Product classification
HS code for NiMH battery: 8507.50
Electric accumulators, nickel-metal hydride, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square).
Classification of niMH battery under HS 8507.50
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries fall under HS code 850750. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the accumulator's electrodes. NiMH batteries utilize a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode and nickel oxyhydroxide for the positive electrode. As rechargeable energy storage devices, they are grouped under heading 8507. The specific subheading 850750 was established to distinguish these from older technologies like lead-acid or nickel-cadmium. Classification remains consistent whether the batteries are imported for consumer electronics, industrial applications, or hybrid vehicle systems, as long as they are presented as discrete accumulators. These batteries are often preferred over NiCd due to their higher energy density and lower environmental impact, as they do not contain toxic cadmium. When classifying these items, it is important to verify that they are indeed accumulators (rechargeable) rather than primary cells. The HS code 850750 covers the cells themselves and assemblies of cells, including those with built-in protection circuits or monitoring electronics, provided the assembly functions as a battery. The electrolyte, typically potassium hydroxide, and the specific metal hydride lattice are the defining characteristics that customs officials look for during chemical analysis or documentation review.
- Covers
- AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries
- NiMH battery modules for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
- High-capacity NiMH packs for cordless phones
- Industrial NiMH storage systems
- Nickel-metal hydride button cells
- Also under 8507.50
- Toyota Prius battery (older generations)
- Panasonic Eneloop
- Duracell Rechargeable
- GP ReCyko
- Sanyo NiMH
Codes often confused with 8507.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for NiMH batteries is HS code 850730 (Nickel-cadmium) due to the similar naming convention. However, the absence of cadmium requires the use of 850750. They are also sometimes incorrectly placed under 850780, which is a residual category for "other" accumulators. Since NiMH has its own specific subheading (850750), using the "other" category is a violation of GRI 1. Finally, they should never be classified under 8506, which is for non-rechargeable batteries.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850750 (the code used for niMH battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850750 (the code used for niMH battery) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% 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 850750, not only niMH battery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $1.2B 60% of world exports
- 2 China $309M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $97M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $646M 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $138M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $135M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 niMH battery
Brazil splits HS 8507.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8507.50.10NiMH AA (HR6) rechargeable cells, 1.2 V
- 8507.50.20NiMH AAA (HR03) rechargeable cells, 1.2 V
- 8507.50.90Other nickel-metal hydride accumulators
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about niMH battery
What is the HS code for NiMH battery?
The HS code for NiMH battery is 850750 (Electric accumulators; nickel-metal hydride, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)). The HS code for NiMH batteries is 850750, specifically designated for nickel-metal hydride electric accumulators.
How do I classify NiMH battery for customs?
NiMH battery is classified under HS code 850750 — Electric accumulators; nickel-metal hydride, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can NiMH batteries be classified as lithium batteries?
No, lithium-ion batteries have a distinct chemistry and are classified under HS code 850760, separate from nickel-based systems.
Which countries are the top exporters of niMH battery (HS 850750)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850750 (the code used for niMH battery) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.2B, 60% of world exports), China ($309M) and Germany ($97M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 niMH battery (HS 850750)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850750 (the code used for niMH battery) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($646M, 34% of world imports), Germany ($138M) and Mexico ($135M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 NiMH battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850750 for NiMH 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 niMH battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850750 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for niMH battery depends on the product's details: 8507.50.10 (NiMH AA (HR6) rechargeable cells, 1.2 V), 8507.50.20 (NiMH AAA (HR03) rechargeable cells, 1.2 V), 8507.50.90 (Other nickel-metal hydride accumulators).