Batteries, Cosmetics, Branded Goods – All Shippable? One Guide Solves All Sensitive Cargo Export Challenges

In the “sensitive cargo track” of cross-border trade, batteries, cosmetics, and branded goods are the three most common and error-prone categories. Newcomers are often discouraged by rumors such as “lithium battery-containing goods cannot be shipped by sea,” “cosmetics with excessive ingredients will be seized,” and “unauthorized branded goods cannot clear customs,” while veterans can successfully export these “problematic goods” through precise compliance operations and scientific transportation plans. Data shows that 80% of sensitive cargo export failures are not due to the goods themselves being prohibited, but rather a lack of understanding of policy requirements, misjudgment of transportation plans, and missing compliance documents.

This article focuses on three core sensitive cargo categories – batteries, cosmetics, and branded goods – breaking down their export compliance key points, transportation options, and pitfall avoidance guides. With real cases and directly applicable practical processes, it helps you solve all sensitive cargo export challenges and achieve “compliant customs clearance, controllable costs, and safe delivery.”

I. Battery-Type Sensitive Cargo: A Pitfall-Free Guide from Compliance Certification to Transportation Selection

Battery-type goods (including lithium batteries, dry batteries, and storage batteries) are among the highest-risk sensitive cargo in cross-border logistics, with core risks lying in their “flammable and explosive properties” and “transportation qualification requirements.” However, this does not mean battery-type goods cannot be exported – as long as compliance requirements are met, they can be safely transported by either sea or air.

(I) First, Clarify: The Compliance “Pass” for Battery-Type Goods

All battery-type goods exported overseas must prepare the following core certification documents in advance, which are the foundation for customs clearance and indispensable:

1. UN38.3 Certification: A globally recognized lithium battery safety certification proving that the battery has passed multiple safety tests such as altitude simulation, temperature testing, and short-circuit testing. Whether shipped by sea or air, all lithium batteries (including electronic products with built-in lithium batteries, such as mobile phones and laptops) must provide this certification.
2. MSDS Report: Material Safety Data Sheet, detailing the battery’s composition, hazardous characteristics, emergency handling methods, etc. Freight forwarders and customs use the MSDS to determine whether the goods are dangerous goods and the corresponding transportation requirements.
3. 1.2-Meter Drop Test Report: An air freight-exclusive requirement proving that the battery packaging will not leak, short-circuit, or explode when dropped from a height of 1.2 meters. Sea freight has no mandatory requirement for this report, but providing it can reduce inspection risks.
4. Dangerous Goods Transportation Identification Certificate: Issued by a qualified institution, specifying the battery’s hazard category (e.g., lithium batteries are usually Class 9 dangerous goods), which is a key document for freight forwarders to book space and customs clearance.

Case Warning: An electronics factory in Shenzhen exported 10,000 power banks without obtaining UN38.3 certification and entrusted a freight forwarder to ship them as general cargo via LCL sea freight. The goods were seized at the Port of Singapore – not only were all power banks destroyed, but the factory was also fined 500,000 RMB. The freight forwarder refused compensation on the grounds of “misdeclaration of goods.”

(II) Transportation Selection: Sea Freight vs. Air Freight – Which Is More Cost-Effective?

The choice of transportation method for battery-type goods mainly depends on three dimensions: “cargo volume, timeliness, and cost.” The specific decision-making logic is as follows:

Practical Suggestions:

• Regular stocking, large volume: Choose FCL sea freight, recommend 20’GP or 40’HQ containers. Require the freight forwarder to use “dangerous goods-specific containers” and affix Class 9 dangerous goods labels on the container;
• Urgent orders, small volume: Choose sensitive cargo dedicated air freight lines (e.g., DHL, FedEx lithium battery dedicated lines). Packaging must use UN-certified dangerous goods packaging, with each battery independently separated to prevent short circuits;
• Electronic products with built-in lithium batteries (e.g., mobile phones, headphones): Can be declared as “equipment containing lithium batteries” without separately applying for dangerous goods transportation qualifications. However, product specifications must be provided to prove the battery is fixed inside the equipment.

