Shipping lithium battery products internationally: what to prepare
Shipping a product with a lithium battery takes more preparation than describing it as “electronics.” The battery type, how it is installed or packed, the product configuration, transport mode and destination can all affect whether a carrier will accept the shipment.
1. Identify exactly what is being shipped
Tell your freight forwarder whether the battery is lithium-ion or lithium-metal, whether it is contained in equipment, packed with equipment or shipped by itself, and whether the shipment contains a complete vehicle or another battery-powered product. Do not rely on a broad description such as “battery goods.”
2. Collect the product and battery specifications
Prepare the manufacturer and model, battery chemistry, watt-hour rating or lithium content where applicable, number of batteries, net weight, and product photographs. For electric vehicles, include vehicle specifications and the battery details available from the manufacturer.
3. Describe the packaging
Share how each unit is protected against movement, damage and accidental activation. Provide outer-carton dimensions, gross and net weights, package count, and whether the goods are palletized. The carrier may request packaging details or additional evidence before reviewing a booking.
4. Ask which documents are needed
Depending on the product and route, a carrier or authority may request a safety data sheet, battery test summary, dangerous goods declaration or other product records. Requirements differ, so ask for the current checklist for the intended mode and destination rather than assuming one document covers every case.
5. Confirm the actual route before shipping
Provide the origin and destination cities and countries, preferred mode, ready date and delivery requirement. Ask the forwarder to confirm acceptance, required documents, packaging, service scope and any restrictions in writing. A quote request is not booking approval.
Battery shipping quote checklist
- Exact product name, brand and model
- Battery chemistry, watt-hours or other available rating
- Battery configuration: installed, packed with equipment or standalone
- Quantity, package dimensions and gross weight
- Origin and destination city and country
- Product photos and available safety or test documents
- Ready date and preferred mode
ANELGO reviews battery cargo requests individually and checks available options for the specified route. Acceptance is subject to product disclosure, applicable rules and carrier confirmation.
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