Spent Lead-Acid Car Batteries
Used automotive lead-acid batteries that are no longer usable as such due to wear and capacity degradation, containing lead plates and sulfuric acid electrolyte. Classified under HTS 8549.12.40.00 as spent primary cells containing lead, specifically designated for lead recovery processes like smelting to reclaim lead metal.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If containing nickel or cadmium primarily
Spent batteries with primary nickel-cadmium composition fall under the nickel-cadmium subheading rather than lead-specific recovery.
If classified as general lead waste ash/residue
Lead-bearing waste not specifically spent cells but slag/ash from battery processing goes to Chapter 26 for mineral wastes.
If still usable as waste/ scrap batteries not spent
Batteries retaining some usability or rechargeability are classified as general electrical scrap rather than definitively spent for recovery.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain EPA hazardous waste import permit and Basel Convention prior informed consent; segregate batteries to prevent short-circuiting during transport; declare exact lead content for customs valuation
Related Products under HTS 8549.12.40.00
Used UPS Lead-Acid Batteries
Spent sealed lead-acid batteries from uninterruptible power supplies, depleted from repeated discharge cycles and no longer rechargeable. Falls under 8549.12.40.00 for lead recovery as they contain lead oxide plates designated for metal reclamation.
Discarded Lead-Acid Forklift Batteries
Heavy-duty industrial lead-acid batteries from forklifts, broken down and unusable due to sulfation and plate degradation, intended for lead smelting recovery. HTS 8549.12.40.00 applies to these spent accumulators containing lead for recycling.
Spent Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Alarm Batteries
Small VRLA batteries from fire alarms and security systems, exhausted after years of standby use and incapable of holding charge. Classified in 8549.12.40.00 as spent lead-containing cells for lead recovery through specialized recycling.
Used Lead-Acid Motorcycle Batteries
Conventional flooded lead-acid batteries from motorcycles, drained and sulfated from use, neither usable nor rechargeable. HTS 8549.12.40.00 covers these for lead reclamation in battery recycling facilities.
Depleted Telecom Lead-Acid Backup Batteries
Large lead-acid batteries from telephone exchange backup systems, worn out from deep cycling and designated for dismantling and lead recovery. Fits 8549.12.40.00 as spent electric accumulators containing lead.
Worn-Out Golf Cart Lead-Acid Batteries
6V or 12V flooded lead-acid batteries from electric golf carts, cracked and unable to hold charge due to age and use. Under 8549.12.40.00 for recovery of lead through pyrometallurgical processes.