How to export Batteries from the UK to China

Start with the battery type and sales route

For batteries and accumulators, identify the chemistry, whether the unit is rechargeable, and its intended use before agreeing a China order. The covered HS6 codes are 8506-8507 (14 subheadings). Chinese classification and product requirements need checking for the actual model; cross-border retail eligibility covers only part of this range.

HMRC recorded £12.0m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 14 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £12.6m, -4.9%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £5.4m. January to July 2026: £6.1m against £7.7m in the same months of 2025 (-21.5%). These are UK exports under HS 8506-8507 (14 subheadings).

The largest listed UK export line to China was lithium-ion accumulators, 85076000, at £4.4m in 2025. That is a tariff-line total, not evidence of demand for your model. Use the buyer’s proposed application and sales channel to decide which specifications and compliance questions to resolve first.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The listed Chinese tariff lines have the MFN rates below. For 85079090, the provisional 2026 rate is 5%, against an MFN rate of 8%. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the classification and applicable rate before you settle the selling price.

Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to the statutory exceptions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these batteries. Duty and VAT add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Check standards and approval coverage by use

GB 31241-2022 is the current mandatory safety standard for lithium-ion cells and battery packs used in portable electronic products. GB 31241.4-2026 covers lithium-ion cells and battery packs for toys and is awaiting implementation. Give the buyer the intended application and model specifications so the applicable standard can be checked.

The 2020 SAMR/GACC CCC reference table has no commodity-code match beginning with these HS6 codes, but catalogue descriptions can still cover a product. This is not a CCC exemption. Confirm the model’s approval coverage with the relevant authority before shipment. GACC Decree 280 concerns overseas food manufacturers, so its food-manufacturer registration does not apply to batteries.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, find the correct UK commodity code and obtain a GB EORI number. The online export declaration needs the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Align the battery model descriptions on the commercial paperwork with the specifications supplied to the Chinese buyer.

Cross-border retail covers only selected lines

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list matches 85069090, other parts of primary cells or batteries, and 85073000, nickel-cadmium accumulators. Do not extend that eligibility to lithium-ion batteries or the whole range. Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, subject to epidemic-area suspensions and emergency risk handling.

The overseas seller retains primary quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability. Consumers must accept the risk notice covering origin-country standards, possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of Chinese labels with online Chinese e-label access, and personal use without resale. Limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person.

Find and check the Chinese buyer

Check whether a prospective buyer wants cells, finished packs or parts, and whether its proposed route fits the tariff line and intended use. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners’ regulated roles in China; your brand’s own filings remain yours. We check with licensed partners.

Use our export-to-China service to discuss the battery models, buyer and proposed route before committing stock.