Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods, but shipping them internationally is routine when the paperwork is right. Here is what your supplier must provide and what you should check before booking freight.
The Two Core Documents
PATTERN ships every lithium order with both documents, plus a safe-transport certificate where the carrier requires it. Verify that the model numbers on the reports match the products on your purchase order.
- UN38.3 test report: proves the cell and pack passed the UN manual’s eight safety tests (altitude, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact, overcharge, forced discharge, thermal). Required for all air freight and most sea freight.
- MSDS/SDS: the material safety data sheet describing chemistry, hazards and handling. Forwarders and customs use it to classify the cargo.
Packaging and Classification
LiFePO4 batteries ship under UN3480 (batteries alone) or UN3481 (packed with equipment), in UN-spec packaging with Class 9 labels. State of charge for air freight must not exceed 30%. Sea freight in pallets under IMDG rules is the economical route for bulk orders and has no SOC limit.
Simplifying It for Buyers
If this sounds complex — for most of our customers it is a non-event. We arrange sea, air and door-to-door DDP shipping to over 30 countries, handling documentation and customs classification end to end. Just tell us the destination port.
