HS Codes & Incoterms Cheat Sheet for Lithium & Drone Exports
In cross-border trade, the two things that trip people up first are: what HS code is my product, and which trade term should I pick? Below is a quick-reference for the HS headings and Incoterms 2020 terms most used in lithium-battery and drone exports.
1. Common HS headings (6-digit)
The first 6 digits are the international HS; countries append 2–4 digits. Listed below are the international 6-digit headings only — always confirm the importing country’s subheadings when declaring.
Lithium-ion accumulators
The most common heading for power and storage cells; loose cells, packs and battery-contained devices may be classified differently.
Nickel-cadmium accumulators
Some markets (e.g. EU) restrict cadmium-containing batteries with take-back rules.
Nickel-iron accumulators
Used in niche industrial storage applications.
Lead-acid accumulators
Starter and some industrial batteries; shipped as dangerous goods (UN2794/UN2800).
Primary cells (non-rechargeable)
Lithium primary cells (e.g. CR series) are classified separately with different UN numbers.
Photovoltaic cells assembled in modules
Relevant to solar UAVs and portable PV power supplies.
Remotely piloted aircraft (≤250g)
Consumer micro-drones; classified under the dedicated 8806 heading since HS2022.
Other remotely piloted aircraft
Industrial and agricultural drones (>250g); often shipped with batteries — mind UN38.3.
Authoritative lookup (verify on official sites): World Customs Organization (HS authority) ・ China Customs ・ EU TARIC tariff consultation
2. Incoterms 2020 quick reference (11 terms)
Seller responsibility grows from Group E (least) to D (most). For battery goods, DDP is high-risk — newcomers should prefer FCA / CIP / FOB.
EXW
Group EFreight: Buyer
Risk: Transfers at seller’s premises
Minimum seller obligation; common for samples, but buyer handles export clearance.
FCA
Group FFreight: Buyer (seller may arrange)
Risk: Transfers when delivered to carrier
More flexible than FOB; suits air and multimodal shipping of battery goods.
FAS
Group FFreight: Buyer
Risk: Transfers alongside the vessel
Rarely used for finished battery products.
FOB
Group FFreight: Buyer
Risk: Transfers on board at port of shipment
Classic sea-freight term; common for full containers of batteries/drones.
CFR
Group CFreight: Seller (to port)
Risk: Transfers on board at port of shipment
Seller pays freight, not insurance; buyer insures.
CIF
Group CFreight: Seller (freight + insurance)
Risk: Transfers on board at port of shipment
Hassle-free for buyer; confirm dangerous-goods cover for batteries.
CPT
Group CFreight: Seller (to destination)
Risk: Transfers to first carrier
Multimodal version of CFR.
CIP
Group CFreight: Seller (freight + insurance)
Risk: Transfers to first carrier
Multimodal CIF; common for air battery shipments.
DPU
Group DFreight: Seller
Risk: Transfers after unloading at destination
Seller delivers unpacked at place; mind UN38.3 and unloading safety.
DAP
Group DFreight: Seller (no unloading, no duty)
Risk: Transfers ready for unloading
Seller delivers to door, buyer clears and pays duty.
DDP
Group DFreight: Seller (duty paid to door)
Risk: Transfers after duty paid
Maximum seller obligation; risky for battery goods — caution for newcomers.
How to choose
Samples often use EXW / FCA; full-sea containers use FOB / CIF; air battery shipments use CIP (dangerous-goods cover included); DDP is convenient but places all customs duty on the seller — caution with lithium batteries.
Disclaimer: HS and Incoterms information is for quick reference only and is not customs or legal advice. Final classification and terms are governed by the importing customs authority and your contract. Incoterms® is a registered trademark of the ICC.