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Why Lithium Batteries Are Classified as Dangerous Goods
Lithium batteries carry a risk of fire or explosion in the event of a short circuit, overcharging, or physical impact, which is why IATA classifies them as Class 9 dangerous goods. As a result, major couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS refuse to pick up cargo containing lithium batteries unless a separate dangerous goods procedure is followed.
In particular, standard courier shipment is not possible in the following cases.
- Standalone lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh
- Lithium-metal batteries with more than 2g of lithium content
- Damaged or recalled batteries
- Batteries falsely declared as general cargo
UN Number Classification for Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are assigned different UN numbers depending on their form. This number determines the packing grade and required documents.
| UN Number | Classification | Example |
|---|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone | Power banks, battery packs |
| UN3481 | Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment | Laptops, smartphones |
| UN3090 | Lithium-metal batteries shipped alone | Primary (non-rechargeable) cells |
| UN3091 | Lithium-metal batteries packed with equipment | Devices with built-in lithium-metal batteries |
4 Steps to Ship Legally
Step 1 — Check the Wh (Watt-Hour) Rating
You need to confirm the battery capacity in Wh. Wh = V (voltage) × Ah (capacity). For example, 3.7V × 10Ah = 37Wh. The 100Wh threshold determines which packing grade applies.
Step 2 — Use UN-Certified Packaging
You must use UN-certified packaging that meets IATA PI 965-970 requirements, satisfying every detail from internal cushioning to outer box strength.
Step 3 — Complete the DG Declaration
You must accurately complete the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. Every field — UN number, class, packing group, net quantity — must be filled in without omission.
Step 4 — Get Airline Pre-Approval and Complete Export Customs
You select an airline that accepts dangerous goods and obtain prior approval. From there, the cargo must be declared as dangerous goods to customs and export clearance completed.
What Changes When You Work With Tosome Logis
Handling all four steps above on your own, without specialist knowledge, is difficult — a single incorrect document can get your cargo returned or seized. Tosome Logis draws on hands-on lithium battery handling experience to manage the entire process for you, from classification through customs clearance.
Just tell us the item name, quantity, and destination, and we'll tell you right away whether it can be shipped and how much it will cost.
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