Product classification
HS code for Alkaline battery: 8506.80
Cells and batteries, primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc).
Classification of alkaline battery under HS 8506.80
Alkaline batteries are classified under HS code 850680 because they are primary cells and batteries that do not fall into the more specific categories listed within heading 8506. Heading 8506 covers "Primary cells and primary batteries." Subheadings 850610 through 850660 enumerate specific types such as manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium, and air-zinc primary cells. Alkaline batteries, while often containing manganese dioxide, utilize a distinct alkaline electrolyte system (typically zinc-manganese dioxide with potassium hydroxide) that differentiates them from the simpler "manganese dioxide" primary cells (e.g., carbon-zinc) of 850610. Therefore, they are appropriately classified in the residual category 850680, designated for "Other primary cells and primary batteries."
- Covers
- AA alkaline batteries
- AAA alkaline batteries
- C alkaline batteries
- D alkaline batteries
- 9V alkaline batteries
- Button cell alkaline batteries (non-lithium, non-silver oxide)
- Also under 8506.80
- Duracell Coppertop
- Energizer Max
- Panasonic Everyday Power
- Eveready Gold
- AmazonBasics Alkaline
Codes often confused with 8506.80
Common mistake. A common misclassification is with HS 8507 (Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square); parts thereof). This code is exclusively for rechargeable batteries (accumulators), whereas alkaline batteries are primary, non-rechargeable cells. Another frequent error is classifying them under HS 850610 (Manganese dioxide primary cells). While alkaline batteries contain manganese dioxide, the specific chemical system (alkaline electrolyte) distinguishes them from the general "manganese dioxide" category, which typically refers to carbon-zinc batteries. Consequently, alkaline batteries are correctly placed in the "other" category of 850680.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850680 (the code used for alkaline battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850680 (the code used for alkaline battery) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 19% 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 850680, not only alkaline battery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $97M 20% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $90M 18% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$32M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $487M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $142M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $40M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $39M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $736M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 alkaline battery
Brazil splits HS 8506.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8506.80.10Other primary cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³
- 8506.80.90Other primary cells and batteries, over 300 cm³
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alkaline battery
What is the HS code for Alkaline battery?
The HS code for Alkaline battery is 850680 (Cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc)). The HS code for Alkaline battery is 850680.
How do I classify Alkaline battery for customs?
Alkaline battery is classified under HS code 850680 — Cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between primary and secondary batteries in HS classification?
Primary batteries (HS 8506) are non-rechargeable and designed for single use. Secondary batteries, also known as accumulators (HS 8507), are rechargeable and can be used multiple times. This distinction is fundamental to their HS classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of alkaline battery (HS 850680)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850680 (the code used for alkaline battery) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($97M, 20% of world exports), Malaysia ($90M) and Vietnam (about $32M). World exports came to about $487M, 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 alkaline battery (HS 850680)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850680 (the code used for alkaline battery) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($142M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($40M) and the Philippines ($39M). World imports came to about $736M, 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 Alkaline battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850680 for Alkaline 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 alkaline battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850680 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for alkaline battery depends on the product's details: 8506.80.10 (Other primary cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³), 8506.80.90 (Other primary cells and batteries, over 300 cm³).