Sourcing sealed lead-acid batteries from China

UK duty on sealed lead-acid batteries

Heading 8507 covers electric accumulators and their separators. Sealed lead-acid batteries include starter batteries and batteries for standby or cyclic use. The table includes liquid-electrolyte alternatives for classification comparison; do not select a code solely because the supplier calls a battery sealed. See the wider rechargeable battery guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, the listed lead-acid lines carried 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension shown. The tariff also attaches an “Export control of mercury” entry. Ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to the consignment and any documentation required.

Give your broker the electrolyte construction, intended use and manufacturer’s datasheet to confirm the commodity code. Sealed valve-regulated batteries for non-starter uses are represented by 8507 20 80 90 in the site's wider guide. Keep duty separate from import VAT when reviewing the import tax calculation.

Specify standby or cyclic performance

Specify absorbed-glass-mat or gel construction, nominal voltage, capacity and the discharge conditions used to measure it. Agree the discharge current, temperature and cut-off voltage before comparing samples. Ask for separate charging instructions for standby and cyclic use, storage instructions and production-date traceability.

Confirm case dimensions, terminal type, polarity, mounting orientation and the charger used in your equipment. Request model-specific performance reports and approve a physical sample. For freight, give the forwarder the exact model and safety data sheet, and ask what evidence it needs to accept any non-spillable description.

Confirm with the relevant authority whether the UK business first making batteries available in its selling chain is the battery producer. Identify the portable, industrial or automotive category and confirm the applicable registration and waste responsibilities with that authority. Industrial producers must register with the Office for Product Safety and Standards within 28 days of first placing batteries on the UK market. Sealed construction alone does not settle the category.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 sealed lead-acid standby batteries; illustrative FOB and freight values under 8507 20 80 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,880 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,880. Duty at 2% is £117.60. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,997.60, so it is £1,199.52. Import taxes total £1,317.12; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £117.60 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Capacity: discharge samples under the agreed conditions and compare the results with the approved specification; open-circuit voltage alone does not establish capacity.

Fit: check case dimensions, terminal alignment, polarity and connection security against the actual equipment and approved sample.

Condition: inspect incoming cartons and batteries for cracked cases, swelling, leakage, corrosion and damaged terminals; compare batch and production markings with shipment records.

Markings: confirm with the relevant authority whether the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol is required, and check the lead chemical symbol where lead exceeds 0.004% by weight. Check model identity and charging instructions against the approved artwork. Arrange quality inspection before shipment as well as arrival checks.

What goes wrong

A battery can fit the enclosure and show an acceptable voltage yet deliver insufficient runtime. Capacity figures measured under different discharge conditions are difficult to compare. Unapproved changes to plate construction, terminals or case material can also leave repeat orders different from the sample. Record the agreed construction and test method in the purchase specification.

Old stock, unsuitable charging settings and damaged cases can turn an apparently usable delivery into returns. Ask for batch traceability and investigate failed samples before accepting replacements. Confirm industrial battery producers' waste take-back responsibilities with the relevant authority, and agree how customers will request returns rather than leaving that process until batteries fail.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.