Safety risk factors:
Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, with risks of short circuit, overheating and fire
Air pressure changes during air transport may cause thermal runaway
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) lists them as restricted items for transportation
Regulatory compliance issues:
Failed to pass UN38.3 test certification (vibration, thermal shock, overcharge and other safety tests)
Packaging does not comply with PI965-PI970 international standards
Lithium battery marks and labels are not marked as required
Exceeding the capacity limit of a single package (usually ≤2g lithium metal battery or ≤100Wh lithium ion battery)
Missing documents:
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is missing
No declaration of compliance
UN38.3 test report is not provided
Missing dangerous goods transportation declaration documents
Lithium battery compliance transportation solution
- Certification and test preparation
Complete UN38.3 test: must pass 8 safety performance tests
Obtain MSDS report: contains information such as battery composition and safety data
Prepare 1.2m drop test report: prove packaging safety
- Compliance packaging requirements
Use UN certified packaging (UN marked packaging box)
Inner packaging anti-short circuit treatment: electrode insulation protection, single battery independent packaging
Outer packaging strength: can pass 1.2 meters drop test
Correct labeling:
Lithium battery label (7.5cm×7.5cm)
“Lithium Ion Battery in Compliance with Section II of PI967” and other statements
Anti-inversion, rainproof and other transportation labels
- Document preparation
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Air Transport Document (AWB) Special Statement
Battery Manufacturer’s Declaration of Compliance
UN38.3 Test Summary Report
- Transportation Mode Selection
Small capacity battery: can be transported by ordinary air (comply with PI965 Section II)
Large capacity battery: must be transported as dangerous goods (DGR Class 9)
Sea transportation: must comply with IMDG CODE special regulations
Professional dangerous goods carrier: such as DHL dangerous goods department, FedEx dangerous goods service, etc.
- Note on capacity limits
Lithium metal batteries: ≤2g lithium content/cell
Lithium-ion batteries: ≤20Wh/cell, ≤100Wh/battery pack
If the limit is exceeded, follow the full dangerous goods process
Practical suggestions
Plan ahead: Transportation preparation time is 3-5 working days longer than ordinary goods
Choose a professional freight forwarder: Look for an international logistics company with experience in lithium battery transportation
Sample transportation: Consider transshipment through Hong Kong or Singapore, where the policy is relatively relaxed
Update knowledge regularly: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) updates the DGR regulations every year
Through the above compliance processing, lithium battery products can be exported normally, but the cost will be 30-50% higher than ordinary goods, and the transportation time may also be extended. This is a necessary investment to ensure safe transportation.