85071000
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square)
Lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines
Scope of subheading 850710 - SLI lead-acid accumulators
Subheading 850710 covers lead-acid accumulators for starting piston engines (SLI - Starting, Lighting, Ignition). Classic 12V automotive batteries for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and construction machinery. Designs: flooded, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and gel. Capacity 30 Ah (motorcycles) to 220 Ah (trucks). Classification requires SLI purpose and lead-acid system. Traction and stationary batteries under 850720. Classification per GRI 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements
Subject to Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542: mandatory recycling (63% collection target by 2027), labelling with Pb symbol and capacity, mercury/cadmium limits, battery passport (planned for SLI above 2 kWh). Lead-acid batteries contain lead (Pb) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) - transport subject to ADR as Class 8 dangerous goods (UN2794). RoHS 2 exempts lead in batteries. CBAM does not apply.
Customs duties and trade
MFN rates should be verified in TARIC. SLI batteries imported in volume from China, Turkey, Korea and European countries. Lead-acid SLI market remains stable despite EV growth as ICE vehicles still dominate the global fleet. Preferential rates require rules of origin. VAT charged on import.
Battery Regulation 2023/1542 and accumulators 8507 10
Accumulators under CN 8507 10 are subject to the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. From 2025, a carbon footprint declaration is required for EV and industrial batteries. From 2027, minimum recycled content applies. Li-ion accumulators require ADR/IMDG transport compliance (UN 3481). MFN duty: 2.7%. Producer registration and REACH compliance are mandatory.
Frequently asked questions
What recycling requirements apply to SLI batteries?
Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 sets lead-acid battery collection targets: 63% by 2027 and 73% by 2030. Producer/importer must provide collection and fund recycling. Lead-acid batteries have the highest recycling rate of all battery types (over 95% in EU). Recovered lead constitutes over 50% of raw material for new battery production.
Are AGM and gel batteries classified under 850710?
Yes, AGM and gel batteries intended for engine starting are classified under 850710 as lead-acid SLI accumulators. If AGM or gel batteries are intended for traction or stationary applications (UPS, telecom, PV), they are classified under 850720. The key criterion is SLI purpose.
Are lead-acid batteries subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM covers: steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Batteries from Chapter 85 are not within CBAM scope, even though they contain lead (CBAM metal is aluminium, not lead).
Do accumulators under 8507 10 require a battery passport?
Industrial and EV accumulators under 8507 10 will require a battery passport from 2027 under (EU) 2023/1542, containing composition, carbon footprint and recyclability data.
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