium batteries to Germany
Possibility of imposition of antidumping duties within the EU
Data protection compliance from Germany
Cybersecurity Standard from Federal Office for Information Security
Wireless broadband system technical regulations in Germany
Telecommunication data retention laws

What are the partner government agencies in Germany that regulate the importation of products under HS code 8507600058?

The partner government agency that regulates the importation of products under the HS code 8507600058 in Germany is the Federal Office of Information Security (BSI). This agency has an obligation to act based on the information security aspect of some commodities, including electrical products such as lithium batteries. On the other hand, the European Commission also plays a role for administered the importation in Germany, especially in terms of technical standards and trade defense measures. 

Conclusion 

Finding the HS code for lithium battery is an essential process for transferring this product from one country to another. The declaration of the HS code cannot be neglected because it will ensure your product can enter the country smoothly. Even though finding the HS code for lithium battery is only the initial step, it is very crucial for transnational trade. For finding HS code for lithium battery, you need to look at the material of your products and identify more based on the functions of the batteries for the national code. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the HS code for lithium battery

1. What is the general tariff rate for exporting lithium batteries from Hungary to Germany? 

The general tariff for exporting lithium batteries from Hungary to Germany is 0%. The two countries are members of the EU Customs Union, where there is no additional tariff rate or tariff restrictions

2. Are there any differences between the HS code for lithium battery for electric vehicles and other uses? 

All of the HS codes for lithium batteries are under HS code 850760. However, you need to check the national code for each country to know the different codes for specific usage. 

3. What are the main factors to identify the HS code for a battery? 

The main identification factors to find the HS code for batteries are the materials and the character of single-use or rechargeable. Therefore, you need to identify the material and character of your battery products and look up the applicable HS code accordingly. 

4. What is the impact of declaring the inaccurate HS code for lithium battery? 

The impact of an inaccurate HS code can be fatal for a business. It makes your products potentially subject to seizure, fines by customs agencies, delayed shipment, and even criminal charges. 

5. How do I find and verify the HS code for a lithium battery? 

You can find the HS code for a lithium battery in the WCO list, and also other applications, such as HSCodeMatch. This application allows you to check the HS code for lithium battery instantly. 

Find and Match the Right HS Code for Your Products.

Try Our App
CTA Image

Create your account