Battery cargo (especially lithium batteries) in international air freight is classified as Class 9 dangerous goods by IATA. Transportation must strictly follow five core regulations: classification and identification, testing and certification, packaging and labeling, documentation and declaration, and transportation restrictions. Different battery types and transportation scenarios correspond to differentiated operating standards. Compliance is key to ensuring transportation safety and customs clearance efficiency.
Next, Weefreight will provide a detailed analysis, hoping to be helpful to you.
I. Core Classification and UN Number Specifications
Batteries are divided into different categories according to type and transportation method, corresponding to specific UN numbers and transportation standards. Pure lithium-ion batteries correspond to UN3480, and lithium-ion batteries built into or installed in equipment correspond to UN3481; pure lithium metal batteries correspond to UN3090, and lithium metal batteries built into or installed in equipment correspond to UN3091; lead-acid and other wet batteries correspond to UN2794 or UN2800. For pure lithium-ion batteries, UN38.3 testing is required. Batteries with a rated energy ≤100Wh can be transported conventionally, those with 100-160Wh require prior approval from the airline, and those exceeding 160Wh are prohibited from being transported on passenger aircraft. Lithium metal batteries require a lithium content of ≤1g per single battery and ≤2g per battery pack. Loose lithium metal batteries are prohibited from being transported on passenger aircraft. Wet batteries must be kept upright, use leak-proof packaging, and be marked with corrosive labels.
II. Mandatory Testing and Certification Requirements
UN38.3 Test Report (Core Mandatory)
This report must be issued by a CNAS or CMA accredited laboratory and complete eight tests: altitude simulation, temperature cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, crush, thermal test, and high-altitude low-pressure test. The report is usually valid for 2 years. When each package contains more than 24 cells or 12 batteries, an additional 1.2-meter drop test is required. Air Transport Conditions Certificate
Issued by a civil aviation-approved institution (such as Shanghai Chemical Research Institute, DGM), this certificate clearly states the UN number of the goods, their hazardous properties, and transportation restrictions. This certificate needs to be updated annually.
MSDS/SDS Document
Prepared according to GHS standards, this document specifies the battery type, rated energy, state of charge (SOC ≤ 30% will be mandatory in some scenarios starting in 2026), hazardous characteristics, and emergency measures. The information in this document must be consistent with the UN38.3 test report.
Dangerous Goods Shipper’s Declaration
Stamped and confirmed by the shipper to comply with IATA DGR regulations, this declaration indicates the UN number and battery parameters of the goods and is submitted to the relevant transportation party along with the shipment.
Destination Country Access Certification
Exports to different countries must meet local certification requirements, such as EU CE certification, US FCC certification, Canadian IC certification, etc., to ensure that the goods comply with the safety standards of the destination country.
III. Packaging and Labeling Specifications
(I) Packaging Requirements
Insulation Protection: Individual battery electrodes must be wrapped with tape or placed in anti-static bags to prevent short circuits; built-in batteries must be securely fixed within the device with no risk of loosening.
Structural Standards: The outer packaging must pass a 1.2-meter drop test, have waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and meet Class II packaging requirements. Pure battery shipments must use UN-certified dangerous goods packaging; built-in batteries can use sturdy cardboard boxes.
Quantity Limits: For battery cells within 2.7Wh, the outer box weight ≤ 2.5kg, with no quantity limit; for battery cells between 2.7-20Wh, 8 cells per box, outer box weight ≤ 10kg; for battery cells between 20-100Wh, 2 cells per box, outer box weight ≤ 10kg. (II) Labeling Requirements
Hazardous Materials Labels: Pure batteries must be labeled with a Class 9 hazardous materials label and the corresponding UN number label, such as the UN3480 label.
Handling Labels: Batteries transported only by cargo aircraft must be marked with the “CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY” label.
Additional Labels: Wet batteries must be marked with a “KEEP UPRIGHT” label and a corrosive substance label.
IV. Transportation Operation Restrictions
Charge Control: From January 2026, the state of charge (SOC) of all lithium batteries must be ≤30% to prevent safety risks caused by overheating during transportation.
Personnel Training: Personnel responsible for battery transportation must complete IATA dangerous goods training and be proficient in battery classification, packaging, and declaration procedures.
Prohibited Transportation Situations: Damaged or recalled batteries and used batteries (unless specially approved) are prohibited from transportation; batteries must not be transported in the same container as explosives, flammable gases, oxidizers, etc.; batteries without a UN38.3 test report or air transport conditions certificate are prohibited from transportation.
V. Document Declaration Specifications
Required Documents List: Including commercial invoice (specifying battery type, specifications, Wh value), UN38.3 test report, air transport conditions certificate, MSDS/SDS document, dangerous goods consignment declaration, and destination country certification documents (such as CE, FCC, etc.).
Declaration Key Points: Accurately declare the battery type, quantity, and Wh value; do not under-declare or misrepresent; ensure that all document information is consistent, including key information such as battery model, UN number, and packaging method.
VI. Special Scenario Handling
(I) High-Power Batteries (100-160Wh)
Submit an application to the airline in advance, providing battery specifications and complete test reports; use separate packaging, mark with a “High-Power Battery” label, and avoid mixing with other goods. (II) Accompanying Batteries (Shipped with the equipment but not installed)
They should be independently insulated and packaged separately from the equipment; the quantity usually does not exceed 10 batteries per package, subject to airline regulations.
(III) Wet Batteries (Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, etc.)
They should be packaged in leak-proof containers with acid/alkali-resistant liners to ensure they remain upright during transportation; a “corrosive substance” shipping declaration should be provided, indicating the ventilation direction.
VII. Compliance Risk Warning
Common consequences of non-compliance: Goods may be detained or returned, and fines can reach 1-5 times the value of the goods; companies may be added to the customs blacklist, leading to a significant increase in subsequent cargo inspection rates; serious violations may result in criminal liability, such as imprisonment for misrepresenting hazardous materials in the United States.
Optimization suggestions: Establish a battery transportation compliance system, and pre-screen supplier qualifications; choose freight forwarders or airlines with hazardous materials transportation qualifications, and avoid using unofficial channels; conduct regular employee training to ensure timely understanding of the latest IATA DGR rules.
(Note: The above requirements are for reference only; please refer to the actual situation for specifics. Thank you!)
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