(III) Pitfall Avoidance Skills: These 3 Mistakes Must Never Be Made

1. Mistake 1: Misdeclaring battery type or quantity – Some sellers declare lithium batteries as dry batteries or conceal the number of batteries to save costs. Once detected, the goods will be directly destroyed, and huge fines may be imposed. Correct approach: Truthfully declare the battery type, quantity, rated voltage, and capacity.
2. Mistake 2: Using ordinary packaging for transportation – Battery-type goods must use UN-certified dangerous goods packaging; ordinary cartons cannot pass security inspections. Correct approach: Require the freight forwarder to provide compliant packaging or purchase UN138.3 standard packaging yourself.
3. Mistake 3: Ignoring destination policy restrictions – Different countries have different requirements for battery-type goods (e.g., the EU requires battery recycling labels, the US requires DOT certification). Correct approach: Verify destination policies in advance. For example, exporting to the EU requires additional WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) certification.

II. Cosmetic-Type Sensitive Cargo: Three Indispensable Compliance Key Points – Ingredients, Packaging, and Certification

The sensitive nature of cosmetic-type goods is mainly reflected in “ingredient restrictions” and “packaging requirements.” Different countries have significant differences in cosmetic ingredient regulation, which is the core difficulty in export. However, as long as you master the three key points of “ingredient screening, compliance certification, and packaging specifications,” you can smoothly clear customs.

(I) Ingredient Screening: First Determine “Can It Be Exported,” Then Prepare Documents

The first step in cosmetic export is to ensure the product ingredients meet the destination country’s restriction requirements. The core ingredient regulations of common countries are as follows:

Practical Steps:

1. Sort out the product ingredient list in advance, compare it with the destination country’s prohibited ingredient list, and eliminate non-compliant ingredients;
2. Entrust a third-party testing institution (e.g., SGS, Intertek) to issue an ingredient test report proving the product contains no prohibited ingredients;
3. If the product contains sensitive ingredients such as alcohol or fragrance, proactively explain during declaration and provide relevant safety certificates.

Case: A beauty brand from Guangzhou exported mercury-containing whitening cream to the EU without conducting ingredient testing. The goods were seized at the Port of Hamburg – not only were the 800,000 RMB worth of goods destroyed, but the brand was also included in the EU Customs “blacklist,” with the inspection rate of all subsequent products increased to 100%.

(II) Packaging and Transportation: Sea Freight Is More Suitable – Pay Attention to These Details

For cosmetic-type goods, sea freight is the preferred transportation method for the following reasons:

1. Sea freight has lower packaging requirements than air freight; ordinary compliant packaging is sufficient (no dangerous goods packaging required unless containing high-concentration alcohol);
2. Cosmetics usually have large shipment volumes (e.g., full containers of facial masks, skincare products), and sea freight’s economies of scale are more obvious with lower comprehensive costs;
3. Sea freight has a lower inspection rate than air freight, especially for FCL transportation, which can avoid repeated inspections due to ingredient issues.

Packaging Specifications:

• Liquid cosmetics: Each container capacity ≤1L, sealed bottle mouth, outer leak-proof bag to prevent leakage during transportation;
• Powder cosmetics: Use sealed cans for packaging to prevent powder scattering; mark “fragile, moisture-proof” on the outer packaging;
• Alcohol-containing cosmetics (alcohol content ≥70%): Must be declared as flammable goods, use dangerous goods packaging, and provide UN1170 certification for sea freight.

Transportation Suggestions:

• Non-urgent orders: Choose FCL sea freight, recommend 40’HQ containers. Follow the principle of “heavy goods below, light goods above” during loading to avoid compression damage;
• Urgent orders: Choose sensitive cargo dedicated air freight lines. For alcohol-containing cosmetics, inform the freight forwarder in advance to apply for flammable goods transportation qualifications;
• Cold chain requirements (e.g., skincare products with active ingredients): Choose sea freight temperature-controlled containers (temperature controlled at 15-25℃) or air freight cold chain dedicated lines to ensure product quality.

