Shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally
Inspected, packaged and documented
Lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods in international transport. Crucial factors include battery type, watt-hours, packaging, condition, transport route, and destination country. paket-international.com supports you with testing, packaging, labeling, shipping documents, customs clearance, and the selection of suitable carriers.
- Shipping batteries within Germany, Europe and the world
- We will create all documents for you.
- Prepare customs and pro forma documents
- Avoid returns, rejections, and additional costs
Check before shipping
1
Battery alone or integrated into the device?
UN3480 for loose lithium-ion batteries, UN3481 for batteries with or in devices.
2
Wattage hours & condition?
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries are particularly critical and are excluded from shipping.
3
Packaging & Labeling?
Short-circuit protection, inner packaging, outer packaging, Lithium Battery Mark and, if applicable, dangerous goods label.
4
Customs & Export Documents?
Commercial invoice, pro forma, customs declaration, MSDS and, if applicable, ABD/MRN for export values exceeding €1.000.
10.000+
Shipments / Month
220+
Countries worldwide
< 2 seconds
per label
Up to 80%
günstiger
4.8
️
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Check UN3480 / UN3481
Battery alone, with device or in the device
Clarify packaging
Short-circuit protection and outer packaging
Find carrier approval
DHL, UPS, FedEx or special shipping
Have documents created
MSDS, customs documents and shipping labels
“We have automated our international shipping with the Billbee connection from Paket International and save several hours every day – especially with customs issues.”
Besler-Scharf – DLA Proficiency Tests
What you need to consider when shipping lithium-ion batteries
Shipping lithium-ion batteries differs significantly from shipping regular packages. The UN number, packaging, condition, and transport route are crucial factors.
Dangerous goods classification
Lithium-ion batteries fall under UN3480 or UN3481. Depending on the configuration, different shipping and labeling requirements apply.
Packaging & Labeling
Batteries must be protected against short circuits and correctly packaged. A Lithium Battery Mark and, if applicable, a hazardous materials label are required.
Documents & Transport Route
Depending on the shipping method, MSDS, customs documents, and special carrier approvals are required. Air freight is more heavily regulated than road transport.
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Shipping nationally vs. internationally - what do I need to consider?
Shipping options depend heavily on whether the battery is shipped separately, with a device, or inside the device. This distinction determines the UN number, packaging instructions, labeling, and carrier approval.
| Type of shipment | Typical UN number | examples | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion battery, single/loose | UN3480 | Replacement battery, battery pack, power bank, cell pack | Swollen battery, drop damage, recalled product |
| Lithium-ion battery packaged with device | UN3481 | Spare battery along with tools, camera, measuring device | Often simpler than loose batteries, but packaging and quantity limits remain relevant. |
| Lithium-ion battery built into the device | UN3481 | Laptop, smartphone, e-bike component, medical device | Usually easiest to handle if the device is secured against accidental activation and damage. |
| Defective, damaged, or recalled | special case | Swollen battery, drop damage, recalled product | Not suitable for normal shipping. Must be inspected separately beforehand. |
Important: Air freight, road transport, sea freight, and individual carriers have different acceptance rules. UPS, for example, points out that air shipments with UN3480 must be treated as fully regulated dangerous goods.
This is how shipping via Paket International works
We transform a complex hazardous goods and customs shipment into a structured shipping process: checking data, determining the shipping route, creating documents, and tracking the shipment.
1
Record shipment data
They transmit information such as battery type, weight, dimensions, value of goods, destination country, intended use and available documents such as MSDS or technical data sheets.
2
Dangerous goods and carrier inspection
We check whether the shipment is generally shippable and which carrier or transport route is suitable for your specific lithium shipment.
3
Packaging & Labeling
Depending on the case, we provide support with suitable packaging, short-circuit protection, outer packaging, Lithium Battery Mark and other mandatory markings.
4
Customs and shipping documents
We create or review commercial invoices, pro forma invoices, bills of lading, customs contents, dangerous goods documents, MSDS and, if required, ABD/MRN.
