HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8506.90 – Cells and batteries; primary, parts thereof
HS code 8506.90 is the 6-digit subheading for cells and batteries, primary, parts thereof. It is used for battery casings, zinc anodes, manganese dioxide powder, carbon rods and separator films.
What HS 8506.90 covers
This HS code encompasses parts of primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries, playing a critical role in the global battery manufacturing supply chain. This includes components such as battery casings, electrodes (e.g., zinc anodes, manganese dioxide cathodes), separators, terminals, and electrolyte materials specifically designed for primary batteries. The trade in these parts is essential for countries that assemble or manufacture primary cells, even if they don't produce all raw materials domestically. Importers are typically battery assembly plants or specialized component manufacturers, while exporters are often nations with advanced chemical processing, plastics manufacturing, or metal fabrication industries, highlighting the intricate global network supporting battery production.
- Covers
- Battery casings
- Zinc anodes
- Manganese dioxide powder
- Carbon rods
- Separator films
- Battery terminals
- Electrolyte solutions for primary cells
- Examples
- Plastic battery sleeves
- Metal end caps for AA batteries
- Graphite powder for cathodes
- Polypropylene separator sheets
- Potassium hydroxide electrolyte
Codes often confused with 8506.90
Common mistake. These parts must be specifically for primary cells; parts for rechargeable accumulators would fall under 850790. Distinguishing between raw materials and processed 'parts' is also key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 20% 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 China $116M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $46M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $42M 10% of world exports
World total: $411M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $87M 20% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $65M 15% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $42M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $426M 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 code for 8506.90
Brazil does not split HS 8506.90: its NCM code is 8506.90.00.
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 8506.90
What is HS code 850690?
HS code 850690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cells and batteries; primary, parts thereof. This HS code encompasses parts of primary (non-rechargeable) cells and batteries, playing a critical role in the global battery manufacturing supply chain. This includes components such as battery casings, electrodes (e.g., zinc anodes, manganese dioxide cathodes), separators, terminals, and electrolyte materials specifically designed for primary batteries. The trade in these parts is essential for countries that assemble or manufacture primary cells, even if they don't produce all raw materials domestically. Importers are typically battery assembly plants or specialized component manufacturers, while exporters are often nations with advanced chemical processing, plastics manufacturing, or metal fabrication industries, highlighting the intricate global network supporting battery production.
What products fall under HS code 850690?
Battery casings, Zinc anodes, Manganese dioxide powder, Carbon rods, Separator films, Battery terminals, Electrolyte solutions for primary cells
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850690?
These parts must be specifically for primary cells; parts for rechargeable accumulators would fall under 850790. Distinguishing between raw materials and processed 'parts' is also key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($116M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($46M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $411M, 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 850690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850690 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($87M, 20% of world imports), Indonesia ($65M) and Singapore ($42M). World imports came to about $426M, 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 850690 structured?
HS code 850690 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850690?
In Brazil, HS code 850690 is NCM 8506.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.