Portable Power Bank - HTS Code 8507.60.00.90

A portable power bank, often referred to as a portable charger or phone battery pack, is a compact, mobile energy storage device designed to recharge electronic gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These devices consist of integrated lithium-ion battery cells housed within a protective casing, coupled with complex printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that manage power input and output. Most models feature standard USB-A, USB-C, or micro-USB ports, allowing for universal compatibility with a wide range of consumer electronics. Higher-end versions may incorporate Power Delivery (PD) technology for faster charging or wireless Qi-standard coils for cable-free energy transfer. Beyond simple energy storage, modern power banks include safety mechanisms to prevent overcharging, short-circuiting, and overheating. Their capacity is typically measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), determining how many full charges they can provide to a connected device. As indispensable tools for travelers and mobile professionals, these portable power sources ensure connectivity in environments where traditional AC wall outlets are inaccessible.

Important: AI output requires professional review
Moya provides AI-assisted research for U.S. import workflows. Results are not a binding CBP ruling, legal advice, customs brokerage advice, or filing instruction. Verify HTS codes, duties, and compliance requirements with a licensed customs broker or official source before relying on them.
Reference HTS Code
8507.60.00.90

For research only. Verify the latest schedule and official requirements before filing.

AI Classification Reasoning

The classification of a portable power bank is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Heading 8507 covers 'Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square).' A power bank is essentially a lithium-ion accumulator equipped with additional circuitry for power management and voltage regulation. Under the principles of GRI 1, the device is classified based on its primary function: the storage and supply of electrical energy. While the device contains conversion circuitry that might suggest Heading 8504 (static converters), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has consistently ruled that the accumulator provides the essential character of the product. Applying GRI 6 to determine the subheading, the product falls under 8507.60 due to its lithium-ion chemistry. Within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), the specific statistical suffix 8507.60.00.90 ('Other') is utilized because these portable consumer units are finished articles that do not fit the specific descriptions for aircraft or telecommunication-grade battery packs.

Tariff Information

General rate
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  • 🔒Section 301 surcharge (China origin)
  • 🔒Section 232 (steel/aluminum)
  • 🔒IEEPA tariffs
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FAQ

Is a power bank classified as a battery or a charger under HTS codes?
For customs purposes, a power bank is classified as an electric accumulator under HTS 8507 rather than a battery charger (8504), because its primary function is energy storage.
Do Section 301 duties apply to portable power banks imported from China?
Yes, products classified under HTS 8507.60.00 are generally subject to Section 301 trade remedies when originating from China, requiring additional duties beyond the general rate.
Does the inclusion of a solar panel change the HTS classification?
Generally, no. Even with a small solar panel for trickle charging, the essential character remains the lithium-ion accumulator, keeping it within heading 8507.