HS Code for Lead Acid Car Batteries
The HS Code for lead acid car batteries is 850710. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 3.5%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 850710 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 3.5% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 3.7% |
| Chapter | 85 |
| Heading | 8507 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Lead-acid accumulators for starting piston engines
HS Code 850710 covers lead-acid starter batteries for piston engines with a US MFN duty rate of 3.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main additional costs beyond the product price when importing lead-acid car batteries under HTS 850710?
Importers must pay a 3.5% Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff rate and are subject to an EPA-imposed battery fee of approximately $15-$20 per battery for lead-acid starter batteries, which covers recycling and disposal costs. Furthermore, batteries may incur higher hazardous material surcharges from carriers due to their weight, acid content, and specific packaging requirements.
What are the primary compliance requirements when importing lead-acid car batteries (HTS 850710) into the United States?
Importers must comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for managing spent batteries under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). You are required to notify the EPA of your import activity and ensure proper labeling and handling to prevent lead contamination, as these batteries are classified as hazardous waste when spent. Additionally, you must adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard class 8 (corrosive) packaging and shipping regulations.
What are the critical packaging and marking requirements for shipping lead-acid car batteries internationally?
Lead-acid batteries are classified as Class 8 corrosive substances (UN 2794) and must be packed and marked according to IATA/IMDG dangerous goods regulations. They must be secured to prevent short circuits, with terminals protected, and the outer packaging must display the proper shipping name, UN number, and corrosive label. Non-spillable types (UN 2800) may have less stringent requirements if they pass the specified tests.
Seasonal Import Trends for Lead-Acid Vehicle Batteries
Imports of lead-acid vehicle batteries (8507.10) show a pronounced and predictable seasonal pattern. Demand typically surges in the late summer and early fall, peaking in September and October, as distributors build inventory ahead of winter and the holiday season when battery failures are most common due to cold weather. A secondary, smaller peak often occurs in late spring for summer travel preparations. U.S. import data from recent years shows monthly volumes can vary by 30-3.5% between the low (e.g., February) and high (e.g., October) seasons, making supply chain planning critical.
Compliance Notes for Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid vehicle batteries are subject to strict U.S. EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 273) as universal waste due to their lead and sulfuric acid content, requiring specific labeling, storage, and disposal procedures. Importers must also comply with DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) for transportation. While the HTS duty rate is generally 3.5% for subheading 8507.10, certain countries may be subject to Section 301 tariffs or require anti-dumping/countervailing duty case A-570-028 reviews. Properly completing EPA Form 8700-12 for waste battery importers and ensuring spill-proof terminal protection per 49 CFR 173.159 are critical steps.
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