How should a supplier prepare documents for DHL shipment of battery-powered tools?
For DHL shipment of battery-powered tools, the supplier should first confirm how the lithium battery is packed, then prepare the commercial and battery documents according to the correct UN classification.
For a rechargeable tool with the lithium-ion battery installed inside the product, such as an electric screwdriver, the shipment is normally classified as UN3481 – Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment.
We normally prepare:
- Commercial Invoice: product name, quantity, unit value, total value, country of origin, HS code, shipper and consignee information
- Packing List: carton quantity, gross/net weight and package dimensions
- DHL Air Waybill: complete shipper, consignee and shipment information
- Battery specifications: battery type, voltage, capacity and watt-hour rating
- UN number and packing classification: for example, UN3481 / PI967 when the lithium-ion battery is installed in the equipment
- UN38.3 test summary: confirming the lithium battery has passed the required transport testing
- SDS/MSDS: prepared when requested by DHL, the freight forwarder or destination customs
- Battery declaration or dangerous-goods documents: when required by the applicable battery classification and shipment quantity
For applicable UN3481 PI967 Section II shipments, DHL’s 2026 guidance states that a Shipper’s Declaration is not required, but the required lithium-battery information must still be correctly shown on the shipment documentation and the package must meet the applicable marking and packaging rules.
Suppliers should also confirm DHL acceptance before arranging pickup, because lithium-battery shipments may require an approved DHL Express account and requirements can vary by destination, quantity and battery configuration.
For ToolQeen electric screwdrivers, we recommend preparing the battery specification, UN38.3 documentation, commercial invoice and shipping classification together before shipment, so DHL can verify the battery information before the goods are collected.