Whether battery goods can be shipped doesn't depend on cargo value — it depends on three things: UN38.3, MSDS and watt-hours. Miss one, and the channel won't accept it.
Three Documents, Not One Can Be Missing
| Document | Purpose | Who Issues It |
|---|---|---|
| UN38.3 Test Report | Proves lithium batteries have passed transport safety testing | Qualified testing institutions |
| MSDS | Chemical safety data sheet, describing composition and storage/transport requirements | Manufacturer or testing institution |
| Transport Assessment Report | Determines whether goods are classified as dangerous goods and can be transported | Third-party assessment institutions |
What Is UN38.3
UN38.3 comes from Section 38.3 of the United Nations "Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods — Manual of Tests and Criteria."
It is a set of transport safety tests for lithium batteries, simulating altitude, temperature, vibration, impact, short circuit and other conditions during transport.
Lithium battery transport must pass UN38.3 testing. This is an industry-recognised requirement and the first document carriers check.
The report must correspond to the actual cell model. If the cell is changed or the structure modified, retesting is usually required.
What Is MSDS For
MSDS describes the battery's composition, physical and chemical properties, hazards, and storage and transport precautions.
It may be required for customs declaration, booking and channel review — without it, the process cannot proceed.
The information must match the actual product. If the composition or model doesn't match, you'll be asked to redo it.
How to Calculate Watt-Hours
Watt-hour formula: Wh = Voltage V × Capacity Ah.
For example, 3.7V × 2Ah = 7.4Wh. This number directly determines which channel you can use.
The product nameplate must have a clear watt-hour marking. Those without markings are easily rejected.
For multiple cells, calculate clearly by pack or by individual cell — no estimating.
Three Battery Types, Different Restrictions
| Type | Characteristics | Transport Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Battery | Battery fixed inside the device | Widest channel options, documents required |
| Battery Packed With Device | Device and battery in the same box but separate | Requires short-circuit-proof packaging |
| Standalone Battery | Battery only, no device | Most restrictions, usually requires dedicated channels |
Why Standalone Batteries Are the Pickiest About Channels
The battery is exposed, with no device casing for protection, making short circuits and heat generation more likely during transport.
It falls under dangerous goods management, requiring a full set of documents and special packaging.
Most air and express channels do not accept them, and only some ocean channels can handle them.
How to Package and Declare
Electrodes must be covered with insulating sheets to prevent short circuits; batteries must be separated into compartments.
Devices with built-in batteries must be able to power on, to prove the battery is fixed inside the device.
Invoices and packing lists must state "contains lithium batteries" and the battery type — not just the product name.
Lithium batteries are usually managed by watt-hour tiers. Specific thresholds and acceptance conditions are subject to carrier and official regulations.
Three Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Low cargo value means you can ship freely. Restrictions depend on battery type, not cargo value.
Misconception 2: Labelling standalone batteries as "accessories" will get them through. This is misdeclaration, and problems arise the moment it's checked.
Misconception 3: If domestic express can ship it, cross-border can too. The two sets of rules are completely different.
