New Challenges in EU Transport: Practical Guidelines for Dangerous Goods Declaration of Built-in Batteries and Magnetic Goods

I. New Regulations and Compliance Window

1.1 Key Regulatory Updates Timeline for 2024

Effective Date | Regulation Name | Core Changes | Scope of Impact

January 1, 2024 | IATA DGR 65 | Expanded definition of magnetic goods, updated lithium battery testing | All air cargo

January 1, 2024 | IMDG Code 2024 | Subdivision of Class 9 dangerous goods, updated packaging markings | All sea cargo

March 1, 2024 | EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) Phase 1 | New labeling requirements, QR code traceability | All batteries entering the EU

July 1, 2024 | Full Implementation of ADR 2023 | Digitalization of land transport declarations, upgraded monitoring requirements | Land transport within the EU

1.2 Cross-Regulatory Matrix for Built-in Batteries and Magnetic Goods

Identification of Dual Regulatory Situations:

Situation 1: Magnetic devices with built-in lithium batteries (e.g., power tools)

→ Applicable: Lithium Battery Regulations + Magnetic Goods Regulations

→ Declaration: UN3481 + UN2807 dual markings

Scenario 2: Medical MRI equipment containing batteries

→ Applicable: Medical device regulations + Dangerous goods regulations

→ Declaration: Special approval process

Scenario 3: Battery-powered equipment with magnetic sensors

→ Testing: Perform battery and magnetic tests separately

→ Classification: Take the higher hazard category

II. Full Analysis of Dangerous Goods Declaration Process

2.1 Pre-declaration Preparation: Product Classification and Testing
Battery Product Classification Decision Tree

Step 1: Determine Battery Type
Lithium-ion batteries → UN3480 (separate) / UN3481 (equipment)
Lithium metal batteries → UN3090 (separate) / UN3091 (equipment)
Other batteries → Classified according to MSDS

Step 2: Confirm Specifications
Wh Calculation: Voltage (V) × Capacity (Ah)
Lithium Content: Grams of metallic lithium
State: State of charge (SOC) ≤ 30% (Air transport requirement)

Step 3: Select Packaging Instructions
PI965 (Section) IA/IB): Individual Lithium Battery

PI966/967: Built-in Lithium Battery

PI968/969/970: Lithium Metal Battery Packaging

Magnetic Goods Classification Process

text Magnetic Field Strength Test Process:

1. Measure in unshielded condition
2. 4.6 meters away from the packaging surface
3. Use a calibrated gaussmeter
4. Record the maximum magnetic field strength

Classification Criteria:

≥0.159A/m (0.002 Gauss) → UN2807 Magnetic Materials

＜0.159A/m → General Goods (Test report required)

2.2 Core Declaration Document Preparation Practice
Dangerous Goods Declaration Form (DGD) Filling Template

text 【Detailed Explanation of Required Fields】

1. Shipper Information (Column 1)

• Full company name and address
• DG authorized representative signature
• 24-hour emergency hotline (+country code)

1. Consignee Information (Column 2)

• Entity within the EU (cannot be a logistics provider)
• Actual Importer Information
• Complete Contact Information

1. Transport Information (Column 4)

• Air Freight: Flight Number + Date
• Sea Freight: Vessel Name + Voyage Number
• Multimodal Transport: Segmented Information

1. Dangerous Goods Details (Columns 5-9)

Column 5: UN Number (e.g., UN3481, UN2807)

Column 6: Correct Transport Name

Column 7: Category/Item (e.g., 9)

Column 8: Packing Class (e.g., II)

Column 9: Quantity and Packing Type

5. Additional Information (Column 10)

• Packaging Instruction Code (PI Code)
• Special Provision Number
• Exemption Explanation
  EU Special Requirements Documentation Package

5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

• Must comply with EU REACH format
• Includes Part 14 Transport Information
• Version in an official EU language

5. Technical Documents

• Product Specifications
• Test Report Summary
• Declaration of Conformity

5. Special Battery Documents

• Capacity Declaration (Wh and Ah)
• QR Code Traceability Information
• Recycling Symbol Certificate

5. Magnetic Goods Documents

• Magnetic Field Strength Test Report
• Demagnetization Certificate (if applicable)
• Shielded Packaging Instructions

2.3 Multimodal Transport Declaration Coordination

Transport Segment Main Declaration Document Supporting Documents Declaration Deadline Key Control Points

China Export Domestic Dangerous Goods Customs Declaration Outbound Goods Clearance Certificate 24 Hours Before Shipment Customs Verification

