HS Code for Nickel-metal hydride battery

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are classified under HS code 8507.50. This classification is part of Heading 8507, which covers electric accumulators. NiMH batteries are secondary (rechargeable) cells that utilize a nickel oxide hydroxide positive electrode and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode. The classification is driven by GRI 1, as the subheading 8507.50 explicitly describes "nickel-metal hydride" accumulators. These batteries are widely recognized for their higher energy density compared to NiCd batteries and their lack of toxic cadmium, making them common in consumer electronics and hybrid electric vehicles. The HS code applies regardless of the battery's physical form—whether it is a button cell, a cylindrical cell, or a large-scale prismatic module used in automotive applications. As long as the battery is designed to be recharged and uses NiMH chemistry, it remains within this subheading. This also includes battery packs where multiple NiMH cells are connected together in a single housing.

Products Included

• Rechargeable NiMH AA and AAA consumer batteries
• NiMH battery packs for hybrid vehicles (HEVs)
• High-capacity NiMH batteries for radio-controlled (RC) toys
• NiMH cells for cordless telephone handsets
• Industrial NiMH storage modules

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for NiMH batteries is HS code 8507.30, which is reserved for nickel-cadmium batteries. While both are nickel-based rechargeable batteries, the metal-hydride component necessitates the use of 8507.50. Another common error is using 8507.80, which is the "other accumulators" category; however, since NiMH has its own specific subheading, 8507.80 should only be used for chemistries that do not have a dedicated code (like Silver-Zinc). Additionally, NiMH batteries should not be classified under 8506, as that heading is strictly for non-rechargeable primary cells.

FAQ

What is the HS code for nickel-metal hydride battery?

The specific HS code for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries is 8507.50.

Can NiMH batteries be classified as parts of a machine?

Generally, no. Under Section XVI, Note 2, and Heading 8507, accumulators are classified in their own heading even if they are intended for use with a specific machine or vehicle.