Batteries alone
often UN3480 for lithium-ion
Cells, packs, power banks, or spare batteries shipped without equipment.
Details & examples →Cargo classification guide
How batteries are packed usually decides the UN number and which carrier rules apply. Use this plain-English guide, then confirm with us.
Lithium-ion vs lithium-metal: Lithium-ion (rechargeable, often UN3480/UN3481) and lithium-metal (often primary/non-rechargeable, different UN numbers) follow different rules. Tell us which chemistry you have.
Contained in equipment
often UN3481 for lithium-ion
Batteries installed in the device — laptops, phones, tools, instruments.
Details & examples →Packed with equipment
often UN3481 for lithium-ion
Batteries in the same outer package as the equipment, but not installed.
Details & examples →Not sure which applies?
Send a short description or photos with your enquiry — we will help map the classification before suggesting modes.
Contact usUsed, returned, damaged, recalled or untested? These shipments need a different first review. See what to disclose before requesting a route.
Disclaimer: Final acceptance depends on cargo specs, packing, route, carrier and destination requirements. We assist with review and DG declaration support; we do not guarantee carrier approval.
Quick configuration test
Three questions reveal the right starting point.
Is there equipment?
If the package contains only cells, packs, spares or power banks, start with batteries alone.
Is the battery installed?
If it is fitted inside the device it powers, start with contained in equipment.
Is it detached but matched?
If it is packed beside the equipment it powers, start with packed with equipment.
Are extra spares included?
Flag them separately. A mixed package may need more than one classification check.
Beyond the configuration
Classification also depends on what the battery is.
Chemistry, Watt-hours or lithium content, condition, design testing and the exact product can change the correct entry and packing requirements.
- Lithium-ion, lithium-metal or another chemistry
- Cell or battery model and rated capacity
- Nominal voltage and Watt-hour calculation
- Normal / new condition or damaged / defective / recalled
- Prototype or low-production status if applicable
- Battery count, package count and net battery weight
Documents
What to prepare for any of the three configurations
Documents
Checklist to send before a quote
- Commercial invoiceShipperProduct names as the importer will declare them
- Packing listShipperPieces, weights, dimensions per package
- UN 38.3 test summaryManufacturerFor each battery or cell type in the shipment
- Safety data sheet (SDS)Manufacturer / supplierCurrent version matching the battery model
- Battery dataManufacturerChemistry, Wh rating or lithium content, state of charge where relevant
- Packaging and label photosShipper / packerOuter packs, marks and labels before pickup
- DG declaration detailsFrom the shipper's dataFiled by the carrier's agent before loading
- Importer detailsImporterImporter of record, broker contact, destination registrations
Download the checklist (PDF, 1 page)
Not sure which configuration applies?
Share product photos, battery labels, packing layout and model information. We will map the next questions before discussing the mode.
Start my cargo reviewBattery condition & special cases
Configuration pages above assume you can describe condition honestly. Exception conditions are reviewed separately.
Battery Condition & Special-Case Review