由 caicai8478 The following are detailed steps and key points for determining the “identity” of the battery by type:
Step 1: Accurately identify the battery type (determine “who you are”).
This is the foundation of all classification. Batteries are mainly divided into two categories:
- Standalone Batteries
These are batteries that are not installed in or packaged with a device.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Rechargeable batteries commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, etc. Energy density (Wh) is usually the key parameter for transportation.
Lithium Metal Batteries: Non-rechargeable batteries, commonly found in button cells and backup batteries for some specialized equipment. Lithium content (g) is usually the key parameter for transportation.
Lead-acid Batteries: Commonly found in car starting batteries and UPS backup power batteries, they typically contain sulfuric acid electrolyte.
NiMH/NiCd Batteries: Rechargeable batteries commonly found in some power tools and older electronic products.
- Equipment with Batteries: These are batteries already installed in the equipment they power.
Lithium batteries packaged with equipment: The equipment and battery are in the same packaging, but the battery is not installed.
Lithium batteries contained within equipment: The battery is installed inside the equipment, such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, etc.
Step 2: Determine “identity” according to the transport regulations (determine “which category you fall into”)
International trade transport (air and sea) primarily follows the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations” and the derived specific regulations for each mode of transport. For batteries, the most important “identity” is the UN number and shipping name.
Core regulatory basis:
Air transport: ICAO’s “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.”
Sea transport: IMO’s “International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.”
The following are the “identity” designations for different battery types:
Battery Type UN Number Proper Shipping Name Hazard Class Core Criteria
Lithium Ion Batteries UN 3480 Lithium Ion Batteries Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods Watt-hour rating ≤ 20 Wh (batteries) or ≤ 100 Wh (cells)
Lithium Ion Batteries UN 3480 Lithium Ion Batteries Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods Watt-hour rating > 20 Wh (batteries) or > 100 Wh (cells)
Lithium Metal Batteries UN 3090 Lithium Metal Batteries Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods Lithium content ≤ 1g (batteries) or ≤ 2g (cells)
Lithium Metal Batteries UN 3090 Lithium Metal Batteries Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods Lithium content > 1g (batteries) or > 2g (cells)
Lithium Ion Batteries Installed in Equipment UN 3481 Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods The Wh limit for batteries contained in equipment is the same as above.
Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment: UN 3481. Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment. Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. Batteries and equipment are packaged together, but the batteries are not installed.
Lithium metal batteries installed in equipment: UN 3091. Lithium metal batteries installed in equipment. Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. The lithium content limit for batteries contained in equipment is the same as above.
Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment: UN 3091. Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment. Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. Batteries and equipment are packaged together, but the batteries are not installed.
Wet lead-acid batteries: UN 2794. Wet storage batteries, filled with acid. Class 8, Corrosive substances. Acid electrolyte with risk of spillage.
Dry lead-acid batteries: UN 2800. Sealed storage batteries. Class 8, Corrosive substances. Valve-regulated, etc., with no risk of spillage.
Particularly important exceptions:
A limited number of exceptions apply for small, low-risk lithium batteries. If the battery’s watt-hour/lithium content meets the aforementioned minimum capacity/content requirements and passes a series of safety tests (such as UN 38.3), it can be transported under Section II. This significantly simplifies transportation requirements (e.g., no dangerous goods space is required, but packaging, marking, and documentation requirements still apply).
Step 3: Special Considerations for the Southeast Asian Market
After determining the internationally recognized UN number and hazard class, you also need to consider the specific requirements of the Southeast Asian destination country:
Importing Country Regulations:
Some Southeast Asian countries may have additional registration, certification, or labeling requirements. For example, compliance with local standards (such as Indonesia’s SNI or Thailand’s TISI) may be required.
Some countries may have specific import restrictions on used batteries or batteries containing hazardous substances.
Customs Code:
When declaring exports to China, you must declare the correct HS code for your battery products. This affects export tax rebates and customs duties. For example:
The HS code for lithium-ion batteries is typically 8507.60.00.
The HS code for lead-acid batteries is typically 8507.10.00 or 8507.20.00.
An accurate HS code helps Southeast Asian importers clear customs and pay the correct tariffs.
MSDS:
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that complies with international standards must be prepared for each batch of batteries exported. This is a mandatory document for dangerous goods shipments and a crucial resource for Southeast Asian customers to understand product safety information.
Summary: The Core Process of Determining Shipping “Identity”
Step 1: Internal Classification – Determine the type of battery being exported (lithium-ion/lithium metal/lead-acid), and whether it is a standalone battery or a device with a battery.
Step 2: Parameter Determination – Obtain key parameters: watt-hours for lithium-ion batteries and lithium content for lithium metal batteries.
Step 3: UN Number Determination – Based on the parameters and packaging, compare the table above to determine the correct UN number and shipping name.
Step 4: Exception Verification – Determine whether the “Limited Quantity Exception” conditions are met to qualify for simplified shipping treatment.
Step 5: Destination Verification – Check whether the target Southeast Asian country (such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.) has any additional import regulations.
Step 6: Document Preparation – Based on the above determinations, prepare the necessary shipping documents: Dangerous Goods Declaration Form, MSDS, UN38.3 test report, 1.2-meter drop test report, etc.
Final Recommendation:
Due to the complex and frequently updated regulations for battery transportation, it is strongly recommended that before exporting:
Consult a professional dangerous goods freight forwarder with extensive experience handling battery exports to Southeast Asia.
Confirm with the battery manufacturer to obtain accurate product specifications and a complete set of compliance test reports.
Communicate with the Southeast Asian importer in advance to confirm the country’s customs clearance requirements for battery products.
By following these steps, you can establish a clear, accurate, and compliant shipping “identity” for your battery exports to Southeast Asia, ensuring smooth shipment.