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Content type: Practical import guide — the documents, shipping rules, trade terms, and cost layers involved in bringing lithium batteries from China to your warehouse. This is general process guidance, not legal, customs, or tax advice. Regulations and tariff rates change frequently: every rate in this article is labeled with its jurisdiction, conditions, and date, and shown as an example — never as a universal fact. Confirm everything with a licensed customs broker and your freight forwarder before committing to a shipment.
The short answer: importing lithium batteries is a five-stage process — (1) qualify the product and supplier, (2) assemble the document pack (UN38.3 test summary, MSDS/SDS, commercial invoice), (3) book dangerous-goods freight (usually sea freight under the IMDG Code), (4) clear customs and pay layered import duties, and (5) arrange last-mile delivery. The two places first-time importers get hurt are shipping compliance and duty math. For supplier selection, see our LiFePO4 import guide.
The Import Journey at a Glance
- Source and qualify — choose the product and verify the supplier can provide compliant documentation.
- Assemble the document pack — UN38.3 test summary, MSDS/SDS, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin.
- Book freight as dangerous goods — sea freight under the IMDG Code for volume; air freight under IATA rules only when speed justifies the cost.
- Clear customs — HS classification, import duties, VAT/GST, broker handling.
- Deliver and receive — inland transport, goods inspection, and stock intake.
Why Lithium Batteries Are “Dangerous Goods”
Under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, lithium batteries are regulated as Class 9 (miscellaneous) dangerous goods:
| UN number | Description | Typical B2B scenario |
|---|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium-ion batteries, shipped alone | Battery packs as standalone cargo — the default for B2B imports |
| UN3481 | Batteries packed with/in equipment | Batteries shipped inside devices |
UN38.3: The Test Report Every Shipment Needs
Eight tests (T1-T8) simulating transport abuse. Three facts importers miss:
- Test Summary required since Jan 1, 2020. Ask supplier before booking freight.
- Must cover exact model. Report for 12V 100Ah doesn’t cover 51.2V 100Ah.
- Transport safety ≠ quality. See our Grade A/B verification guide.
Document Pack Checklist
- UN38.3 Test Summary (exact model)
- MSDS/SDS (current version)
- Dangerous Goods Declaration
- Commercial Invoice + Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
Sea Freight: IMDG Rules
- Class 9 labeling and documentation mandatory
- Stowage per IMDG Code; book DG container 10-14 days in advance
- DG surcharge on top of base freight — if no DG line item, quote hasn’t priced the real requirement
- MSDS + UN38.3 summary at booking time, not at the port
LCL vs FCL: LCL consolidates DG cargo — cheaper at small volumes but slower. FCL gives control over stowage and documentation.
Air Freight: IATA Rules
- UN3480 forbidden on passenger aircraft — cargo aircraft only
- State of charge ≤ 30% (mandatory Jan 1, 2026)
- Standalone batteries under PI 965 Section IA/IB only
- Confirm carrier-specific operator variations (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Incoterms 2020
| Term | Seller’s job ends | Risk transfers |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | At seller’s premises | At pickup |
| FOB | On board vessel | When goods go on board |
| CIF | At destination port | On board at origin (key nuance!) |
| DDP | At buyer’s premises, duties paid | At destination |
CIF nuance: seller pays freight/insurance, but risk transfers at origin port. If container is lost at sea, claim against marine insurance — not the seller.
Import Duties and Taxes
Four layers: duty + import VAT/GST + broker/port fees + inland freight. HS 8507.60 is the starting point for lithium-ion batteries.
US (examples, Oct 2026 — verify with broker): Section 301 on Chinese Li-ion non-EV batteries at 25% since Jan 2026, on top of MFN duty. No federal VAT.
EU (examples, Oct 2026): Duty on CIF value. Battery Regulation 2023/1542 core requirements since Aug 2025; battery passport from Feb 2027.
Red Flags
- Supplier can’t produce UN38.3 for exact model — do not book freight
- “DDP, no questions asked” far below market — misdeclaration risk lands on you
- Forwarder never asks for MSDS/UN38.3 — may misdeclare as general freight
- No DG surcharge on quote — hasn’t priced the real requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need?
UN38.3 test summary (exact model), MSDS/SDS, dangerous goods declaration, commercial invoice + packing list. Forwarder needs UN38.3 + MSDS at booking time.
Can lithium batteries ship by air?
Yes under strict IATA rules (cargo aircraft only, ≤30% SoC). For commercial volumes, sea freight is the normal choice.
What is the import duty?
Depends on jurisdiction and date. US: 25% Section 301 on Chinese Li-ion (Jan 2026+) plus MFN. EU: duty on CIF value. Always verify with a broker.
FOB, CIF, or DDP?
FOB gives forwarder control (recommended for DG). CIF bundles freight but risk transfers at origin. DDP simplest but verify seller genuinely clears customs.
For supplier selection, see our LiFePO4 import guide. Contact LJY Energy for import quotations.
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