Product classification
HS code for Carbon-zinc battery: 8506.80
Cells and batteries, primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc).
Classification of carbon-zinc battery under HS 8506.80
Carbon-zinc batteries are classified under HS code 8506.80. Heading 8506 covers primary cells and primary batteries, which are defined as non-rechargeable electrochemical power sources. The subheadings within 8506 are organized by the chemical composition of the battery. For example, 8506.10 is for manganese dioxide (alkaline) and 8506.50 is for lithium. Carbon-zinc batteries, which utilize a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode (often mixed with carbon), and an ammonium chloride or zinc chloride electrolyte, do not have a specific named subheading in the international 6-digit HS nomenclature. Consequently, they fall under the residual category 8506.80, which covers "Other primary cells and primary batteries." This classification is critical because it distinguishes these older, general-purpose batteries from more modern alkaline or lithium chemistries, which often have different environmental regulations and duty rates.
- Covers
- Standard carbon-zinc (Leclanché) batteries
- Heavy-duty zinc-chloride batteries
- Non-rechargeable zinc-carbon dry cells
- General-purpose zinc-carbon batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V)
- Also under 8506.80
- Duracell Coppertop
- Energizer Max
- Panasonic Everyday Power
- Eveready Gold
- AmazonBasics Alkaline
Codes often confused with 8506.80
Common mistake. Carbon-zinc batteries are frequently misclassified under 8506.10. While both carbon-zinc and alkaline batteries use manganese dioxide, 8506.10 is specifically for alkaline-manganese batteries. Carbon-zinc batteries are considered "other" because their electrolyte and construction differ. Another error is classification under 8507, which is reserved for electric accumulators (rechargeable batteries). Since carbon-zinc batteries are primary cells and cannot be recharged, they must remain in 8506.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850680 (the code used for carbon-zinc battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850680 (the code used for carbon-zinc 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 carbon-zinc 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 carbon-zinc 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 carbon-zinc battery
What is the HS code for Carbon-zinc battery?
The HS code for Carbon-zinc battery is 850680 (Cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc)). The HS code for carbon-zinc batteries is 8506.80, classified as "Other primary cells and primary batteries."
How do I classify Carbon-zinc battery for customs?
Carbon-zinc 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.
Is a zinc-chloride battery the same as a carbon-zinc battery for HS purposes?
Yes, zinc-chloride batteries are an improved version of the carbon-zinc battery and are also classified under 8506.80 as they are primary cells not specifically named in other subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon-zinc battery (HS 850680)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850680 (the code used for carbon-zinc 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 carbon-zinc battery (HS 850680)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850680 (the code used for carbon-zinc 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 Carbon-zinc battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850680 for Carbon-zinc 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 carbon-zinc battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850680 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for carbon-zinc 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).