International express shipping can transport products with batteries, but it must strictly follow IATA Class 9 dangerous goods regulations, categorized and managed according to built-in batteries, accompanying batteries, and pure batteries. Complete qualification documents and compliant packaging are required for successful shipment.
I. Transportation Feasibility and Classification Restrictions
Built-in batteries (PI967): Products like mobile phones and laptops with batteries already installed in the device have the most lenient regulations. Mainstream commercial express services such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and SF Express International can usually handle them.
Accompanying batteries (PI966): Batteries and devices are in the same box but not installed. The batteries need to be individually insulated and packaged. Most dedicated shipping channels can accept them, but some express services may require additional review.
Pure batteries (PI965): Such as power banks and separately sold mobile phone batteries, have the highest risk level and are usually limited to cargo aircraft transportation. Some countries or airlines may directly prohibit their transportation.
Power Threshold: Lithium batteries with a rated energy of ≤100Wh can be transported normally; 100–160Wh requires prior approval from the airline; exceeding 160Wh is strictly prohibited for air transport and can only be transported by sea or other methods.
II. Core Qualification Documents (Required + Supplementary)
- General Mandatory Documents
UN38.3 Test Report: This is the core safety certificate for air transport of lithium batteries. It must be issued by a third-party laboratory with CNAS or ILAC accreditation. It needs to pass 8 safety tests including vibration, short circuit, compression, and high-altitude simulation; pure batteries also require an additional 1.2-meter drop test result.
MSDS/SDS Safety Data Sheet: Must be provided in both Chinese and English or the official language of the destination country, completely including 16 items such as composition, hazardous characteristics, first aid measures, and transportation precautions, for review by airlines and customs. Air Transport Conditions Certificate: Required for pure batteries or high-power batteries, issued by a professional institution recognized by the Civil Aviation Administration, clearly stating that the goods meet dangerous goods transportation standards to avoid transportation risks.
Commercial/Proforma Invoice: The invoice must specify the battery model, voltage, capacity, UN number, and the words “Lithium Battery.” Company shipments require a company seal; personal use shipments can be marked “Personal Use Only” to reduce customs clearance risks.
- Special Certifications in Destination Countries
European Union: CE-RED certification is required to prove that the product complies with the EU Radio Equipment Directive; from 2026, lithium battery imports will also require a battery passport for full lifecycle traceability management.
United States: Wireless electrical products require FCC certification to ensure compliance with electromagnetic compatibility standards; high-power batteries of 100–160Wh require an FAA exemption letter for air transport.
Japan: Electrical products require PSE certification, divided into specific electrical products and non-specific electrical products. The certification mark must be affixed to a prominent location on the product.
Other Regions: For example, South Korea requires KC certification, and Australia requires RCM certification. These certifications usually need to be obtained in advance to avoid goods being detained at the port due to incomplete qualifications.
- Additional Qualifications
Brand Authorization Letter: If transporting branded products, official authorization documents from the brand owner are required; for personal use of second-hand branded products, a purchase receipt or invoice can be provided as an alternative.
DG Qualification: Freight forwarders or express companies must have dangerous goods transportation qualifications (DG account). Pure battery transportation must be handled through these compliant channels; ordinary express channels cannot handle them.
III. Packaging and Operating Specifications
Insulation Protection: Battery electrodes must be covered with insulating tape to prevent short circuits during transportation; pure batteries must be independently sealed and packaged, with a maximum of 2 batteries per inner box, and they must be secured to prevent movement. Labeling Requirements: The outer carton must be labeled with the corresponding UN number. Built-in/accompanying batteries should be labeled UN3481, and standalone batteries should be labeled UN3480. Outer cartons containing only batteries must also display the warning “Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)”.
Weight Limits and Mixed Shipments: The weight of a single package of standalone batteries usually does not exceed 10kg. Dry cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium metal batteries are prohibited from being mixed in the same package to avoid safety hazards.
IV. Compliance Recommendations
Pre-shipment Review: Before shipping, confirm with your courier or freight forwarder whether the target channel accepts products containing batteries and clarify the qualification requirements to avoid last-minute rejections.
Document Retention: Keep electronic and paper copies of all qualification documents so they can be quickly provided during customs inspections, reducing delays.
Avoid Prohibited Shipments: Damaged, recalled, or modified batteries are strictly prohibited from transportation. Ensure that the products are within their shelf life and that the packaging meets international transportation standards.
If you have any international logistics service needs, please click on the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or other contact methods on the lower right of the page to contact us immediately!