International Transport IATA DGR/IMDG DGD MSDS, Test Report Submitted at Booking Time Carrier Review

EU Import ENS Entry Summary Commercial Invoice, Packing List 24 Hours Before Arrival EORI Number Valid

EU Intra-EU ADR Transport Documents Driver Training Certificate Vehicle Qualification Check Before Transport Starts

III. Packaging and Marking Practices

3.1 Double Dangerous Goods Packaging Strategy

Built-in Battery + Magnetic Device Composite Packaging Solution

Layered Packaging Design:

First Layer: Battery Protection

• Independent Short-Circuit Protection Packaging
• Electrode Insulation Treatment
• SOC Control Device

Second Layer: Magnetic Shielding

• Permalloy Shielding Layer (≥0.5mm)
• Closed Magnetic Circuit Design
• Magnetic Leakage Detection

Third Layer: Cushioning Protection

• Customized Foam Molding
• Multi-directional Impact Absorption
• Temperature and Humidity Control

Fourth Layer: Outer Packaging

• UN Standard Certified Outer Carton
• Double Dangerous Goods Labels
• Multilingual Operating Instructions

Standard Label Layout

Text Main Display Side of Outer Packaging (at least two opposing sides):
Top Left Area: Consignee Information
Top Right Area: Shipper Information
Middle Area: Primary Dangerous Goods Labels (Class 9)
Bottom Right Area: Secondary Dangerous Goods Labels (e.g., Magnetic Labels)
Bottom Area: Packaging Markings (UN Number, Gross Weight, etc.)

Side Information:
Operating Labels: “This Side Up”, “Keep Dry”, “Keep Away from Heat”
Emergency Information: 24-Hour Contact Number, Emergency Guide Number
QR Code: Link to Electronic Technical Documents

3.2 Detailed Explanation of New EU Labeling Requirements
New Elements for Battery Labels
text From March 2024, the following must be included:

1. Dual Capacity Labeling

✓ Watt-hour (Wh): XX Wh

✓ Ampere-hour (Ah): XX Ah

✓ Voltage (V): XX V

2. QR Code Traceability

• Link to the EU Product Registration Database
• Includes manufacturer information
• Technical parameters are searchable

2. Chemical Symbols

• Li-ion: Lithium-ion battery
• Li-metal: Lithium-metal battery
• Ni-MH: Ni-MH battery

2. Separate Collection Symbol

• Wheeled trash can with forks
• Minimum size: 7×7mm
• Must be linked to a recycling system
  IV. Special Procedures for EU Customs Declaration

4.1 Import Declaration Process
Key Points for Completing the EU Consolidated Declaration Form (SAD)
text Key Field Explanations:

Box 8: Consignee (must be an EU economic operator)

Box 14: Shipper (Exporter Information)

Box 31: Packaging and Description of Goods

→ Must state “Dangerous Goods”

→ List all UN numbers

Box 33: Commodity Code

→ 85076000 (Lithium-ion Batteries)

→ 85051100 (Permanent Magnets)

Box 44: Additional Information

→ License/Certificate Number

→ Special Procedure Code

Box 47: Calculation of Taxes and Fees

→ Customs Value

→ Applicable Customs Duty Rate

→ VAT Calculation (Varies by Country)

Advance Customs Declaration (ENS) Requirements

Declaration Time Requirements:

Sea Freight: 24 hours before arrival at the first EU port

Air Freight: 4 hours before arrival at the first EU airport

Road/Rail: 1 hour before arrival at the EU customs border

Enhanced Declaration Content:

1. Detailed Information on Dangerous Goods

• UN Number and Category
• Packaging Type and Quantity
• Flash Point (if applicable)

1. Safety and Security Information

• 24-hour Emergency Contact
• Handling and Emergency Guidelines
• Monitoring Measures During Transport

1. Supply Chain Information

• EORI numbers for all participants
• Shipping routes and ports of call
• Container/ULD numbers

4.2 Comparison of Special Requirements for Major Member Countries

Country | Battery Product Registration | Magnetic Goods Filing | Customs Clearance Time | Fines

Germany | BattG Registration (EAR) | No special filing | 1-2 days | €2000-50000
France | Triman System | No special filing | 2-3 days | €1500-75000
Netherlands | No separate registration | No special filing | 1 day | €1000-25000
Italy | SCIP Notification | No special filing | 2-4 days | €5000-100000
Poland | No separate registration | Shipping filing | 1-2 days | €1000-20000
Spain | Producer Registration | No special filing | 2-3 days | €3000-60000
V. Compliance Checklist and Risk Control