5
Collection, tracking and communication
After approval, we organize the shipment, provide tracking data and assist with any questions from carriers, recipients or customs authorities.
Properly packaging lithium-ion batteries
The packaging must protect the battery from short circuits, movement, damage, and accidental activation. For international shipments, the packaging is not only a protective measure but also a requirement for safe shipping.
Prevent short circuits
Poles must be protected, for example by covers, individual packaging or safe separation from conductive materials.
Secure inner packaging
Batteries must not move freely within the package. Padding and separation are crucial, especially when shipping multiple batteries.
Sturdy outer packaging
The outer packaging must be suitable for the weight, battery shape, and transport route. Depending on the classification, certified packaging may be required.
Don't just send it: Damaged, swollen, leaking, overheated, or recalled batteries must not be handled like normal lithium-ion batteries. Such shipments require a separate dangerous goods assessment.
Which documents are required?
Standard package data is often insufficient for the international shipment of lithium-ion batteries. In addition to customs documents, further hazardous materials and product information may be required.
Standard customs documents
- Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice
- Customs declaration in English
- Product description, product value and origin
- HS code / Customs tariff number
- ABD/MRN for export values exceeding €1.000
Additional battery documentation
- MSDS / Safety Data Sheet
- UN number and battery classification
- Watt-hour rating / technical specification
- Specification: Battery available separately, with device, or integrated into the device
- Dangerous goods documents, if required
Advantages of using our platform: Shipping labels, customs documents, document storage, and tracking are managed centrally in the portal. Business customers can also connect data via shop, ERP, or WMS interfaces.
Shipping lithium batteries commercially
With platform, API or plugin
For retailers, manufacturers, spare parts suppliers, and technical service providers, battery shipping is often a frequent occurrence. Therefore, the process should not be handled manually via emails, Excel spreadsheets, and individual carrier portals.
Connect shop & ERP
Orders, items, dimensions, weights, HS codes and recipient addresses can be imported from your system.
Calculate customs duties
Import duties, shipping costs and documents can be taken into account directly in the process – including DDP/DAP logic.
Restore status
Tracking numbers, label links and shipping status can be returned to your shop, ERP or WMS system.
Am I allowed to ship lithium-ion batteries internationally?
Am I allowed to ship lithium-ion batteries internationally?
Yes, shipping is generally possible. The decisive factors are the battery type, condition, watt-hours, packaging, destination country, and shipping route. Loose batteries are subject to significantly stricter regulations than batteries installed in devices.
What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?
UN3480 designates lithium-ion batteries that are shipped individually or without a device. UN3481 designates lithium-ion batteries that are packaged with or installed in a device.
Can I send defective lithium batteries?
Defective, damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries are special cases and must not be shipped like normal lithium-ion batteries. A separate dangerous goods inspection is required.
What documents do I need for shipping?
Typical documents include a commercial invoice or pro forma invoice, customs declaration, waybill, goods description, HS code and, depending on the case, MSDS, dangerous goods documents and ABD/MRN for exports valued over €1.000.
Can DHL, UPS, or FedEx transport lithium-ion batteries?
Yes, but not every battery configuration is permitted with every carrier and on every transport route. Loose batteries, air freight, and certain destination countries usually require more detailed inspection and, if necessary, dangerous goods clearance.
How much does it cost to ship lithium-ion batteries?
The costs depend on weight, dimensions, destination country, battery type, packaging, transport route, and hazardous materials status. Therefore, lithium shipments should be checked in advance and not calculated like a normal parcel.
Can you handle the packaging?
Depending on the shipment, we can assist with packaging, labeling, and document verification. A thorough pre-inspection is particularly advisable for loose batteries or larger battery packs.
Can companies automate the process?
Yes. Business customers can transfer shipping data from their shop, ERP or WMS and automatically receive labels, tracking, customs documents and status data back.
