Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods and one of the most tightly checked cargo types in the world. We ship batteries, energy storage systems and battery-powered equipment from China by sea, air and express, with UN38.3 review, state of charge control, protective packaging and complete documents.
UN numbers we handle
| UN number | Description |
|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium-ion batteries, shipped alone |
| UN3481 | Lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment |
| UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries, shipped alone |
| UN3091 | Lithium metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment |
| UN3536 | Lithium batteries installed in a cargo transport unit, such as containerized energy storage |
| UN3556 | Vehicle, lithium ion battery powered |
| UN3551 / UN3552 | Sodium-ion batteries, and sodium-ion batteries in or packed with equipment |
Key requirements
- UN38.3 test summary: every lithium cell and battery type must be tested to UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Section 38.3, and the test summary must be available
- State of charge: lithium-ion batteries shipped alone (UN3480) must be at or below 30% state of charge on aircraft, and the 2026 IATA DGR tightened the state of charge rules for batteries packed with or contained in equipment (UN3481). We confirm the exact limit for your product
- Watt-hour rating: the marked Wh rating decides which packing instruction, labels and limits apply
- Short circuit protection: terminals protected, cells separated, strong outer packaging
- Marking and labels: Class 9 lithium battery hazard label or lithium battery mark, as applicable to the packing instruction
How we ship batteries
- Sea: FCL for cells, packs, energy storage and vehicles, with DG stowage arranged. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026 and introduced dedicated entries for sodium-ion batteries.
- Air: cargo aircraft and, where allowed, passenger aircraft, following the IATA DGR and each airline’s own acceptance rules. See DG Air Freight.
- Express: small battery products and samples through selected carriers under their own rules. See express delivery.
Damaged, defective or recalled batteries are handled under special provisions and need advance approval. Please contact us before shipping them.
What we need to quote your shipment
Send us the details below and we will confirm routing, carrier acceptance and price for your battery shipment.
- Product name, UN number, class and packing group (from the SDS, Section 14)
- Current SDS (16 sections) and, for batteries, the UN38.3 test summary
- Quantity, package type and gross weight per package
- Origin city or port, destination port or address, and Incoterm
- Cargo ready date and required delivery date
Battery shipping FAQ
What is the maximum state of charge for lithium-ion batteries?
For air freight, lithium-ion batteries shipped alone must be at or below 30% of rated capacity. The 2026 IATA DGR also tightened the state of charge rules for batteries packed with or contained in equipment. Sea rules differ, so tell us the mode and we will confirm the limit that applies to your product.
Do power banks count as dangerous goods?
Yes. Power banks contain lithium batteries and are shipped under UN3481 or UN3480 depending on packing, with the same testing, labelling and documentation requirements.
Regulations are revised regularly. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026 and the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations applies during 2026. Requirements vary by carrier, port and destination, so please contact us to confirm the rules for your specific shipment.