HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8506.10 – Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide

HS code 8506.10 is the 6-digit subheading for cells and batteries, primary, manganese dioxide. It is used for AA alkaline batteries, AAA alkaline batteries, C alkaline batteries, D alkaline batteries and 9V alkaline batteries.

What HS 8506.10 covers

This HS code covers primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries that utilize manganese dioxide as the cathode material, commonly known as alkaline batteries. These batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, toys, remote controls, and various portable devices due to their cost-effectiveness, good shelf life, and reliable performance. The international trade in these batteries involves massive volumes, driven by consistent global consumer demand for portable power. Importers and exporters are typically large battery manufacturers, global distributors, and major retailers. Key considerations in this market include energy density, leakage resistance, and environmental impact, as manufacturers strive for longer-lasting and more sustainable products.

Covers
  • AA alkaline batteries
  • AAA alkaline batteries
  • C alkaline batteries
  • D alkaline batteries
  • 9V alkaline batteries
  • Button cell alkaline batteries
Examples
  • Duracell Coppertop
  • Energizer Max
  • Panasonic Alkaline Power
  • Varta Longlife
  • AmazonBasics Alkaline

Codes often confused with 8506.10

Common mistake. Can be confused with other primary cells like 850630 (mercuric oxide) or 850640 (silver oxide), or more commonly, with rechargeable batteries (8507) if not clearly identified as primary. The manganese dioxide chemistry is the key differentiator.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 850610, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850610 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.9B
  2. 2 Belgium $409M
  3. 3 Germany $304M

World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $669M
  2. 2 Germany $324M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $260M

World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for 8506.10 7

Brazil splits HS 8506.10 into 7 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8506.10.1 Alkaline cellsPilhas alcalinas Group
  2. 8506.10.11 Alkaline C cells (LR14), 1.5 VDe tensão igual a 1,5 V, cilíndricas, do tipo LR14 (C)
  3. 8506.10.12 Alkaline D cells (LR20), 1.5 VDe tensão igual a 1,5 V, cilíndricas, do tipo LR20 (D)
  4. 8506.10.19 Other alkaline manganese dioxide cellsOutras
  5. 8506.10.20 Other manganese dioxide cellsOutras pilhas
  6. 8506.10.3 BatteriesBaterias de pilhas Group
  7. 8506.10.31 Alkaline 9 V batteriesAlcalinas, de tensão igual a 9 V
  8. 8506.10.32 Alkaline 12 V batteriesAlcalinas, de tensão igual a 12 V
  9. 8506.10.39 Other manganese dioxide batteriesOutras

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.06 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8506.10

What is HS code 850610?

HS code 850610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide. This HS code covers primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries that utilize manganese dioxide as the cathode material, commonly known as alkaline batteries. These batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, toys, remote controls, and various portable devices due to their cost-effectiveness, good shelf life, and reliable performance. The international trade in these batteries involves massive volumes, driven by consistent global consumer demand for portable power. Importers and exporters are typically large battery manufacturers, global distributors, and major retailers. Key considerations in this market include energy density, leakage resistance, and environmental impact, as manufacturers strive for longer-lasting and more sustainable products.

What products fall under HS code 850610?

AA alkaline batteries, AAA alkaline batteries, C alkaline batteries, D alkaline batteries, 9V alkaline batteries, button cell alkaline batteries

What are common misclassifications for HS code 850610?

Can be confused with other primary cells like 850630 (mercuric oxide) or 850640 (silver oxide), or more commonly, with rechargeable batteries (8507) if not clearly identified as primary. The manganese dioxide chemistry is the key differentiator.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850610?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850610 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($409M) and Germany ($304M). World exports came to about $4.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 850610?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850610 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($669M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($324M) and the United Kingdom ($260M). World imports came to about $4.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 850610 structured?

HS code 850610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850610?

Brazil splits HS code 850610 into 7 NCM codes: 8506.10.11 (Alkaline C cells (LR14), 1.5 V), 8506.10.12 (Alkaline D cells (LR20), 1.5 V), 8506.10.19 (Other alkaline manganese dioxide cells), 8506.10.20 (Other manganese dioxide cells), 8506.10.31 (Alkaline 9 V batteries), 8506.10.32 (Alkaline 12 V batteries), 8506.10.39 (Other manganese dioxide batteries). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.