Everything You Need to Know About Compliance, Safety & International Shipping
As global demand for electronic products continues to grow, exporting battery-powered goods such as Bluetooth earphones, power tools, electronic devices, and smart products has become increasingly common. However, these products are subject to strict international transportation regulations, especially when lithium batteries are involved.
Understanding the correct compliance requirements is essential to avoid shipment delays, fines, or cargo rejection.
🔋 What Are Battery-Powered Products?
Battery-powered products refer to goods that contain or are packed with batteries, such as:
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Bluetooth earphones & speakers
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Power tools
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Smart home devices
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Medical or electronic equipment
These products are regulated under international dangerous goods standards because batteries can pose fire and explosion risks if improperly handled.
⚠️ Key Question: Are Your Goods Classified as Dangerous Goods?
This is the most critical factor affecting:
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Transportation method (air / sea / express)
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Documentation requirements
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Shipping cost
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Customs clearance difficulty
Many battery products are classified under Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods, depending on battery type and capacity.
📄 Mandatory Documents for Exporting Battery Products
1. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Purpose:
Confirms the chemical composition, safety properties, and emergency handling procedures of the product.
Key information required:
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Battery type (Lithium-ion or Lithium metal)
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Rated capacity (Wh)
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Net weight
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Safety and handling instructions
2. UN38.3 Test Report (Mandatory for lithium batteries)
Purpose:
Proves the battery has passed safety tests required for international transport.
Includes 8 test items such as:
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Altitude simulation
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Thermal cycling
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Vibration
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Shock
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External short circuit
Validity:
Typically valid for 1 year (some carriers accept within 6 months depending on policy).
3. Cargo Transport Condition Identification Report
Issued by certified organizations such as:
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Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry (SRICI)
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DGM
Function:
Officially confirms whether the goods are:
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Dangerous goods (Class 9), or
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Non-dangerous / general cargo
This document is often required by airlines, shipping lines, and forwarders.
4. Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate (If Applicable)
Required only if classified as dangerous goods.
Includes:
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Packaging performance certificate (from manufacturer)
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Packaging use certificate (issued by customs)
Processing time: 7–15 days
Estimated cost: USD 300–700
📦 Packaging & Labeling Requirements
For Dangerous Goods:
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UN-approved outer packaging
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Short-circuit protection (insulating tape, inner bags)
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Lithium battery mark
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UN number and hazard labels
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Orientation arrows (if required)
For Non-Dangerous Goods:
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Rigid outer cartons
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Inner cushioning to prevent movement
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Proper labeling and product identification
🔍 How to Determine Whether Your Product Is Dangerous — 3 Simple Checks
1️⃣ Check Battery Type
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Dangerous Goods:
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Lithium-ion batteries > 100Wh
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Lithium metal batteries > 2g lithium content
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Non-Dangerous:
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Button cells
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AA / AAA batteries
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Lithium batteries ≤ 100Wh
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2️⃣ Check Transportation Mode
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Air Freight:
Batteries over 20Wh usually require dangerous goods declaration -
Sea Freight:
Many shipping lines accept non-dangerous lithium batteries with UN38.3 and proper packaging
3️⃣ Check Packaging Method
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Dangerous Goods: UN-certified packaging + insulation
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Non-Dangerous Goods: Standard cartons with protective cushioning
✅ Summary
Exporting battery-powered products is fully feasible—but only when compliance is handled correctly.
Understanding classification, documentation, and packaging requirements can save time, reduce costs, and avoid customs risks.
If you are unsure whether your product is classified as dangerous goods or need help preparing export documents, professional consultation is strongly recommended.
