Questions shippers ask
How do you ship lithium batteries from China?
Identify the UN number (UN3480, UN3481, UN3090 or UN3091), collect UN38.3 and SDS from the manufacturer, send the file for a document check, then book sea or air only after the line accepts the dangerous goods declaration. Undeclared lithium is not booked.
Can lithium batteries be shipped from China by sea?
Yes. Declared as Class 9 dangerous goods under the IMDG Code, with a UN38.3 test summary, SDS, UN-specification packaging, labels and a dangerous goods declaration. The line must accept the booking. Yihang handles lithium sea shipments to major ports worldwide, subject to carrier acceptance.
Is a solar kit with a battery dangerous goods?
Yes, if the kit includes a lithium battery. A battery packed in the same carton as the inverter or panels is UN3481, Class 9. The panels and frames alone are not lithium dangerous goods. The carrier needs the battery details, not only the kit description.
What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?
UN3480 is lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own. UN3481 is lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment. The difference changes the packing instruction and, by air, whether the cargo can go on passenger aircraft.
What is UN38.3?
A series of tests in section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria: altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact or crush, overcharge and forced discharge. Every lithium cell and battery type must pass them before transport. The manufacturer provides a test summary.
Is an MSDS enough to ship lithium batteries?
No. The safety data sheet is one document. The carrier also needs the UN38.3 test summary, correct packaging and labels, and a signed dangerous goods declaration. An SDS that says ‘non-dangerous’ does not change how a lithium battery is classified for transport.
Can lithium batteries ship by LCL?
Some consolidators accept declared Class 9 lithium cargo and many do not. It depends on the warehouse and the line that week. Send the documents and Yihang will say whether LCL is available or a full container is needed.
Can lithium batteries be shipped by air from China?
Yes, within IATA DGR limits. UN3480 batteries on their own fly on cargo aircraft only and have a state-of-charge limit. Batteries packed with or contained in equipment have more options. Airlines and Chinese airports may also ask for an air-transport identification report.
Does Yihang handle other dangerous goods besides lithium batteries?
Yes. Yihang handles all classes of dangerous goods, from flammable liquids to corrosives and Class 9 miscellaneous goods, subject to carrier acceptance and correct documents, including the SDS and dangerous goods declaration.
Can Yihang deliver dangerous goods to the door abroad?
Yes. Yihang covers basically all major ports worldwide and arranges destination customs clearance and delivery through trusted local partners. Send the delivery address with the battery documents.
Does this page give a rate or a transit time?
No. Dangerous goods are quoted after the carrier accepts the declaration, and the rate depends on the line, the port and the week.
