Battery Cargo
Goods containing batteries (esp. lithium); transport is governed by IATA/IMDG rules and typically requires UN38.3, MSDS and designated channels.
Battery Cargo refers to goods containing batteries, classified by how the battery is combined with the product: batteries packed alone, batteries packed with equipment, or batteries contained in equipment. Lithium batteries (lithium-ion and lithium-metal) are regulated in air transport as Class 9 dangerous goods under IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), as IMDG cargo by sea, while ordinary dry batteries are less restricted but are still treated as sensitive cargo on some channels.
- 常见合规文件：UN38.3 测试报告、电池 MSDS/SDS、（部分）危险品包装鉴定及空运鉴定报告——具体要求随电池类型、瓦时数/锂含量与渠道而变，应以承运渠道与航司要求为准，不要凭经验套用。
- 责任/费用边界：申报与文件准备责任在发货方；带电货通常加收附加费、限定渠道与航班。
- 常见坑：把「内置纽扣电池的小商品」当普货出运，被查后按瞒报危险品处理，可能扣货、罚款并影响后续合作；纯电池、移动电源等高敏感品类很多空运/快递渠道直接拒收。
FAQ
- Do lithium-battery products always need UN38.3?
- Lithium-battery transport generally requires a UN38.3 test report as a compliance baseline, but the exact documents and eligible channels differ for batteries shipped alone, with equipment, or contained in equipment, and individual airlines/channels may add requirements. Confirm each item against the carrier's latest rules before booking rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all.
- Can battery cargo go via ordinary air freight or express?
- It must use designated channels qualified for batteries/dangerous goods, usually with a surcharge and flight restrictions. Highly sensitive items (pure lithium cells, high-capacity power banks) are refused outright by many channels. Always declare the battery type and specs honestly—misdeclaration carries severe risk.
Sources: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/ · https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/lithium-batteries.html