5.1 Pre-Declaration Self-Checklist

Text: Document Completeness Check: □ All documents are the latest version (2024 standard)

□ Test reports are valid (usually 1 year)

□ Document language meets requirements (English or the language of the destination country)

□ Signatures and seals are complete

□ Sufficient number of copies (at least four copies)

Data consistency check:

□ UN number matches product type

□ Packaging code matches actual packaging

□ Quantity matches invoice and packing list

□ Emergency phone number is available 24 hours a day

□ All dates are logically correct

Special requirements check:

□ Battery SOC ≤ 30% (air freight)

□ Magnetic field strength test report attached

□ EU representative information is complete

□ QR code can be scanned for verification

□ Recycling system registration certificate

5.2 Common errors and corrective actions

Error type | Occurrence stage | Consequence | Corrective action

UN number error | Declaration completion | Customs detention, fine | Submit a correction declaration immediately

Packaging mismatch | On-site inspection | Refusal to load, delay | Replace with compliant packaging

Missing documents | During customs clearance | Detention, storage fees | Electronic re-upload + paper re-upload

Incomplete labels Delayed transit at transit stations; Emergency subsidy label

Invalid emergency phone number; Emergency situation; Unable to contact, heavier penalties; Establish 24-hour hotline

5.3 Risk Classification Management Strategy

High-risk projects (key monitoring):

• New products transported for the first time
• High-value precision equipment
• Mixed dangerous goods
• Peak season transport batches

Medium-risk projects (routine management):

• Products with successful transport records
• Standard specification battery products
• Single dangerous goods
• Off-peak transport

Low-risk projects (simplified process):

• Products within the exemption scope
• Weakly magnetic goods
• Low-capacity built-in batteries

Categories with extensive domestic experience

VI. Digital Declaration Tools and Technology Applications

6.1 EU Customs Digital System

ICS2 Phase 2 (Effective March 2024):
Impact: All air cargo must be declared electronically in advance.
Requirements: Complete cargo data, including details of dangerous goods.
Connectivity: Real-time integration with national customs systems.

Import Control System (ICS):
Functions: Unified risk assessment and control.
Integration: Multiple departments including safety, health, and environmental protection.
Data: Visualization of the entire transportation chain.

National Specialized Systems:
Germany: ATLAS
France: DELTA
Netherlands: AGS
Belgium: PLDA

6.2 Recommended Software Solutions

Professional Declaration Software:

1. DGM Office Suite

• Intelligent dangerous goods declaration form completion
• Automatic compliance check
• Multilingual template generation

1. Hazcheck

• Cloud-based dangerous goods management
• Real-time regulatory updates
• Supply chain collaboration functions

1. Labelmaster DGIS

• Integrated label and document management
• QR code generation and verification
• Mobile application support

Internal Enterprise System Integration:
ERP Interface: SAP TM/Oracle Transportation
WMS Integration: Warehouse Management System Integration
TMS Connection: Transportation Management System Data Synchronization
6.3 Blockchain and IoT Applications
Traceability and Verification:
Blockchain Records: Immutable Transportation History
Smart Contracts: Automated Compliance Checks
IoT Sensors: Real-time Monitoring of Cargo Status
Data Sharing Framework:
Authorized Access: Supply Chain Parties View According to Permissions
Real-time Alerts: Instant Notification of Abnormal Situations
Analysis Reports: Transportation Performance and Compliance Analysis
VII. Cost Optimization and Efficiency Improvement
7.1 Composition of Declaration Fees and Saving Strategies
Expense Item Average Cost Saving Strategy Expected Saving Percentage
Testing & Certification €500-2000/Product Batch Testing, Long-term Contracts 15-25%
Document Preparation €50-200/Shipping Templated, Digitalized 30-50%
Customs Agent €150-400/Shipping Annual Contract, Self-declaration 20-40%
Port Demurrage Fees €100-500/Day Advance Declaration, Fast Track Completely Avoid
Error Penalties €1000-50000 System checks and double audits completely avoid [problems].

7.2 Process Optimization Timeline

Target: Reduce from 7 days to 3 days

Current Process (7 days):

D-7: Begin preparing documents

D-5: Complete testing and verification

D-3: Submit pre-declaration

D-2: Carrier review

D-1: Customs pre-review

D Day: Formal declaration

D+1: Release and shipment

Optimized Process (3 days):

D-3: System automatically generates documents

D-2: Electronic pre-review and modification

D-1: Complete all approvals

D Day: Real-time declaration and release

VIII. Emergency Handling and Dispute Resolution

8.1 Emergency Response to Declaration Issues