HS Code for Automotive battery
Automotive batteries, specifically lead-acid accumulators used for starting piston engines, are classified under HS code 8507.10. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8507 includes electric accumulators, including separators. The subheading 8507.10 is precise in its application: it covers lead-acid accumulators of a kind used for starting piston engines (often referred to as SLI batteries—Starting, Lighting, and Ignition). These batteries are characterized by their ability to provide a high burst of current to engage the starter motor. The classification remains the same whether the battery is imported with or without electrolyte, and whether it is rectangular or square in shape. This code is essential for regulating the trade of hazardous materials, as lead-acid batteries contain corrosive sulfuric acid and toxic lead. The classification is determined by the chemistry (lead-acid) and the specific application (starting engines), following the legal notes of Section XVI and Chapter 85.
Products Included
- 12V lead-acid car batteries
- Heavy-duty lead-acid batteries for truck starting
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) starting batteries
- Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) for start-stop systems
- Maintenance-free lead-acid starting batteries
Common Misclassification
A common misclassification occurs with 8507.20, which covers "other" lead-acid accumulators. If the battery is a deep-cycle lead-acid battery used for backup power or electric vehicle propulsion rather than starting a piston engine, it belongs in 8507.20. Furthermore, with the rise of electric vehicles, many confuse these with 8507.60, which is the specific code for lithium-ion batteries. Only lead-acid batteries designed for the initial ignition/starting of an internal combustion engine should be placed in 8507.10.
FAQ
What is the HS code for Automotive battery?
The HS code for lead-acid automotive batteries used for starting piston engines is 8507.10.
Does this code include batteries for electric cars?
No, batteries used to power the motor of an electric vehicle are typically lithium-ion and are classified under 8507.60.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Automotive battery?
The HS code for Automotive battery is 850710 (Electric accumulators; lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)).
How do I classify Automotive battery for customs?
Automotive battery is classified under HS code 850710 — Electric accumulators; lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Automotive battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850710 for Automotive 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.