HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8506.60 – Cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc
HS code 8506.60 is the 6-digit subheading for cells and batteries, primary, air-zinc. It is used for hearing aid batteries (size 10), hearing aid batteries (size 13), hearing aid batteries (size 312), hearing aid batteries (size 675) and zinc-air button cells.
What HS 8506.60 covers
This HS code specifically covers primary (non-rechargeable) air-zinc cells and batteries, a unique chemistry known for its high energy density and long operating life once activated. These batteries are predominantly traded for use in hearing aids, where their compact size, stable voltage, and reliable performance are essential. The international trade in air-zinc batteries is largely influenced by the global demand for hearing assistance devices, with manufacturers and distributors forming a specialized supply chain. Countries with aging populations and robust healthcare sectors are typically major importers, while a few specialized manufacturers dominate the export market, focusing on precision and consistent quality for medical applications.
- Covers
- Hearing aid batteries (size 10)
- Hearing aid batteries (size 13)
- Hearing aid batteries (size 312)
- Hearing aid batteries (size 675)
- Zinc-air button cells
- Medical device zinc-air batteries
- Examples
- Rayovac Extra Advanced
- Duracell Activair
- Power One
- ZeniPower
- Energizer EZ
Codes often confused with 8506.60
Common mistake. Care must be taken not to confuse these with other primary cells (850680) or even other button cells, as the 'air-zinc' chemistry is the defining characteristic. They are also primary, not rechargeable.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850660, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850660 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 Germany $113M 33% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $54M 16% of world exports
- 3 Poland $22M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $340M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $44M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $30M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $28M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $298M 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 8506.60 2
Brazil splits HS 8506.60 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8506.60.10 Air-zinc cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³Com volume exterior não superior a 300 cm³
- 8506.60.90 Air-zinc 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 8506.60
What is HS code 850660?
HS code 850660 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc. This HS code specifically covers primary (non-rechargeable) air-zinc cells and batteries, a unique chemistry known for its high energy density and long operating life once activated. These batteries are predominantly traded for use in hearing aids, where their compact size, stable voltage, and reliable performance are essential. The international trade in air-zinc batteries is largely influenced by the global demand for hearing assistance devices, with manufacturers and distributors forming a specialized supply chain. Countries with aging populations and robust healthcare sectors are typically major importers, while a few specialized manufacturers dominate the export market, focusing on precision and consistent quality for medical applications.
What products fall under HS code 850660?
Hearing aid batteries (size 10), Hearing aid batteries (size 13), Hearing aid batteries (size 312), Hearing aid batteries (size 675), Zinc-air button cells, Medical device zinc-air batteries
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850660?
Care must be taken not to confuse these with other primary cells (850680) or even other button cells, as the 'air-zinc' chemistry is the defining characteristic. They are also primary, not rechargeable.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850660?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850660 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($113M, 33% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($54M) and Poland ($22M). World exports came to about $340M, 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 850660?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850660 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($44M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and France ($28M). World imports came to about $298M, 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 850660 structured?
HS code 850660 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850660?
Brazil splits HS code 850660 into 2 NCM codes: 8506.60.10 (Air-zinc cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³), 8506.60.90 (Air-zinc cells and batteries, over 300 cm³). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.