Essential for Foreign Trade Professionals: A Checklist for Shipping Items Containing Batteries and Liquids

Instructions for Use: Before shipment, the responsible colleague should check off each item on this checklist (✅). Any missing item may indicate risk; shipment should only proceed after the issue is resolved.

I. Pre-Shipment: Classification and Identification Inspection

Objective: Accurately identifying the “identity” of the goods is the foundation of all operations.

Item No. Inspection Item Items Containing Batteries Items Containing Liquids Key Notes

1. Has the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) been obtained and reviewed from the supplier? ✅ ✅ (Required) The MSDS is the primary basis for classification, especially for liquids.
2. Has the UN number and correct shipping name of the goods been clearly identified? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) Such as UN3480, UN3090, UN1263, etc. This is the soul of the document.
3. For lithium batteries, has a valid UN 38.3 test summary been confirmed to be included with the shipment? ✅ (Required) — The “passport” for lithium batteries; without it, they cannot pass through customs.
4. For complex or uncertain goods, has a “Certificate of Cargo Transport Conditions” been obtained? ✅ (Recommended) ✅ (Strongly Recommended) This is the most authoritative compliance certificate, preventing misjudgments from the outset.

II. Packaging and Labeling Inspection

Objective: To ensure goods have “armor” against transportation risks and clear “identity cards.”

Item No. Inspection Item Items Containing Electricity Items Containing Liquids Key Notes

5. Is the outer packaging compliant with UN specifications (box with UN marking)? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) Ordinary cardboard boxes are unacceptable.
6. [Containing Electricity] Have the battery electrodes been insulated and protected against short circuits (e.g., with caps/tape)? ✅ (Required) — The most easily overlooked fatal detail!
7. [Containing Electricity] Are the batteries adequately secured inside the packaging, with no room for movement? ✅ (Required) — Using separators, foam, etc. for filling.
8. [With Liquid] Is the inner packaging container properly sealed and has passed the inversion test? — ✅ (Required) Ensure the cap is tightly closed and there are no leaks.
9. [With Liquid] Has sufficient absorbent material been used to fill all gaps? — ✅ (Required) The absorbent cotton/vermiculite must be able to absorb all liquid.
10. Are the correct hazard labels (e.g., Class 9, Class 3) affixed in a prominent position on the box? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) The labels must be secure, clear, and the correct size.
11. [With Electricity] Is the latest lithium battery label (black border, white background) affixed? ✅ (Required) — The old operating label is invalid!
12. [With Liquid] Is an “Upward” label affixed? — ✅ (Required)
13. Is the consignor/consignee information clear and durable? ✅ ✅

III. Documentation and Declaration Inspection
Objective: Prepare complete and accurate legal documents and complete the compliance declaration.

Item No. Inspection Item Items Containing Electrical Appliances Items Containing Liquids Key Reminders

14. Is the Dangerous Goods Declaration Form filled out and signed by a certified person? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) This is a core legal document and cannot be signed by proxy.
15. Is all information on the DGD (UN number, product name, category, etc.) completely consistent with the actual goods? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) Carefully check, word for word.
16. Have the documents been sent to the freight forwarder/carrier in advance and dangerous goods space been successfully booked? ✅ (Required) ✅ (Required) Dangerous goods cannot be transported in general cargo space! Concealment is strictly prohibited!
17. Are all accompanying documents (invoice, packing list, DGD, MSDS, etc.) prepared? ✅ ✅ It is recommended to prepare a list of accompanying documents.

IV. Final Pre-Shipment Confirmation

Objective: The last line of defense, eliminating any oversights.

Item No. Inspection Item General for Electrical/Hydraulic Goods Key Notes

18 Are all packages damaged, deformed, or damp? ✅ If so, replace immediately.

19 Are all markings and labels firmly affixed and clearly legible? ✅ Check by touch to ensure they are firmly attached.

20 Has the warehouse/driver been informed that this shipment contains dangerous goods, and are they aware of the handling requirements? ✅ Avoid problems caused by improper handling at the final stage.

Final Confirmation: I have completed all inspections according to this checklist and confirm that the goods in this shipment comply with export transportation requirements in terms of classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation.

Inspector’s Signature:_______
Date:_______

Editor’s Note: Safe shipping starts with compliance. This checklist is a practical tool for you to mitigate risks and ensure the smooth arrival of your goods. Share it with your team and make compliance a habit for everyone.