Product classification
HS code for Lead-acid battery: 8507.20
Electric accumulators, lead-acid, (other than for starting piston engines), including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Classification of lead-acid battery under HS 8507.20
Lead-acid batteries are classified under HS code 8507.20. Heading 8507 covers electric accumulators, which are devices used for storing electrical energy. The classification is divided based on the chemical system and the application. 8507.20 specifically covers lead-acid accumulators other than those used for starting piston engines. These batteries work through a reversible chemical reaction between lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid. This code includes deep-cycle batteries, stationary batteries for telecommunications, and backup power systems (UPS). The classification is driven by the function of the device (storing energy) and its primary chemical composition (lead-acid), placing it firmly in Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery) rather than Chapter 78 (Lead), despite the high lead content. The distinction between 8507.10 and 8507.20 is critical and is based on whether the battery is designed for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) for engines or for other storage purposes.
- Covers
- Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) batteries
- Stationary lead-acid cells
- Solar power storage batteries
- VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries
- Also under 8507.20
- Trojan T-105
- East Penn Deka
- Crown Battery
- Rolls Surrette
- Yuasa NP series
Codes often confused with 8507.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8507.10, which is reserved for lead-acid batteries used for starting piston engines (car batteries). Another common error is 8548.10, which is for waste and scrap of primary cells or electric accumulators; spent batteries must be classified there. Occasionally, they are confused with 8506, but that heading is for primary (non-rechargeable) cells, whereas lead-acid batteries are always accumulators.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850720 (the code used for lead-acid battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850720 (the code used for lead-acid battery) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 850720, not only lead-acid battery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 19% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$967M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $832M 10% of world exports
World total: $8.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $672M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Canada $381M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 lead-acid battery
Brazil splits HS 8507.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8507.20.10Other lead-acid accumulators, up to 1,000 kg
- 8507.20.90Other lead-acid accumulators, over 1,000 kg
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lead-acid battery
What is the HS code for Lead-acid battery?
The HS code for Lead-acid battery is 850720 (Electric accumulators; lead-acid, (other than for starting piston engines), including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)). The HS code for non-starter lead-acid batteries is 8507.20. Starter batteries are 8507.10.
How do I classify Lead-acid battery for customs?
Lead-acid battery is classified under HS code 850720 — Electric accumulators; lead-acid, (other than for starting piston engines), including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries?
Yes, SLA and AGM batteries used for backup power or industrial applications are classified under 8507.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of lead-acid battery (HS 850720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850720 (the code used for lead-acid battery) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 19% of world exports), Vietnam (about $967M) and the United States ($832M). World exports came to about $8.1B, 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 lead-acid battery (HS 850720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850720 (the code used for lead-acid battery) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($672M) and Canada ($381M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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 Lead-acid battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850720 for Lead-acid 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 lead-acid battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lead-acid battery depends on the product's details: 8507.20.10 (Other lead-acid accumulators, up to 1,000 kg), 8507.20.90 (Other lead-acid accumulators, over 1,000 kg).