For international lithium battery transportation (especially by air and sea),                       batteries are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods.                                                                 Since we  are a manufacturer, ensuring our products meet                                                    the latest 2026 international standards is critical                                                                     for smooth customs clearance and safety.

1. The Essential Certification: UN38.3

https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods

This is the “Global Passport” for lithium battery transportation.

• Test Scope: Includes 8 rigorous tests (T1-T8): Altitude Simulation, Thermal Test, Vibration, Shock, External Short Circuit, Impact/Crush, Overcharge, and Forced Discharge.
• Test Summary (TS): Per current regulations, manufacturers and distributors must provide a “UN38.3 Test Summary” so that everyone in the logistics chain can verify compliance.
• 1.2m Drop Test: For specific packaging types, a 1.2-meter drop test is often required to prove the packaging can protect the batteries from short circuits or damage.

https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/

2. 2026 Air Transport Restrictions (IATA DGR)

https://www.iata.org/lithiumbatteries

https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/

As of January 1, 2026, IATA regulations have become even stricter:

• State of Charge (SoC) Limit:
  • Stand-alone Batteries (UN3480): Must be shipped at a SoC of no more than 30%.
  • Batteries Packed with/in Equipment (UN3481): Previously only a recommendation, the 30% SoC limit is now mandatory as of 2026 for these categories (e.g., PI 966) as well, unless specifically approved by the state of origin and the airline.
• Passenger Aircraft Ban: Stand-alone lithium-ion batteries (UN3480) are strictly prohibited on passenger planes and must be shipped via “Cargo Aircraft Only.

3. Sea Freight Requirements (IMDG Code)

https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/safety/pages/dangerousgoods-default.aspx

While sea freight is more lenient regarding SoC, it has very high standards for Packaging and Declaration:

• Short-Circuit Prevention: Each battery must be completely enclosed in non-conductive inner packaging.
• Performance Packaging (Dangerous Goods Box): High-capacity battery packs usually require “Group II” dangerous goods packaging (typically UN-certified cartons or wooden crates).
• Container Marking: The exterior of the container must display Class 9 labels and Marine Pollutant labels (if applicable).

4. Mandatory Documentation Checklist

https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods/ghs-rev10-2023

You will need to prepare the following for booking and customs:

• MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheet): Detailing chemical composition and emergency response procedures.
• UN38.3 Test Report & Summary: Proving the design meets transport safety standards.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): Accurately stating the UN Number (UN3480 or UN3481), Proper Shipping Name, and Packing Group.
• 24-Hour Emergency Contact: A valid emergency number must be included in the shipping documents.