Product classification
HS code for AAA battery: 8506.10
Cells and batteries, primary, manganese dioxide.
Classification of AAA battery under HS 8506.10
AAA batteries are classified under HS code 8506.10. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's focus on the chemical composition and functionality of the product rather than its physical dimensions. AAA batteries are primary cells, meaning they are designed for a single use and cannot be recharged. Under Chapter 85, heading 8506 covers all primary cells. The subheading 8506.10 specifically targets manganese dioxide systems. This includes the common alkaline AAA batteries (LR03) and zinc-carbon AAA batteries (R03) used in remote controls, small electronics, and toys. The classification remains consistent globally under the WCO framework, ensuring that these high-volume consumer goods are taxed and regulated uniformly. The manganese dioxide chemistry is the defining characteristic that places these small cylindrical batteries into the .10 subheading.
- Covers
- Alkaline AAA batteries (LR03)
- Zinc-carbon AAA batteries (R03)
- Primary manganese dioxide cells, AAA size
- 1.5V AAA disposable batteries
- Also under 8506.10
- Duracell Coppertop
- Energizer Max
- Panasonic Alkaline Power
- Varta Longlife
- AmazonBasics Alkaline
Codes often confused with 8506.10
Common mistake. AAA batteries are often misclassified under HS code 8506.50, which is specifically for lithium primary cells. While high-performance lithium AAA batteries exist, the standard household AAA is manganese-based. Another common mistake is using HS code 8507.30 (Nickel-cadmium) or 8507.80 (Other accumulators) for disposable batteries. These codes in heading 8507 are strictly for rechargeable batteries. Importers must distinguish between the "primary" nature of 8506 and the "accumulator" nature of 8507 to avoid customs delays and incorrect duty payments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850610 (the code used for AAA battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850610 (the code used for AAA battery) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 850610, not only AAA battery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $409M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Germany $304M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $669M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $324M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $260M 6.0% of world imports
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 AAA battery
Brazil splits HS 8506.10 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8506.10.11Alkaline C cells (LR14), 1.5 V
- 8506.10.12Alkaline D cells (LR20), 1.5 V
- 8506.10.19Other alkaline manganese dioxide cells
- 8506.10.20Other manganese dioxide cells
- 8506.10.31Alkaline 9 V batteries
- 8506.10.32Alkaline 12 V batteries
- 8506.10.39Other manganese dioxide batteries
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about AAA battery
What is the HS code for AAA battery?
The HS code for AAA battery is 850610 (Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide). The HS code for standard non-rechargeable AAA batteries is 8506.10.
How do I classify AAA battery for customs?
AAA battery is classified under HS code 850610 — Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for bulk packaging of AAA batteries?
No, the HS code 8506.10 applies to the batteries regardless of whether they are sold individually, in retail blister packs, or in bulk industrial quantities.
Which countries are the top exporters of AAA battery (HS 850610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850610 (the code used for AAA battery) 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 AAA battery (HS 850610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850610 (the code used for AAA battery) 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.
Is the HS code for AAA battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850610 for AAA battery is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for AAA battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850610 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for AAA battery depends on the product's details: 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), and more.