HS 850640 Silver oxide
Quick Answer: Silver oxide imported under HS 850640 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.70%, and the US at rates ranging from 2.7% to 35%, with certain countries receiving duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers silver oxide, a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacture of silver-oxide batteries. Importers should be aware of the varying tariff rates across major trading blocs, as detailed by CustomTariffs. For customs brokers and importers, careful verification of the specific end-use and origin of the silver oxide is crucial to ensure accurate classification and application of the correct duty rate, especially in the US market where preferential trade agreements can significantly alter the duty burden.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8506400000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8506400000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8506401010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 85064010 | 2.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8506401090 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 850640 | — | — | — |
| 8506405000 | 2.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8506.40?
Imports of Silver oxide may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 850640 cover?
This subheading covers primary (non-rechargeable) silver oxide batteries, which are a type of chemical primary cell. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes button cells and other types of silver oxide batteries primarily used in watches, calculators, and medical devices. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system confirm that this classification is for primary cells where silver oxide is the cathode material, offering high energy density and stable voltage. These are distinct from rechargeable batteries.
What falls outside HS 850640?
The following products are excluded from HS 850640: rechargeable silver-based batteries, such as silver-zinc batteries (which are typically classified under HS 8507), and primary batteries utilizing other metal oxides like zinc-air or alkaline manganese dioxide. Furthermore, components or raw materials for silver oxide batteries, such as pure silver powder or manganese dioxide, are classified separately based on their specific composition and form, not as finished batteries. Loose silver oxide powder itself would not fall under this heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 850640?
A common error is misclassifying rechargeable silver-based batteries, such as silver-zinc accumulators, under this heading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. For HS 8506, the heading specifically refers to "primary cells and primary batteries," excluding rechargeable types. Importers may also mistakenly classify battery components or silver oxide compounds as finished batteries, failing to recognize the distinction between a complete power source and its constituent materials.
How should importers classify products under HS 850640?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 850640 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the battery is a primary (non-rechargeable) cell and that silver oxide is indeed the cathode material. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial. A review of the product's packaging and any manufacturer's declarations will confirm its classification as a silver oxide primary battery.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 850640?
A shipment of 10,000 Renata 395 silver oxide watch batteries, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.05 = $25.00). For specific quantities, the duty might be per unit or per kilogram, but for these small batteries, ad valorem is common. Always verify the specific duty basis in the relevant tariff schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 850640?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 850640, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is generally needed, depending on the importing country's specific requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 850640 (Silver oxide)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 850640 (Silver oxide) is 3.5% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for imports from certain countries under various trade agreements. For example, imports from Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility based on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Always refer to official sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for US rates, the EU TARIC database for European Union rates, or the UK Trade Tariff for UK rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 850640 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 850640 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 3.5% and you import silver oxide valued at $10,000, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.035 (duty rate) = $350. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) is also applicable, the importer must pay the higher of the two duties. Always ensure the declared value is the customs value, which typically includes the cost of goods, insurance, and freight to the port of entry.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 850640, and what distinguishes it from other battery-related codes?
HS code 850640 specifically covers 'Silver oxide' batteries and primary cells. The key classification criterion is the chemical nature of the cathode material, which must be silver oxide. This code is distinct from other primary battery codes (e.g., 850610 for manganese dioxide, 850650 for lithium) based on this specific chemistry. It's important to ensure that the product is indeed a primary cell or battery utilizing silver oxide as the active cathode material and not a rechargeable battery (which falls under HS Chapter 8507) or a different type of primary cell.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 850640?
When importing silver oxide batteries (HS 850640), standard import documentation is usually required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the silver oxide (e.g., if it's considered hazardous material), additional documentation might be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates, safety data sheets (SDS), or specific import licenses. Customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country prior to shipment.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 850640, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 850640. For example, agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) or agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG) often grant reduced or duty-free access. To benefit, importers must ensure the silver oxide batteries are of 'originating' status according to the rules of origin specified in the respective trade agreement. This typically requires a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter or producer, or a declaration of origin on the invoice, and proof that the goods meet the agreement's criteria. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the rules of origin for each applicable trade agreement to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance.