Find HS Code and trade information for laptop battery

Laptop Battery

A laptop battery is a rechargeable power source that allows a laptop computer to operate when not connected to an AC power outlet. It provides mobility and uninterrupted operation during power outages or when a power source is unavailable.

Material

Laptop batteries are primarily based on Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology, though older models utilized Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH).

• Lithium-ion: The dominant technology due to its high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and lack of memory effect. Common Li-ion chemistries include Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), and Lithium Polymer (LiPo).
• Nickel Cadmium (NiCd): Older technology, less common now due to environmental concerns (cadmium is toxic) and lower energy density.
• Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): An improvement over NiCd, offering higher energy density but still inferior to Li-ion and susceptible to self-discharge.

Purpose

• Portability: Enables operation of the laptop away from power outlets.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides power during brief power outages, allowing time to save work and safely shut down the system.
• Extended Operation: Allows continued use during travel, outdoor activities, or in locations without readily available power.

Function

A laptop battery stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The battery consists of an anode (negative electrode), a cathode (positive electrode), an electrolyte, and a separator. A battery management system (BMS) regulates charging and discharging to prevent overcharging, overheating, and damage.

Usage Scenarios

• Travel: Essential for using laptops on airplanes, trains, or in hotels.
• Remote Work: Allows operation in locations without access to power outlets.
• Outdoor Activities: Enables use during camping, hiking, or other outdoor events.
• Power Outages: Provides temporary power during electricity disruptions.
• Classroom/Meetings: Facilitates note-taking and presentations without reliance on power outlets.

Common Types

• Standard Battery: The most common type, typically housed within the laptop chassis.
• Extended Battery: Larger capacity battery, often protruding from the laptop's base, providing longer run times.
• Slim Battery: Designed for ultraportable laptops, prioritizing size and weight over capacity.
• External Battery Pack/Power Bank: Portable battery packs that connect to the laptop via USB-C or a proprietary connector to provide additional power.
• Replacement Batteries: Aftermarket batteries designed to replace original batteries. These come in various qualities and capacities.

Battery Management System (BMS)

The BMS is a crucial component that:

• Monitors: Voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge.
• Protects: Prevents overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and overheating.
• Balances: Ensures all cells within the battery pack are charged and discharged evenly, maximizing battery life and performance.
• Communicates: Provides information to the operating system regarding battery status.

Laptop batteries typically fall under the category of electric storage batteries. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 8507600020: Electric storage batteries, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square); parts thereof: Lithium-ion batteries. This code covers lithium-ion batteries generally.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image transmission or reproduction apparatus, and parts and accessories of such articles.
  • 07: Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square).
  • 60: Other accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square).
  • 00: Other.
  • 20: Lithium-ion batteries.

• 8507600010: Electric storage batteries, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square); parts thereof: Lithium-ion batteries Of a kind used as the primary source of electrical power for electrically powered vehicles of subheadings 8703.40, 8703.50, 8703.60, 8703.70 or 8703.80. This code specifically applies to lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. If the laptop battery is not for an electric vehicle, this code is not applicable.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image transmission or reproduction apparatus, and parts and accessories of such articles.
  • 07: Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square).
  • 60: Other accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square).
  • 00: Other.
  • 10: Lithium-ion batteries Of a kind used as the primary source of electrical power for electrically powered vehicles of subheadings 8703.40, 8703.50, 8703.60, 8703.70 or 8703.80.

Tax Information:

Both HS codes currently have a base tariff of 3.4%, no additional tariffs, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025. This results in a total tariff of 33.4%.