IMDG-certified ocean freight for UN3480 (loose lithium-ion) and UN3481 (packed with / contained in equipment). UN38.3 tested, Amazon FBA-ready, shipped to 120+ ports.
Why Lithium Batteries Are Class 9 Dangerous Goods
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are classified as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods under the IMDG Code. They are not explosive or flammable under normal conditions, but can overheat, vent fire, or rupture if damaged, short-circuited, or packed incorrectly. Ocean carriers therefore treat every battery shipment as regulated DG cargo.
Whether your battery is a small power bank, a laptop cell, or an electric vehicle pack, it needs the correct UN number, test summary, and packing documentation before a container can be booked.
Which UN Number Applies to Your Cargo?
UN3480 — Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone
Batteries packed by themselves (not in equipment). Fully regulated under IMDG. Requires UN-spec outer packaging, lithium battery mark, and a complete UN38.3 test summary. Some carriers restrict or refuse UN3480 on certain vessels.
UN3481 — Batteries packed with / contained in equipment
Batteries shipped together with the devices they power (e.g., power banks packed with chargers, or batteries already installed in laptops). Eligible for Section II relief consignments with reduced packaging and documentation.
UN3090 / UN3091 — Lithium-metal batteries
Non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Same rules as lithium-ion but less common in export cargo. We review these case by case.
Section II relief consignments
Small quantities under the Section II threshold (e.g., cells ≤ 10 Wh, batteries ≤ 100 Wh) can ship with simplified packing. We confirm eligibility based on Wh rating and packing configuration.
Documents Required Before Booking
We pre-check these for free before space is locked. Missing any one of these will cause roll-over at the terminal.
Mistakes That Cause Roll-Over
"It's a small battery, it's not dangerous"
Any lithium-ion cell over 2.7 Wh is regulated. Even a 5,000 mAh power bank needs UN38.3 documentation.
Missing UN38.3 test summary
Carriers and terminals check this on every DG booking. Without it, your container will not load.
SOC above 30%
Ocean carriers require lithium batteries to ship at ≤30% state of charge. Fully charged batteries are refused.
Shipping Lithium Batteries? Send Us Your MSDS
We reply within 4 business hours with confirmation of whether your battery can move, which UN number applies, and a rate.
Request Free Battery Quote →Lithium Battery Shipping FAQ
Can you ship lithium batteries via sea freight?
Yes. We ship UN3480 and UN3481 lithium batteries regularly on approved IMDG carriers. We require the UN38.3 test summary and MSDS before booking.
Do you deliver to Amazon FBA?
Yes. We have experience delivering lithium battery shipments to Amazon FBA warehouses in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, including DG-compliant palletization and labels.
What is the minimum order for LCL battery shipping?
LCL consolidation starts at 1 CBM. For very small shipments, we can quote air freight, but sea LCL is almost always more cost-effective for batteries.