Sourcing NiMH battery cells from China
Rechargeable NiMH battery cells from China carry 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. For Great Britain, check battery labelling and confirm any applicable substance restrictions and your battery producer responsibilities with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources rechargeable NiMH battery cells.
Duty on rechargeable NiMH cells
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, rechargeable nickel-metal hydride cells under 8507 50 00 90 carried 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is recorded for this line. Heading 8507 covers electric accumulators and their separators. The table repeats the same NiMH line for different buying specifications.
The tariff attaches an “Export control of mercury” entry. The importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT. The values in the worked order are illustrative, rather than a supplier quotation.
Confirm the chemistry and whether the shipment contains loose cells or batteries fitted in equipment before choosing the commodity code. For other rechargeable chemistries and battery packs, see the wider battery guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride cells, button terminal | 8507 50 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify capacity, terminals and charging conditions
Name the cell manufacturer, model, nickel-metal hydride chemistry, dimensions and terminal form. Distinguish button terminals, flat terminals and welded tabs. Specify whether cells must be new, the sleeve artwork, lot identification and packaging that keeps terminals separated.
Agree minimum measured capacity and the charging, discharge, temperature and cut-off conditions used to measure it. Specify internal resistance, retained charge after storage and cycle performance using an agreed test method. Ask for the charging instructions and test records for the exact model, then approve samples in the intended equipment.
For Great Britain, batteries must carry the crossed-out wheeled bin marking, subject to the small-battery packaging provisions. Confirm any applicable substance restrictions with the relevant authority. Confirm the artwork and composition evidence before production through testing and certification. Northern Ireland has a separate battery regulatory regime; check the destination before approving documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 industrial NiMH cells for equipment assembly under 8507 50 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,200, so it is £840. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and fit: compare the maker, model, lot, dimensions, polarity and terminal shape with the approved sample; inspect sleeves and welded tabs.
Capacity and retention: charge and discharge sampled cells under the agreed conditions, then repeat the agreed storage check; record results against the lot.
Condition and packing: check for leakage, corrosion, dents, damaged insulation and loose terminals; verify that cells cannot contact exposed terminals in transit.
Labels and records: compare capacity claims and bin markings with approved artwork and supporting documents. Use quality inspection before shipment and repeat receipt checks.
What goes wrong
A printed capacity can conceal a short runtime when the supplier uses different test conditions. Cells may pass an initial voltage check yet lose charge during storage. Wrong terminal height, weak welded tabs and damaged sleeves can cause assembly failures. Keep the approved sample and require written approval before any cell substitution.
Producer responsibility is another gap. If your business has a UK presence and first makes batteries available on the UK market, including through imports, confirm with the relevant environmental regulator whether you are a battery producer and which registration route applies. Confirm the battery category and registration route before selling.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on NiMH cells from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for 8507 50 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Import VAT is normally 20%.
How do I check a supplier's NiMH capacity claim?
Agree charging and discharge conditions, temperature and cut-off before ordering. Test sampled production cells under those conditions and check retained charge after the agreed storage period.
Do I need battery producer registration for a small order?
If your UK business first supplies batteries on the UK market, confirm with the relevant environmental regulator whether you are a battery producer and what registration requirements apply to your battery category and supply volume.
What should I specify for tabbed NiMH cells?
Specify cell dimensions, polarity, tab material, orientation, insulation and weld acceptance. Approve samples in your assembly and inspect production tabs for loose welds and sleeve damage.