Discarded Alkaline Batteries with Mercury

Worn-out household alkaline batteries containing trace mercury in the cathode material, no longer capable of powering devices due to electrolyte depletion. HTS 8549.12.8000 applies to spent primary cells with mercury that cannot be recharged.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

8549.19.00.00Same rate: 17.5%

If mercury content below regulatory threshold

Low/no heavy metal batteries classified as non-hazardous 'other' spent cells

3825.20.00.00Same rate: 17.5%

If mixed with other chemical wastes

Bulk chemical battery waste may shift to Chapter 38 for hazardous mixtures

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

Test for mercury threshold (>0.025%) before declaration; segregate from non-mercury waste; prepare for Basel Convention prior informed consent if applicable

Related Products under HTS 8549.12.80.00

Spent Lead-Acid Car Batteries

Used automotive lead-acid batteries that are no longer usable due to wear and sulfation, containing lead electrodes and sulfuric acid electrolyte. Classified under HTS 8549.12.8000 as spent primary cells or batteries containing lead, neither rechargeable nor functional as power sources.

Used Sealed Lead-Acid UPS Batteries

Depleted valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries from uninterruptible power supplies, worn out from cycle fatigue and containing lead plates. Falls under 8549.12.8000 as spent electric accumulators with lead, incapable of recharging due to internal degradation.

Spent Nickel-Cadmium Rechargeable Batteries

Exhausted NiCd battery packs from power tools, with cadmium anode degraded beyond rechargeability due to dendrite formation. Classified in 8549.12.8000 as spent electric accumulators containing cadmium.

Worn-Out Emergency Lighting Lead Batteries

Failed lead-acid batteries from exit signs and emergency lights, sulfated and non-functional after years of standby drain. HTS 8549.12.8000 for spent accumulators containing lead.

Depleted Zinc-Mercury Button Cell Batteries

Tiny spent mercury oxide button cells from watches and calculators, exhausted and containing mercury-zinc chemistry. Falls under 8549.12.8000 as non-rechargeable primary cells with mercury.

Failed Solar Panel Lead-Acid Batteries

Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries from off-grid solar systems, capacity reduced to zero from over-discharge and plate shedding. HTS 8549.12.8000 as spent lead-containing accumulators.