(III) Pitfall Avoidance Skills: These 4 Compliance Details Cannot Be Missed

1. Label Compliance: Outer packaging must be marked with product name, ingredient list, production date, shelf life, and importer information. The EU also requires CE marking and responsible person information;
2. Complete Certification: Do not confuse certifications for different countries. For example, FDA certification is required for exports to the US, and CE certification for exports to the EU – one certification cannot be used universally;
3. Avoid “Three-No Products”: Cosmetics without brand, ingredient list, or production date will be detained by customs whether shipped by sea or air;
4. No Prohibited Substance Adulteration: Some sellers add prohibited ingredients such as hormones and antibiotics to cosmetics to boost sales. Once detected, legal liability will be incurred.

III. Branded Goods: Can Unauthorized Goods Be Shipped? The Core Logic of Compliant Customs Clearance

The sensitive nature of branded goods (e.g., unauthorized Nike, Apple peripherals, or own-brand goods) lies in “intellectual property protection,” with the core risk being “trademark infringement.” Many newcomers believe “unauthorized branded goods cannot be exported,” but the actual situation is: as long as they do not infringe on others’ intellectual property rights or have obtained brand authorization, branded goods can be transported in compliance.

(I) Two Scenarios for Branded Goods Export: Authorized vs. Unauthorized

Key Reminder: Counterfeit branded goods (e.g., fake LV, fake Nike) are prohibited items. No regular freight forwarder will accept them, and transporting such goods is illegal with extremely high risks. This article only discusses compliant transportation of “authorized branded goods” and “own-brand goods.”

(II) Compliant Customs Clearance: How to Avoid “Trademark Infringement” Allegations?

The core risk of branded goods export is being deemed “trademark infringement” by customs, especially in countries with strict intellectual property protection such as the EU and the US. The key to avoiding this risk is:

1. Verify Trademark Status in Advance: Query the destination country’s trademark office website to confirm that your own brand or authorized brand has not been registered by others, avoiding infringement allegations due to “similar trademarks”;
2. Prepare Complete Supporting Documents: In addition to brand authorization letter and trademark registration certificate, prepare product purchase contracts, invoices, and brand owner’s business license to prove the legality of the goods;
3. Truthfully Declare Goods Information: Clearly mark the brand name, model, and quantity during declaration. Do not conceal brand information, otherwise customs will conduct key inspections.

Case: A seller from Yiwu exported own-brand clothing without registering the trademark in the EU. The goods were accused of “similar trademark infringement” by a local enterprise at the Port of Rotterdam, detained for 3 months, and finally released after paying 100,000 euros in legal fees.

(III) Transportation Selection: FCL Sea Freight Is Preferred – LCL Has High Risks

For branded goods, FCL sea freight is the preferred transportation method for the following reasons:

1. FCL transportation avoids mixing with other shippers’ goods, reducing the risk of the entire container being detained due to infringement by other goods;
2. Branded goods usually have large shipment volumes (e.g., full containers of clothing, electronic products), and sea freight’s cost advantage is more obvious;
3. FCL transportation has higher customs clearance efficiency and can achieve fast customs clearance through the “advance declaration” model.

Practical Suggestions:

• Authorized branded goods: Choose FCL sea freight. Proactively provide authorization documents during declaration and require the freight forwarder to “prioritize branded goods dedicated customs clearance channels” in the contract;
• Own-brand goods: Register the trademark in the destination country in advance. Carry a copy of the trademark registration certificate during transportation and quickly provide proof if questioned by customs;
• Small-volume branded goods: If the volume is less than 15 CBM, choose the “LCL + independent customs declaration” model to avoid mixing with other sensitive goods and reduce inspection risks.

