Battery & Battery-Powered Cargo

Battery Shipping desde China

Lithium batteries and battery-containing products are classified as regulated cargo. Documentation, packaging and carrier acceptance can vary by battery type, route and destination -- we help you plan a shipment that is prepared correctly from the start.

Battery Acceptance Is Not Guaranteed

Battery acceptance depends on battery type, specifications, packaging, documentation, route and carrier requirements. Regulations and carrier policies for lithium and other battery cargo change without notice and are reviewed on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Nothing on this page constitutes dangerous-goods packing instructions, regulatory approval or a guarantee of acceptance -- every battery shipment must be assessed individually before booking.

Lithium Battery Shipments

Standalone Lithium Batteries Require Careful Handling

Standalone lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are generally classified as dangerous goods for transport purposes. Depending on cell type, watt-hour rating, state of charge and packaging, a shipment may be routed as fully regulated dangerous goods, under a limited-quantity provision, or may not be accepted by a given carrier at all.

We work with you and the carrier to review the battery specification sheet, UN test summary (where applicable) and Material Safety Data Sheet before confirming any booking, so that classification decisions are made by the carrier and relevant authorities -- not assumed in advance.

Typically Reviewed Before Quoting

  • Cell chemistry and watt-hour rating
  • UN 38.3 test summary availability
  • Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied by the manufacturer
  • State of charge and packaging configuration
  • Destination lane and carrier-specific restrictions
Products With Built-In Batteries

Battery-Containing Products Are Assessed Case by Case

Electronics, tools, e-mobility items and equipment shipped with an installed or packed-with battery may qualify for a limited-quantity or exempted provision depending on the product and battery combination -- but this is never assumed automatically.

Equipment with Installed Batteries

Laptops, power tools, e-bikes and similar goods where the battery is installed inside the device.

Packed-With-Battery Sets

Products shipped in the same carton as a separate, uninstalled battery, subject to specific packaging conditions.

Spare / Replacement Batteries

Standalone spare batteries shipped as accessories, generally subject to stricter carrier scrutiny than installed cells.

Transport Modes

Sea Freight and Air Freight Where Accepted

Sea Freight (FCL / LCL)

Ocean transport is the primary mode we arrange for battery and battery-containing cargo, subject to carrier dangerous-goods acceptance, correct classification and complete documentation. Booking confirmation is issued only after the carrier reviews the shipment file.

Air Freight (Where Accepted)

Airlines apply stricter and more variable restrictions on lithium battery cargo than ocean carriers, and acceptance can differ by airline, aircraft type and lane. We check current airline policy for your specific battery and product before quoting an air option -- availability is not guaranteed.

Compliance Paperwork

Documentación de Exportación

Battery shipments generally require supporting documentation beyond a standard commercial invoice and packing list. Depending on the battery type, product and destination, this may include a UN 38.3 test summary, MSDS, a dangerous goods declaration prepared by an accredited party, and -- for certain battery exports -- an export license.

We coordinate document collection with the shipper and manufacturer, and route the file to the carrier and relevant customs authorities for review. Final acceptance of any document rests with the carrier and the applicable regulatory bodies at origin and destination.

Commonly Requested Documents

  • Battery Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
  • UN 38.3 test summary (where required)
  • Dangerous goods declaration, if applicable
  • Export license for battery goods, where applicable
  • Commercial invoice, packing list and destination customs papers
Booking Process

Carrier Approval Comes Before Confirmed Booking

Every ocean and air carrier we work with -- including CMA, MSC, MSK, COSCO, HPL, DHL, FedEx, UPS and the airline partners we book through -- sets its own dangerous-goods acceptance policy. A route being available for general cargo does not mean it is available for battery cargo on the same lane.

1

Battery specification and documents submitted for review

2

Classification and packaging reviewed against carrier policy

3

Carrier confirms or declines acceptance for the specific lane

4

Booking confirmed and shipment scheduled once approved

General Guidance Only

Packing Requirements

Battery packaging must meet applicable regulatory and carrier standards, which vary by battery type, quantity and transport mode. We do not provide dangerous-goods packing instructions here -- specific packing must be prepared or certified by a qualified dangerous-goods packer and confirmed against carrier requirements before shipment.

Certified Packaging

Outer packaging must generally meet UN specification standards appropriate to the battery classification.

Terminal Protection

Battery terminals typically require protection against short circuit as specified by the applicable regulation.

Labeling & Marking

Cartons and containers require correct hazard labeling and marking as determined by classification and carrier rules.

Not Sure If Your Battery Cargo Qualifies?

Send us the battery specification, product details and destination lane. We will check current carrier acceptance, required documentation and available sea or air options before you commit to a booking.

Check Battery Shipping Options

All battery shipments are reviewed individually. Acceptance, routing and cost are confirmed only after carrier and documentation review.