由 caicai8478 One of the core logistics challenges of drone exports is the transportation of lithium batteries. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and customs of various countries have strict regulations on the transportation of lithium batteries. Violations may result in cargo detention, fines or even bans. This guide details the transportation compliance plan for drone lithium batteries, covering all-scenario solutions for air, sea and land transportation.
- Core international regulations for lithium battery transportation
- Air transport standards (IATA DGR)
UN38.3 test: must pass 8 tests such as short circuit, overcharge, vibration, etc.
Packaging requirements:
Single battery ≤100Wh (consumer-grade drones are usually compliant)
More than 100Wh requires Class 9 dangerous goods label + special approval
Transport restrictions:
Passenger aircraft are prohibited from transporting lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh
Cargo aircraft transportation requires CAAC/DOT filing - Ocean freight standards (IMDG Code)
UN3480 (lithium-ion batteries) / UN3090 (lithium metal batteries)
Packaging requirements:
Must use UN certified packaging boxes (such as UN 4G/X)
Battery charge ≤30% (required by some countries)
Document requirements:
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Battery MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) - Special requirements of major countries
Country/Region Key restrictions Response plan
The United States (FAA) prohibits passenger aircraft from transporting drones without batteries installed Use cargo plane dedicated line
EU requires battery passport (mandatory in 2027) Register EPR in advance
Middle East (Saudi Arabia) requires SASO certification + Arabic label Find a local agent for pre-examination
II. Three compliance solutions for drone lithium battery transportation
Solution 1: Air transport compliance (applicable to emergency orders)
Applicable scenarios: European and American high-end markets, small batch high-value orders
Operation process:
Battery test: Ensure that UN38.3+1.2m drop test passes
Packing specifications:
Single battery ≤100Wh: ordinary packaging + anti-short circuit measures
100Wh: UN box + dangerous goods label
Document preparation:
Airway bill indicates “Lithium Battery Compliant with PI 965”
Provide a copy of the battery test report
✅ Recommended logistics providers: DHL lithium battery dedicated line, FedEx IATA certification channel
Solution 2: Ocean shipping compliance (applicable to large quantities)
Applicable scenarios: Southeast Asia, Africa and other cost-sensitive markets
Operation process:
Battery charge control: discharge to 30% SOC (required by Saudi Arabia/India, etc.)
Packing requirements:
Use UN 4G/X certified boxes
≤10kg lithium batteries per box (restricted by some shipping companies)
Document preparation:
Dangerous goods space booking (7 days in advance)
Provide MSDS+UN38.3 report
✅ Recommended logistics providers: Maersk lithium battery dedicated line, COSCO dangerous goods transportation
Solution 3: Land transportation/China-Europe Express (balance speed and cost)
Applicable scenarios: Russia, Central Asia, and European markets
Advantages:
Not strictly restricted by IATA
Fast than sea transportation (12-18 days to Europe)
Key requirements:
Comply with ADR international road transport rules
Batteries need to be packaged to prevent short circuits
🚚 Recommended solutions:
Yuxinou Express (Chongqing→Germany)
SF Express International Land Transport (China→Southeast Asia)
III. Common customs detention problems and solutions
Problem 1: The battery has not been tested for UN38.3, and the customs has detained the goods
✅ Solution:
Emergency retest (SGS/BV can issue a report within 3 days)
Apply for return or destruction (avoid high demurrage fees)
Problem 2: Airlines refuse to accept lithium batteries
✅ Solution:
Use IATA certified freight forwarder (such as DHL, UPS lithium battery line)
Split into small packages (single box ≤ 2.5kg battery)
Problem 3: The destination country requires additional certification (such as Japan PSE)
✅ Solution:
Register for overseas certification in advance (such as EU CE, Japan PSE)
Adopt bonded transit mode (such as Hong Kong warehouse label change)
IV. Future trends and corporate response suggestions
Forecast of new regulations in 2024-2025
EU new battery regulations (2025): require carbon footprint declaration
US DOT new regulations: may strengthen restrictions on air transportation of lithium batteries
China Customs: may require drone batteries to be declared separately
Corporate compliance optimization suggestions
Establish a battery database: record UN38.3 test reports for each batch
Cooperate with certification agencies: such as SGS and TÜV Rheinland to speed up the certification process
Logistics backup plan:
Air transport is blocked → transfer to sea transport
Sea transport delays → China-Europe Express
📌 Expert reminder:
“Starting from 2024, some countries (such as Brazil and Indonesia) require local battery recycling. It is recommended to register for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in advance.”
—— International Air Transport Association (IATA) Lithium Battery Transportation Guide