Product classification
HS code for Lithium cell: 8506.50
Cells and batteries, primary, lithium.
Classification of lithium cell under HS 8506.50
Lithium cells are classified under HS code 8506.50 because they are primary (non-rechargeable) electrochemical cells. Unlike secondary batteries, these cells are designed to be used once and discarded. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the anode (lithium) and the fact that the electrochemical reaction is not reversible. This code falls under Heading 8506, which covers primary cells and primary batteries of all types, including manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, and silver oxide variants. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the terms of the heading and subheadings specifically name lithium primary cells. These cells are distinct from other chemistries due to their high energy density and long shelf life, which are technical characteristics noted in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 85. Proper classification requires verifying that the cell cannot be recharged, as the physical appearance of primary and secondary lithium cells can be identical.
- Covers
- Lithium button cells (CR2032)
- Lithium cylindrical cells (CR123A)
- Non-rechargeable lithium thionyl chloride batteries
- Lithium-manganese dioxide primary batteries
- Lithium-iodine cells used in medical implants
- Also under 8506.50
- Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA
- Panasonic CR2032
- Duracell Lithium Coin
- Varta CR123A
- Tadiran SL-360
Codes often confused with 8506.50
Common mistake. The most frequent error is 8507.60, which covers lithium-ion batteries. The distinction is that 8507.60 is for rechargeable (secondary) batteries, whereas 8506.50 is strictly for non-rechargeable (primary) cells. Another error is 8506.10, which is reserved for manganese dioxide cells. Importers also occasionally confuse these with 8548.00, which is used for waste and scrap of primary cells rather than functional products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850650 (the code used for lithium cell), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850650 (the code used for lithium cell) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 850650, not only lithium cell.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $609M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $596M 16% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $261M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $382M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $276M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $255M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 lithium cell
Brazil splits HS 8506.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8506.50.10Lithium primary cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³
- 8506.50.90Lithium 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 lithium cell
What is the HS code for Lithium cell?
The HS code for Lithium cell is 850650 (Cells and batteries; primary, lithium). The HS code for a primary lithium cell is 8506.50.
How do I classify Lithium cell for customs?
Lithium cell is classified under HS code 850650 — Cells and batteries; primary, lithium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8506 and 8507?
Heading 8506 is for primary (disposable) cells and batteries, while Heading 8507 is for secondary (rechargeable) storage batteries.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium cell (HS 850650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850650 (the code used for lithium cell) in UN Comtrade data were China ($609M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($596M) and Singapore ($261M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 lithium cell (HS 850650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850650 (the code used for lithium cell) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($382M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($276M) and Mexico ($255M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Lithium cell the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850650 for Lithium cell 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 lithium cell in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850650 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lithium cell depends on the product's details: 8506.50.10 (Lithium primary cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³), 8506.50.90 (Lithium primary cells and batteries, over 300 cm³).