Lithium battery equipment shipments are frequently delayed due to missing UN38.3 reports, incomplete Dangerous Goods Declarations (DGD), incorrect HS codes, or improper packaging. Understanding how to clear lithium battery equipment through customs properly is essential to avoid seizures, penalties, cargo aircraft refusals, and costly shipment returns.
This guide explains how to clear lithium battery equipment through customs step by step, covering documentation, classification, packaging, and regulatory compliance. If you are new to regulated trade, review our Trade Compliance Guide for foundational requirements.
Why Lithium Battery Equipment Fails Customs Clearance
Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods under international transport rules. Customs authorities and air carriers verify strict compliance before release. Our article on Customs and Compliance Tips for IT Hardware Imports explains how documentation gaps trigger inspections and delays.
Global battery customs clearance is governed by:
Common reasons lithium battery equipment cannot clear customs include:
- Missing UN38.3 test summary
- No MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Incorrect HS code declaration
- Wrong packing instruction (PI965, PI966, PI967)
- Improper labeling or packaging
- State of Charge (SoC) exceeding air transport limits
Failure to meet these requirements may result in shipment rejection, fines, seizure, or airline refusal. Many companies rely on efficient customs brokerage to reduce compliance risks.
How to Clear Lithium Battery Equipment Through Customs: Step-by-Step Process
1. Classify the Battery Before Shipping
To clear shipments through customs, determine the specific chemistry and configuration. As of January 1, 2026, Sodium-ion batteries (UN 3551 / UN 3552) are officially part of the IATA DGR and must be classified separately from lithium. Does your equipment use the new sodium-ion standard? Early classification is vital for accurate battery customs clearance.
Furthermore, the generic UN 3171 has been replaced for specific vehicle types. If your shipment includes e-bikes or scooters, it must now be declared under UN 3556 (Lithium-ion powered vehicle), UN 3557, or UN 3558.
Section I vs Section II: Section I applies to higher-risk shipments requiring full documentation and stricter packaging. Section II allows simplified handling for smaller batteries within defined watt-hour limits. Misapplying Section II frequently causes customs detention.
2. Calculate Watt-Hour (Wh) Rating Correctly
Watt-hour calculation determines eligibility for air transport and affects how you clear lithium battery equipment through customs.
Wh = Nominal Voltage (V) × Capacity (Ah)
Example: 3.7V × 2.6Ah = 9.62Wh. Incorrect Wh declaration can invalidate your lithium battery customs clearance documentation.
3. Secure UN38.3 Test Documentation
All lithium and sodium-ion batteries must comply with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Section 38.3. Without this report, carriers and customs authorities will not approve the equipment for shipment.
4. Prepare MSDS and Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
The DGD must include the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class (Class 9), packing instruction reference, quantity, and shipper’s signature. Retain DGD records for at least 13 months for air shipments as required by IATA guidance.
Documentation errors are a leading cause of battery customs clearance failure, as detailed in our guide on avoiding customs delays.
5. Verify HS Code and Importer of Record Responsibility
Lithium-ion batteries are often classified under HS 8507.60.00, but destination-specific tariff schedules must be confirmed. Incorrect HS classification delays equipment customs clearance and increases compliance exposure. Learn more in Importer of Record vs Consignee.
Air vs Sea Freight in Battery Customs Clearance
Air freight shipments face stricter scrutiny under IATA and ICAO regulations. Starting in 2026, the 30% State of Charge (SoC) limit is mandatory for more categories, including lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481) and vehicles (UN 3556). Sea freight follows IMDG Code standards but still requires accurate UN classification, labeling, and packaging.
Choosing the correct transport mode impacts both regulatory complexity and inspection risk. DG-capable freight forwarding services reduce operational exposure.
Role of the Importer of Record in Battery Equipment Customs Clearance
The Importer of Record is legally responsible for regulatory compliance, accurate declaration, and penalty exposure. Companies entering unfamiliar markets often use an Importer of Record service to mitigate risk.
For complete shipment control, some exporters choose Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping to manage duties, taxes, and battery customs clearance end-to-end.
How Carra Globe Supports Battery Customs Clearance
Carra Globe supports global technology companies in clearing lithium and sodium-ion battery equipment through customs with documentation validation, classification review, and regulated shipping coordination.
- UN38.3 and MSDS documentation validation
- New 2026 UN number (UN 3551-UN 3558) classification review
- Dangerous Goods Declaration guidance
- Importer of Record representation
- DDP shipment management
Need help clearing lithium battery equipment through customs?
Our team reviews UN38.3 documentation, HS classification, packing instructions (PI965/966/967), and Importer of Record exposure before shipment — reducing detention risk and costly carrier refusals.
👉 Request a lithium battery compliance review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is UN38.3 mandatory for sodium-ion batteries?
Yes. As of 2026, sodium-ion batteries (UN 3551) must meet the same UN38.3 testing standards as lithium batteries to legally move through international transport channels.
2. What is the SoC limit for e-scooters in 2026?
For vehicles classified as UN 3556 with batteries exceeding 100Wh, air transport regulations now mandate a maximum 30% State of Charge (SoC).
3. Who is liable for battery customs clearance penalties?
The Importer of Record is typically responsible for regulatory compliance and associated fines.
4. Can Carra Globe act as Importer of Record for sodium-ion shipments?
Yes. Carra Globe provides full Importer of Record and compliance support for regulated IT hardware and the latest battery technologies worldwide.