Product classification
HS code for Primary lithium battery: 8506.50
Cells and batteries, primary, lithium.
Classification of primary lithium battery under HS 8506.50
Primary lithium batteries are classified under HS code 8506.50 because they are non-rechargeable electrochemical cells that utilize lithium as an anode. Heading 8506 is reserved for primary cells and primary batteries, which are designed to be discharged once and discarded. The subheading 8506.50 specifically isolates lithium chemistry from other types like manganese dioxide or mercuric oxide. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the active materials and the fact that the electrochemical reaction is not reversible. These batteries are distinct from secondary (rechargeable) batteries, which fall under heading 8507. The classification remains consistent regardless of the battery's shape, whether it is a button cell, cylindrical, or rectangular, provided it meets the primary lithium criteria. Proper classification is vital for safety regulations, as lithium batteries are subject to specific transport requirements due to their energy density and chemical properties.
- Covers
- Lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) non-rechargeable cells
- Lithium-manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) coin or button cells
- Lithium-iron disulfide (Li-FeS2) cylindrical batteries
- Primary lithium battery packs for industrial sensors
- Non-rechargeable lithium backup batteries for computer memory
- 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 confusing primary lithium batteries with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are classified under HS code 8507.60. While both contain lithium, heading 8507 is strictly for electric accumulators (rechargeable). Additionally, lithium batteries are sometimes misclassified under 8506.10 if they are mistaken for standard alkaline manganese dioxide batteries, or under 8506.80 for other primary cells if the lithium component is not recognized as the primary chemistry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850650 (the code used for primary lithium battery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850650 (the code used for primary lithium battery) 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 primary lithium battery.
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 primary lithium battery
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 primary lithium battery
What is the HS code for Primary lithium battery?
The HS code for Primary lithium battery is 850650 (Cells and batteries; primary, lithium). The HS code for a primary (non-rechargeable) lithium battery is 8506.50.
How do I classify Primary lithium battery for customs?
Primary lithium battery is classified under HS code 850650 — Cells and batteries; primary, lithium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lithium-ion batteries classified under 8506.50?
No, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and must be classified under HS code 8507.60. Code 8506.50 is exclusively for primary, non-rechargeable lithium cells.
Which countries are the top exporters of primary lithium battery (HS 850650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850650 (the code used for primary lithium battery) 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 primary lithium battery (HS 850650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850650 (the code used for primary lithium battery) 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 Primary lithium battery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850650 for Primary lithium 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 primary lithium battery in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850650 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for primary lithium battery 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).