(IV) Pitfall Avoidance Skills: These 3 Mistakes Will Lead to Cargo Detention

1. Mistake 1: Using counterfeit brand logos – Some sellers use logos similar to well-known brands on their own-brand products to boost sales, which constitutes infringement. Correct approach: Use your own registered trademark to ensure the logo is unique;
2. Mistake 2: Transporting well-known branded goods without authorization – Unauthorized transportation of well-known branded goods such as Nike and Apple constitutes infringement, and the goods will be destroyed. Correct approach: Either obtain authorization or abandon transportation;
3. Mistake 3: Concealing brand information – Marking branded goods as “no brand” during declaration will be deemed “intentional concealment” after detection by customs, leading to aggravated penalties. Correct approach: Truthfully declare the brand name and proactively provide relevant supporting documents.

IV. General Guide for Sensitive Cargo Export: 3 Core Principles + 4-Step Practical Process

Whether it is batteries, cosmetics, or branded goods, the core logic of sensitive cargo export is consistent – “compliance first, plan matching, risk controllable.” Below is a general guide applicable to all sensitive cargo, helping you avoid 90% of pitfalls.

(I) 3 Core Principles: Determine Export Success or Failure

1. Compliance First, Never Take Chances: The biggest risk of sensitive cargo export is “non-compliance.” Any attempt to misdeclare, underdeclare, or counterfeit will ultimately lead to greater losses. The correct mindset is: Ensure compliance first, then consider cost and timeliness;
2. Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder, Reject Low-Price Traps: Sensitive cargo transportation has high requirements for the freight forwarder’s qualifications and experience. Low-price freight forwarders often lack sensitive cargo transportation qualifications, which may easily lead to cargo detention. Correct approach: Choose a freight forwarder with a “Dangerous Goods Transportation Operation License” and more than 5 years of experience in the sensitive cargo track;
3. Adequate Insurance Coverage: The risk of sensitive cargo transportation is much higher than that of general cargo, so adequate insurance must be configured. Correct approach: Choose “All Risks + War Risks + Strike Risks,” with the insured amount calculated as 120% of the actual cargo value to ensure coverage of hidden costs.

(II) 4-Step Practical Process: Directly Applicable, No Pitfalls

1. Step 1: Cargo Classification and Risk Assessment – Clarify which type of sensitive cargo the goods belong to (batteries, cosmetics, branded goods), and sort out core risk points (e.g., UN38.3 certification for batteries, ingredient restrictions for cosmetics, authorization documents for branded goods);
2. Step 2: Prepare Compliance Documents – According to the cargo type and destination country, prepare required certification documents in advance (e.g., UN38.3, FDA, brand authorization letter). Documents must be within the validity period and consistent with the goods information;
3. Step 3: Select Transportation Plan – Choose sea or air freight based on volume, timeliness, and cost. Prioritize FCL transportation to avoid LCL risks;
4. Step 4: Sign Contract and Transfer Risks – Clearly define the freight forwarder’s responsibilities in the contract (e.g., qualification provision, document review, cargo safety), stipulate “full compensation by the freight forwarder for cargo detention caused by their reasons,” and retain all communication records and document copies for rights protection.

V. Conclusion: For Sensitive Cargo Export, Compliance Is the Only “Pass”

Batteries, cosmetics, and branded goods are not “unexportable” – they just require more precise compliance operations and scientific transportation plans. The gap between newcomers and veterans lies not in “daring to ship” but in “knowing how to ship” – knowing how to prepare compliance documents in advance, choose the appropriate transportation method, and avoid potential risks.

Remember three core conclusions:

1. Battery-type goods: Compliance certifications (UN38.3, MSDS) are the foundation. Prioritize FCL sea freight, avoid LCL and misdeclaration;
2. Cosmetic-type goods: Ingredient screening is the key. Verify destination policies in advance and ensure compliant packaging to prevent leakage;
3. Branded goods: Authorization documents or own trademarks are the core. Reject counterfeiting and declare truthfully.

In an era of increasingly strict global intellectual property protection and trade compliance, the “shortcut” for sensitive cargo export is the “compliance path.” As long as you master the practical strategies in this article, you can successfully export sensitive goods such as batteries, cosmetics, and branded goods, achieving sustained growth in cross-border trade.