Lithium Battery HS Code — 8507.60 Classification & Shipping Rules

Classification rules

HS 8507.60 covers lithium-ion accumulators (rechargeable batteries). This includes power banks, replacement phone/laptop batteries, battery packs, and cells.

Important: a product that CONTAINS a lithium battery does not classify under 8507.60. A laptop with a built-in battery is 8471.30 (computers). A phone is 8517.13. The battery classification only applies when the battery is the product being imported.

• 8507.60 — Lithium-ion accumulators. Standalone batteries, power banks, battery packs.
• 8507.80 — Other accumulators (NiMH, NiCd). Different heading.
• 8506.50 — Lithium primary (non-rechargeable) cells. Button cells, CR2032, AA lithium. Different heading from rechargeable.

Duty rates

Rates are generally low because batteries are inputs to manufacturing.

• US: 3.5% base rate. Section 301 adds 7.5% for China-origin (some exclusions apply).
• EU: 2.5%. The EU is increasing focus on battery supply chain compliance (EU Battery Regulation 2023).
• UK: 2.5%.
• Canada: 0%. Canada zero-rates lithium-ion batteries.

UN 38.3 testing — mandatory

Every lithium cell or battery shipped internationally must pass UN 38.3 safety testing. This is not optional. No test report = no shipment. Airlines, ocean carriers, and customs all check.

The test battery (T1–T8) covers: altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, and forced discharge. Your supplier provides the test report. If they can't, find a different supplier.

Cost: $3,000–$8,000 per battery model at an accredited lab. Timeline: 4–8 weeks. You need this done before your first production order, not after.

Shipping classification (IATA/IMDG)

Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. The packaging instruction depends on how they ship.

• PI 965 — Standalone lithium-ion batteries (most restricted). Many airlines won't carry under PI 965 on passenger aircraft.
• PI 966 — Batteries packed WITH equipment (spare battery in the box next to the device).
• PI 967 — Batteries IN equipment (installed inside the device). Least restricted — most common for consumer electronics.
• Each PI has Section I (large batteries, full DGR) and Section II (small batteries, reduced requirements). Section II threshold: cells ≤20Wh, batteries ≤100Wh.

2026 regulatory changes

The EU Battery Regulation requires carbon footprint declarations, recycled content minimums, and a digital battery passport for EV and industrial batteries starting 2027. Consumer electronics batteries get lighter requirements but due diligence obligations on supply chain start in 2025.

The US is considering Section 301 exclusion removal for lithium batteries from China. If exclusions expire, the effective rate jumps from 3.5% to 11% or higher. Monitor USTR announcements quarterly.

Frequently asked questions

Does a power bank classify as a battery (8507) or an electronic device?

A simple power bank (battery + charging circuit, no other function) is 8507.60. A power bank with a built-in flashlight, speaker, or solar panel may classify differently based on essential character, but most power banks are 8507.60.

Can I ship lithium batteries by regular air freight?

Standalone batteries (PI 965) are restricted on passenger aircraft and many cargo airlines. Batteries inside devices (PI 967 Section II) can ship on passenger aircraft with proper documentation. Always confirm with your carrier before booking.

What's the watt-hour limit for carry-on luggage?

FAA/TSA: batteries up to 100Wh are allowed in carry-on (not checked bags). 100–160Wh requires airline approval. Above 160Wh is prohibited on passenger aircraft. This applies to individual passengers, not commercial shipments.