85076000
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)
Lithium-ion
Definition and scope of CN code 850760 — Li-ion batteries
CN code 850760 covers lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries, which are secondary cells using lithium ions as the charge carrier between electrodes. Li-ion technology dominates the global energy storage market due to its high energy density (150-270 Wh/kg), low self-discharge rate, and absence of memory effect. CN code 850760 covers cylindrical cells (formats 18650, 21700, 4680), prismatic cells, and pouch cells, as well as assembled modules and battery packs. The code encompasses cells with various cathode chemistries: NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt), LFP (lithium iron phosphate), NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminium), LCO (lithium cobalt oxide), and LTO (lithium titanate). Primary applications include electric and hybrid vehicles, consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets), stationary energy storage systems (ESS), power tools, and medical devices. EV battery packs represent the largest import segment by value into the EU. Classification is based on GIR Rules 1 and 6. Battery packs with BMS are classified under 850760 provided the primary function is electrical energy storage. Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries are also classified under this heading.
EU regulations for lithium-ion batteries in 2026
Lithium-ion batteries under CN code 850760 are subject to Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Battery Regulation), which imposes the most stringent requirements on EV and industrial batteries. From 2025, a carbon footprint declaration is mandatory for EV and industrial batteries above 2 kWh. Carbon efficiency classes apply from 2026, and maximum carbon footprint thresholds from 2028. A Battery Passport is required from 2027. The Regulation mandates minimum recycled content levels (cobalt, nickel, lithium, lead) from 2031 and due diligence requirements for critical raw material supply chains. Li-ion batteries are also subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), the LVD Directive (2014/35/EU) for packs above 75 V DC, and the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) for electromagnetic compatibility of battery management systems. Transport is regulated as Class 9 dangerous goods (UN3481 packed with equipment, UN3480 standalone). Import requires correct customs declaration with CN code, commercial invoice with technical specifications, transport documents, and compliance certificates. Importers must register in the national battery producer register.
Customs duties and trade in Li-ion batteries
MFN customs duty rates for CN code 850760 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Li-ion batteries are not subject to CBAM. Preferential duty rates are available under EU FTAs with key trading partners, including South Korea (major cell exporters Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution), Japan (Panasonic), and the United Kingdom (TCA). Rules of origin for Li-ion batteries can be restrictive, requiring a specified level of processing in the beneficiary country. Importers should check TARIC for current trade measures — the European Commission monitors imports of low-cost Li-ion cells from China for potential dumping practices. The EU is implementing the European Battery Alliance strategy to build a domestic battery value chain, which may affect future trade measures. Rules of origin under the TCA with the United Kingdom provide for tightened local content requirements for EV batteries from 2027. National VAT applies upon import. Detailed 10-digit TARIC codes may contain additional distinctions by cell capacity and intended application. Binding Tariff Information is recommended where classification uncertainty exists.
Battery Regulation 2023/1542 and accumulators 8507 60
Accumulators under CN 8507 60 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 Battery Regulation requirements apply to EV lithium-ion batteries?
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 imposes the strictest requirements on EV batteries classified under CN 850760. From 2025, a carbon footprint declaration with lifecycle CO2 emission calculation is mandatory. From 2026, carbon efficiency classes are required, and from 2028, maximum emission thresholds apply. A Battery Passport with data on capacity, durability, chemical composition, and recycling conditions is mandatory from 2027. Manufacturers must ensure minimum recycled content from 2031: 16% cobalt, 6% lithium, 6% nickel. Due diligence for critical raw material supply chains is also required.
Which UN numbers apply to Li-ion battery transport?
Lithium-ion batteries under CN code 850760 are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods and transported under the following UN numbers: UN3480 (standalone lithium-ion batteries), UN3481 (lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment). For cells with limited lithium content (up to 20 Wh per cell or 100 Wh per pack), simplified provisions under ADR Special Provision 188 may apply. Air transport of Li-ion batteries is subject to IATA-DGR restrictions, including prohibition of cargo transport for damaged, defective, or recalled batteries.
Are LFP and NMC cells classified under the same CN code?
Yes. All lithium-ion accumulators, regardless of specific cathode chemistry, are classified under CN code 850760. This applies to NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt), LFP (lithium iron phosphate), NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminium), LCO (lithium cobalt oxide), LTO (lithium titanate), and LMO (lithium manganese oxide) cells. The classification criterion is the use of lithium ions as charge carriers, not the specific cathode composition. Cathode chemistry distinctions may be relevant at the 10-digit TARIC code level and for Battery Regulation compliance requirements.
Do accumulators under 8507 60 require a battery passport?
Industrial and EV accumulators under 8507 60 will require a battery passport from 2027 under (EU) 2023/1542, containing composition, carbon footprint and recyclability data.
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