HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8506.30 – Cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide
HS code 8506.30 is the 6-digit subheading for cells and batteries, primary, mercuric oxide. It is used for mercuric oxide button cells, mercury batteries for vintage cameras and specialized medical device mercury batteries.
What HS 8506.30 covers
This category covers primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries that use mercuric oxide. Historically, these batteries were valued for their stable voltage output and long operational life, making them suitable for applications such as hearing aids, medical devices, and photographic equipment. However, due to significant environmental concerns regarding their mercury content, the production and international trade of mercuric oxide batteries have drastically declined and are heavily restricted or banned in many countries. Any remaining trade is highly specialized, often for legacy equipment or specific industrial applications where no suitable mercury-free alternative exists, making this a niche and diminishing market.
- Covers
- Mercuric oxide button cells
- Mercury batteries for vintage cameras
- Specialized medical device mercury batteries
- Examples
- PX625 mercury battery (vintage cameras)
- MR9 mercury battery (vintage cameras)
- specific hearing aid mercury batteries (largely phased out)
Codes often confused with 8506.30
Common mistake. Highly likely to be confused with other primary button cells like 850640 (silver oxide) or 850650 (lithium) due to similar form factor. The key differentiator is the mercuric oxide chemistry, which is now rare and restricted.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850630, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850630 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, 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 South Africa $924K 26% of world exports
- 2 Israel $475K 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $438K 12% of world exports
World total: $3.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $892K 15% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $834K 14% of world imports
- 3 Chile $701K 12% of world imports
World total: $6.0M 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 8506.30 2
Brazil splits HS 8506.30 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8506.30.10 Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³Com volume exterior não superior a 300 cm³
- 8506.30.90 Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, over 300 cm³Outras
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 8506.30
What is HS code 850630?
HS code 850630 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide. This category covers primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries that use mercuric oxide. Historically, these batteries were valued for their stable voltage output and long operational life, making them suitable for applications such as hearing aids, medical devices, and photographic equipment. However, due to significant environmental concerns regarding their mercury content, the production and international trade of mercuric oxide batteries have drastically declined and are heavily restricted or banned in many countries. Any remaining trade is highly specialized, often for legacy equipment or specific industrial applications where no suitable mercury-free alternative exists, making this a niche and diminishing market.
What products fall under HS code 850630?
Mercuric oxide button cells, mercury batteries for vintage cameras, specialized medical device mercury batteries
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850630?
Highly likely to be confused with other primary button cells like 850640 (silver oxide) or 850650 (lithium) due to similar form factor. The key differentiator is the mercuric oxide chemistry, which is now rare and restricted.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850630?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850630 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($924K, 26% of world exports), Israel ($475K) and the United States ($438K). World exports came to about $3.6M, 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 850630?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850630 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($892K, 15% of world imports), Belgium ($834K) and Chile ($701K). World imports came to about $6.0M, 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 850630 structured?
HS code 850630 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850630?
Brazil splits HS code 850630 into 2 NCM codes: 8506.30.10 (Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³), 8506.30.90 (Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, over 300 cm³). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.