Which battery details should be confirmed before international shipping?
Before international shipping, buyers should confirm the battery type, voltage, capacity, watt-hour rating, shipping configuration, and required compliance documents.
For products with rechargeable lithium batteries, we recommend confirming:
- Battery chemistry: lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium metal, etc.
- Nominal voltage: for example, 3.7 V
- Battery capacity: normally stated in mAh or Ah
- Watt-hour rating (Wh): an important value for transport classification
- Number of cells or batteries per product and package
- Shipping configuration: battery installed in the product, packed separately with the product, or shipped alone
- UN number: for example, UN3481 for applicable lithium-ion batteries shipped with or contained in equipment
- UN38.3 test summary: should be available for compliant lithium batteries
- SDS/MSDS or other battery documentation: when requested by the carrier, forwarder, or destination
- Battery condition: damaged, defective, or recalled batteries should not be shipped through normal lithium-battery channels
- State of charge: especially important for air shipments
Under the 2026 IATA rules, lithium-ion batteries shipped alone must generally be at no more than 30% state of charge. The 30% requirement also applies to many lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment, while for batteries already contained in equipment it is currently a strong recommendation rather than a general mandatory requirement.
The exact packaging, labeling, documentation, and quantity limits depend on how the battery is packed, the carrier, transportation method, and destination country. DHL also requires lithium batteries to meet UN38.3 requirements and may apply additional carrier-specific restrictions.
For ToolQeen electric screwdriver orders, we recommend confirming all battery specifications and shipping documents before mass production and before selecting the freight method, especially when the goods will be shipped by air.