Product classification

HS code for Mercury battery: 8506.30

Cells and batteries, primary, mercuric oxide.

Classification of mercury battery under HS 8506.30

The classification of mercury batteries under HS code 8506.30 is strictly governed by the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). According to GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8506 covers primary cells and primary batteries, which are defined as electrochemical sources of energy that are not designed to be recharged. Within this heading, the 8506.30 subheading is specifically dedicated to mercuric oxide systems. These batteries utilize a chemical reaction between mercuric oxide and a negative electrode, typically zinc, to produce a stable electrical output. Historically, they were valued for their constant voltage discharge and long shelf life, making them ideal for precision instruments. The classification remains consistent regardless of the battery's physical shape, whether it is a button cell, cylindrical, or a custom industrial configuration, provided the primary chemical couple is mercuric oxide. It is essential to distinguish these from secondary (rechargeable) batteries, which fall under heading 8507. Furthermore, the Explanatory Notes to heading 8506 clarify that primary cells consist of a container holding an electrolyte and electrodes, and the 8506.30 code specifically captures the mercuric oxide chemistry regardless of the application, from vintage cameras to legacy medical devices.

Covers
  • Mercuric oxide button cells
  • Mercury-zinc primary batteries
  • Mercuric oxide-indium batteries
  • Primary mercury cells for legacy medical equipment
  • Mercury-based batteries for vintage photographic light meters
Also under 8506.30
  • PX625 mercury battery (vintage cameras)
  • MR9 mercury battery (vintage cameras)
  • specific hearing aid mercury batteries (largely phased out)

Codes often confused with 8506.30

Common mistake. Mercury batteries are frequently misclassified under HS code 8507.80, which covers other secondary (rechargeable) accumulators. However, mercury batteries are primary cells and cannot be recharged. Another common error is using 8506.10, which is reserved for manganese dioxide batteries, or 8506.50 for lithium batteries. The distinction is based entirely on the chemical composition of the cathode. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8548.00 for spent mercury batteries, but waste and scrap of primary cells are more accurately classified under 8549.11 in the latest HS nomenclature.

8507.80Electric accumulators; other than lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)8506.10Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide8506.50Cells and batteries; primary, lithium8548.00Electrical parts of machinery or apparatus; not specified or elsewhere included in this chapter8549.11Waste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators; spent lead-acid accumulators

Top exporters and importers of HS 850630 (the code used for mercury battery), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850630 (the code used for mercury battery) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 15% 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 850630, not only mercury battery.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $924K
  2. 2 Israel $475K
  3. 3 United States $438K

World total: $3.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Egypt $892K
  2. 2 Belgium $834K
  3. 3 Chile $701K

World total: $6.0M 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 mercury battery

Brazil splits HS 8506.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8506.30.10Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³
  • 8506.30.90Mercuric oxide 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 mercury battery

What is the HS code for Mercury battery?

The HS code for Mercury battery is 850630 (Cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide). The specific HS code for mercury batteries (mercuric oxide primary cells) is 8506.30.

How do I classify Mercury battery for customs?

Mercury battery is classified under HS code 850630 — Cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are mercury batteries still legal to trade?

While the HS code 8506.30 exists for trade identification, many countries have banned or strictly regulated the import and sale of mercury batteries under the Minamata Convention due to environmental toxicity.

Which countries are the top exporters of mercury battery (HS 850630)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850630 (the code used for mercury battery) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($924K, 26% of world exports), Israel ($475K) and the United States ($438K). World exports came to about $3.6M, 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 mercury battery (HS 850630)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 850630 (the code used for mercury battery) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($892K, 15% of world imports), Belgium ($834K) and Chile ($701K). World imports came to about $6.0M, 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 Mercury battery the same in all countries?

The base HS code 850630 for Mercury 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 mercury battery in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 850630 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for mercury battery depends on the product's details: 8506.30.10 (Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, up to 300 cm³), 8506.30.90 (Mercuric oxide cells and batteries, over 300 cm³).