What category of dangerous goods do lithium batteries belong to? What certifications are required for export?

According to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, lithium batteries are classified asClass 9 dangerous goods(miscellaneous dangerous substances). The latest export requirements for 2025 include:

• UN38.3 test certification (covering 8 tests such as vibration, shock, and high temperature)
• MSDS Chemical Safety Data Sheet
• Transport declaration documents (must specify parameters such as watt-hours and lithium content)
• Additional certifications required by some destination countries:
  • EU CE certification (including RoHS Directive)
  • US UL certification
  • Japan PSE certification

II.Maritime TransportationWhat transportation regulations should lithium batteries pay special attention to?

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG CODE) 2025 edition clearly stipulates:

• State of charge must not exceed 30% (SOC≤30%)
• Containers must display Class 9 dangerous goods labels
• Mixing with Class 1 explosives is prohibited
• Each shipment must provideShort-circuit proof

Lithium BatteriesExport ClearanceWhat are the common challenges?

According to customs statistics from 2023-2025, the rejection rate for lithium battery export declarations is as high as 18.7%, with main issues concentrated in:

• Incorrect commodity code classification (recommended to use detailed codes under 8507.60.00)
• Incomplete declaration elements (must include 7 parameters such as rated energy and number of individual cells)
• Transport packaging does not comply with UN3480/UN3481 standards
• Failure to correctly file electronic dangerous goods records

How to choose a reliable lithium batteryExport Representation?

Professional agents should possess the following qualifications and capabilities:

• Hold FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) certification
• Possess dangerous goods transportation qualifications (DGR certification)
• Familiarize with the lithium battery shipping policies of major shipping companies:
  • Maersks lithium battery shipping surcharge standards
  • COSCO Shippings special container configuration requirements
• Provide end-to-end compliance solutions (from factory inspection to customs clearance at destination port)

Do lithium battery exports require special insurance coverage?

It is recommended to take out insuranceComprehensive insurance for dangerous goods transportation, special attention should be paid to:

• Additional spontaneous combustion insurance clause (premium usually increases by 30-50%)
• Clearly specify temperature control requirements in the deductible clauses
• Require insurance companies to provide IMDG compliance certificates

What are the latest policy changes for lithium battery exports in 2025?

Three major policy trends require special attention:

• EUs newly implemented Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation (effective February 2025)
• U.S. Customs carbon footprint traceability requirements for lithium battery importers
• China Customs white list system for lithium battery exports

Common reasons for customs detention of goods overseas and countermeasures?

According to 2024International LogisticsAnalysis of dispute case database shows frequent detention reasons include:

• Failure to pass destination countrys energy efficiency certification (such as Koreas KC certification)
• Shipping documents not showing UN number
• Failure to provide complete supply chain due diligence report
• Recommended solutions:
  • Apply in advance for AEO mutual recognition enterprise qualification
  • Prepare multilingual technical documents (at least English/Spanish/French)
  • Establish emergency customs clearance deposit system

How to control the comprehensive costs of lithium battery exports?

The following methods can reduce operating costs by 15-20%:

• Optimize packaging solutions (use UN-certified reusable packaging)
• Select economical shipping routes (such asChina-Europe Railway ExpressLithium battery special trains)
• Utilize free trade agreement tariff preferences (RCEP member countries can reduce tariffs by 8-12%)
• Implement centralized declaration mode (monthly declaration can save 30% customs clearance fees)

(Note: This content is based on the authors 20 years of international trade practice experience. For specific operations, please refer to the latest regulations and customs interpretations. For the 2025 policy forecast section, it is recommended to verify the latest information through the official website of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.)