A complete guide to exporting solar lithium batteries from China to Manila by sea

I. Preliminary preparation

1. Confirm product compliance
   Confirm the type of lithium battery (whether UN38.3 certification is complete)

Check whether the product meets the Philippine import standards

Prepare MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and product specifications

2. Document preparation
   Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Certificate of Origin (COO, such as Form E China-ASEAN Preferential Certificate of Origin)

Battery Safe Transport Statement

UN38.3 Test Report

II. Transportation Mode Selection

1. Sea Freight Options
   Full Container Load (FCL): Suitable for large quantities (usually >10 cubic meters)

Less than Container Load (LCL): Suitable for small quantities

RoRo Shipment: Some shipping companies provide professional battery transportation services

2. Recommended routes
   Shanghai/Ningbo/Shenzhen/Xiamen Port → Manila Port

Major shipping companies: COSCO, MSC, APL, Wan Hai Lines

III. Packaging requirements

1. Basic packaging specifications
   Use UN certified packaging (UN mark is clearly visible)

Each battery is individually insulated

The outer box needs to be affixed with Class 9 dangerous goods signs and lithium battery marks

The container needs to be fixed with shockproof materials

2. Special requirements
   Maintain more than 30% ventilation space

No mixing with flammable items

It is recommended to use refrigerated containers (keep below 25°C)

IV. Customs declaration and customs clearance

1. China export customs declaration
   Customs code: 85076000 (lithium-ion battery)

Declaration elements: brand, model, capacity, use, etc.

Battery safe transportation record is required

2. Philippines import customs clearance
   Import tariff: usually 0-5% according to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement

VAT: 12%

Special permission from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) may be required

Customs clearance time: usually 3-5 working days (if all documents are complete)

V. Precautions

1. Transportation safety
   Inform the shipping company that the lithium battery is being transported

Avoid high temperature and humid environment

Purchase special dangerous goods transportation insurance

2. Philippine regulations
   Philippine Customs has strict inspection on battery imports

You may need to provide product certification from the Philippine Bureau of Standards (BPS)

Some solar products can enjoy green energy tax incentives

3. Logistics suggestions
   Choose a freight forwarder with experience in dangerous goods transportation

Arrange transportation 2-3 weeks in advance

Consider the congestion of Manila Port and reserve buffer time

VI. Cost estimation (for reference only)

Project 20′ container 40′ container LCL (per cubic meter)
Ocean freight $800-$1200 $1500-$2000 $80-$120
Local cost $300-$500 $500-$800 $50-$100
Insurance (value of goods) 0.3%-0.5% 0.3%-0.5% 0.3%-0.5%
Philippine tariff 0-5% 0-5% 0-5%
Philippine VAT 12% 12% 12%
VII. Recommended service providers
China freight forwarders: Sinotrans, COSCO Shipping Logistics, Jincheng Logistics

Philippine customs clearance agents: Fastlane Customs Brokerage, Allied Global Logistics

Local delivery: LBC Express, 2GO Logistics

It is recommended to contact the Philippine consignee in advance to confirm the latest local policies and choose a logistics service provider with experience in lithium battery transportation.