HTS 8548.10 – Waste & Scrap of Primary Cells, Batteries & Battery Packs

HTS 8548.10 covers spent primary cells, used battery packs, and battery scrap imported for recycling or materials recovery. The MFN rate is free. Most battery recyclers import from Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Canada — all facing only 15% or USMCA-exempt. This category is increasingly important as US battery recyclers process EV battery returns and recover lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Chinese-origin battery scrap faces 40% — potentially impacting battery recycling economics for materials from China-assembled packs.