Battery Cells
18650 / 21700 cells, pouch cells, etc., declared under UN3480; UN38.3 report and Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate required.
UN3480 / UN3481
Lithium battery international logistics
Lithium battery international logistics refers to professional shipping services for exporting lithium batteries and battery-powered products safely and compliantly to global destinations via ocean or air freight in accordance with IMDG/IATA dangerous goods regulations.
HUIN Logistics has focused on new energy battery logistics for 15 years. Holding NVOCC/FMC/IMDG qualifications and contracted DG shipping space with 6 major carriers, we provide one-stop services including UN38.3/Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate handling and DG booking for battery manufacturers, energy storage integrators, and globalizing green-tech enterprises.
15
Years in Battery Logistics
6
Carriers Contracted for DG
100
+ Countries Covered
5,000
+ Successful Shipments
SERVICE SCOPE
Lithium Battery Cargo Types We Transport
From individual cells to complete equipment, covering all categories of lithium batteries. Not sure if your cargo is classified as dangerous goods? Send cargo details for a free evaluation.
COMPLIANCE
Qualifications & Compliance Requirements
Exporting lithium batteries (by sea or air) generally requires the following documents. Missing any document will result in booking failure or detention at destination ports.
| Document Name | Applicable Cargo | Processing Time | Validity | HUIN Agent Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UN38.3 Test Report | All lithium batteries (cells/modules/packs) | 7-15 business days | Long-term (per model) | Partner Labs |
| MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | All lithium batteries & powered devices | 1-3 business days | Long-term (per version) | Bilingual (CN/EN) |
| Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate | Bare cells/modules declared under UN3480 | 3-5 business days | Single shipment | End-to-End Agency |
| Ocean/Air Transport Appraisal Report | All lithium battery cargo | 2-4 business days | Single shipment | End-to-End Agency |
| Dangerous Goods Declaration | Mandatory for FCL DG booking | Along with booking | Single shipment | Filing Service |
SHIPPING OPTIONS
Shipping Solutions Comparison · How to Choose?
Ocean FCL, Special Containers, Breakbulk, and Air Freight each have pros and cons — choose the optimal channel based on volume, dimensions, and lead time.
| Shipping Mode | Applicable Cargo | Est. Transit Time | Cost | Core Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL
DG Booking |
Modules/packs/equipment, 20-40ft containers | China → Europe: 30-40 days | ★★☆☆☆ | Most economical for bulk, stable DG space | Requires DG packaging cert & filing |
| Special Equipment
Open Top/Flat Rack/Reefer |
Oversized/overweight battery packs, machinery | Same as FCL ±5 days | ★★★☆☆ | Fits odd-shaped / heavyweight cargo | Tight space availability; advance booking required |
| Breakbulk Vessel
RORO/General Cargo |
Energy storage containers, EV units, heavy equipment | Africa/Middle East: 35-50 days | ★★★☆☆ | Sole choice for ultra-large pieces; flexible loading | Fixed routes, low frequency |
| Air Freight CAO
Cargo Aircraft Only |
Small batch samples / high-value cells | 3-7 days | ★★★★★ | Fastest speed; limited to cargo flights | Passenger planes forbidden; high cost |
HOW IT WORKS
Packaging & Container Loading Standards
Substandard battery packaging will directly lead to maritime safety detention or destination port rejection. All requirements below comply with IMDG Code & IATA DGR.
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0.5 Business Day
Inquiry & Cargo Assessment
Submit cargo details/weight/dimensions/POD; free DG classification assessment, solution & quote issued.
-
7-15 Business Days
Document Preparation
UN38.3 / MSDS / DG packaging cert / Appraisal report fully managed by HUIN in parallel with booking.
-
2-5 Business Days
DG Space Booking
Apply for dangerous goods space with contracted carriers; confirm vessel schedule & container type (FCL/Special/Breakbulk).
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1-2 Business Days
Packaging & Loading
UN-spec packaging palletization/loading; HUIN provides photo/video supervision; lashing plans implemented for heavy items.
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1-3 Business Days
Customs Clearance & Release
DG filing, customs document preparation, inspection coordination, bill of lading issuance post-release.
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Per Route
Delivery & Import Clearance
Destination customs clearance, duty payment (DDP optional), final delivery to factory or job site.
Cases
Freight Forwarding Cases
Every shipment is verifiable — transparent cargo specs, routes, container types, lead times, key challenges, and results.
PACKAGING
Packaging & Container Loading Standards
Substandard battery packaging will directly lead to maritime safety detention or destination port rejection. All requirements below comply with IMDG Code & IATA DGR.
UN Specification Packaging
Cells/modules must use UN-certified cartons or wooden boxes (matching DG packaging cert). Bare standard cartons prohibited.
IMDG SP188
Short Circuit Protection
Positive/negative terminals of each cell/battery must be insulated (taped/individually sealed) to prevent short circuits and fire.
IATA PI965
Segregation Requirements
Lithium batteries must be segregated from metal objects and flammables; mixed packing must conform to DG segregation tables.
IMDG Segregation
Hazard Labels & Marking
Outer packaging must bear Class 9 hazard labels, UN numbers, orientation arrows, and stacking limit marks.
Class 9
Stacking & Securing
FCL stacking height must not exceed limit lines; pallets secured with dunnage bags / timber blocks to prevent displacement during voyage.
Cargo Lashing
Loading Supervision
provides on-site loading supervision and photo/video evidence, fully traceable to satisfy carrier and destination inspection standards.
HUIN Supervision
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualifications, shipping, costs, and customs — 8 key questions answered clearly.
Get a Shipping Quote
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