Product classification
HS code for Car battery: 8507.10
Electric accumulators, lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Classification of car battery under HS 8507.10
The classification of car batteries under HS code 850710 is strictly reserved for electric accumulators of the lead-acid type that are specifically designed for starting piston engines. These are technically known as SLI batteries, which stands for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition. The primary characteristic that distinguishes these batteries from other lead-acid accumulators is their ability to deliver a high cold cranking amperage (CCA) in a short burst to turn over an internal combustion engine. This is achieved through a specific internal plate design that maximizes surface area. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GIR), specifically GIR 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 850710 explicitly mentions \"of a kind used for starting piston engines,\" it takes precedence over more general codes. It is important to note that this code applies regardless of whether the battery is for a passenger car, a heavy truck, or a motorcycle, provided it is a lead-acid starter battery. Even modern variations like Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) fall here if they serve the starting function. These batteries are typically composed of lead plates submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid, housed in a durable plastic casing. Because they contain hazardous materials and heavy metals, they are subject to specific environmental and safety regulations during transport, but their HS classification remains focused on their functional application in automotive engineering. The distinction between a starter battery and a deep-cycle battery is critical, as the latter is designed for sustained power delivery and is classified under a different subheading, even if the chemistry is identical.
- Covers
- 12V lead-acid starter batteries
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries for engine starting
- EFB (Enhanced Flooded Batteries) for start-stop systems
- 6V and 24V lead-acid batteries for starting piston engines
- Maintenance-free lead-acid car batteries
- Also under 8507.10
- Interstate Mega-Tron
- Optima RedTop
- Exide Edge
- ACDelco Advantage
- Bosch S5
Codes often confused with 8507.10
Common mistake. Car batteries are frequently confused with HS code 850720, which covers \"other\" lead-acid accumulators. The distinction lies in the application; 850720 is for deep-cycle batteries used in golf carts or solar storage. Another common error is using 850760 for lithium-ion car batteries. While lithium batteries are used in modern vehicles, 850710 is exclusively for lead-acid types. Finally, non-rechargeable batteries are classified under heading 8506 and should never be confused with rechargeable accumulators.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850710 (the code used for car battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850710 (the code used for car battery) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 850710, not only car battery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $2.2B 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 12% of world exports
- 3 China $1.0B 7.6% of world exports
World total: $13.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.5B 18% of world imports
- 2 France $907M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $711M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $14.0B 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 car battery
Brazil splits HS 8507.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8507.10.10Lead-acid starter batteries, up to 20 Ah and 12 V
- 8507.10.90Other lead-acid starter batteries
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car battery
What is the HS code for Car battery?
The HS code for Car battery is 850710 (Electric accumulators; lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)). The HS code for a standard lead-acid car battery used for starting an engine is 850710.
How do I classify Car battery for customs?
Car 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.
Are lithium-ion car batteries classified under 850710?
No, lithium-ion batteries, even if used for starting or propulsion in electric vehicles, are classified under HS code 850760.
Which countries are the top exporters of car battery (HS 850710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850710 (the code used for car battery) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.2B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and China ($1.0B). World exports came to about $13.8B, 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 car battery (HS 850710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850710 (the code used for car battery) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 18% of world imports), France ($907M) and Germany ($711M). World imports came to about $14.0B, 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 Car battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850710 for Car 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 car battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850710 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for car battery depends on the product's details: 8507.10.10 (Lead-acid starter batteries, up to 20 Ah and 12 V), 8507.10.90 (Other lead-acid starter batteries).