How to Ship Batteries from China in 2025: Dry, Wet, and Lithium Batteries
The global demand for batteries has never been higher. In 2025, industries ranging from consumer electronics to renewable energy, electric mobility, and industrial backup systems all rely on safe and timely access to batteries. China remains the world’s largest battery manufacturing hub, supplying everything from small household dry cells to large-scale lithium-ion packs for electric vehicles and energy storage.
However, shipping batteries internationally is not a straightforward process. Unlike general cargo, batteries are classified as dangerous goods (DG) because of risks such as fire, explosion, chemical leakage, or short-circuiting. Improper handling can lead to customs delays, fines, rejected shipments, or even serious safety incidents during transport.
Many importers discover that while negotiating battery supply prices is simple, arranging shipment is the real challenge. Carriers, airlines, and even freight forwarders impose strict compliance rules, and suppliers may refuse responsibility for logistics.
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to ship dry, wet, and lithium batteries from China in 2025 safely, legally, and cost-effectively.
Understanding Battery Types: Your First Step to Successful Shipping
Before planning any shipment, you must correctly classify your batteries. Shipping regulations vary dramatically based on battery chemistry and construction. Misclassification is the #1 cause of shipping delays and rejections.
Dry Batteries: The Everyday Essentials
What they are: Common household batteries found in remote controls, toys, and flashlights.
Examples: AA, AAA, 9V, C, and D batteries
Chemistry: Primarily alkaline or zinc-carbon
UN Classification: UN3028
Why they're easier to ship:
Sealed construction prevents leakage
Lower safety risks compared to other battery types
Fewer shipping restrictions
Wide carrier acceptance
Key shipping considerations:
Still classified as dangerous goods in bulk
Require terminal protection to prevent short circuits
Must use proper packaging and labeling
Can ship via most transport modes
Learn more about Importing Consumer Electronics from China if your products use AA or AAA batteries.
Wet Cell Batteries: Power with Precautions
Wet cell batteries contain liquid electrolyte, making them more challenging to ship due to corrosion and spillage risks.
Common types:
Car starter batteries
Solar storage lead-acid batteries
Golf cart and marine batteries
UPS backup systems
Two critical categories:
Sealed VRLA* : Valve Regulated Lead Acid, a type of maintenance-free battery using absorbed glass mat or gel technology). These are safer to ship and can be transported in any orientation.
Main shipping challenges:
Heavy weight (10-100+ kg per unit)
Corrosive acid content
Specialized packaging requirements
Higher freight costs due to weight and hazard class
Lithium Batteries: The Most Complex Category
Lithium batteries represent the fastest-growing and most regulated segment of battery shipping. Their high energy density creates both opportunities and risks.
Lithium-Ion (Rechargeable) - UN3480/3481:
Smartphones, laptops, power banks
Electric bike and vehicle batteries
Energy storage systems
Power tools
Critical shipping rule: Must ship at ≤30% state of charge (SoC)
Lithium Metal (Primary) - UN3090/3091:
Camera batteries (CR123A, coin cells)
Medical device batteries
Emergency beacons
Military equipment
Critical limits: 1g lithium per cell, 2g per battery
Because of safety risks, lithium shipments are closely monitored by airlines, couriers, and customs authorities. Importers must provide complete test reports and approved packaging before goods can be accepted.
For details on compliance, see our Class 9 Dangerous goods guide
Shipping Methods: Choosing the Right Transport Mode Ship Batteries from China
Your choice of shipping method affects cost, timeline, and regulatory requirements. Here's how each option works for battery shipments:
Air Freight: Speed with Restrictions
Best for:
Prototype batteries
Emergency replacements
High-value, time-sensitive shipments
Key limitations:
Lithium-ion batteries limited to 30% charge
Strict weight limits (typically 35kg per package)
Extensive documentation required
Higher costs ($8-15 per kg)
Sea Freight Advantages for Battery Shipments
Maritime transport offers significant benefits for large-scale battery exports:
Cost Efficiency Examples:
1,000kg lithium battery shipment: Air freight $6,500 vs Sea freight $3,000
Lead-acid battery bank (5,000kg): Sea freight $12,000 vs Air freight $32,500
Large ESS system (10,000kg): Sea freight only viable option
Sea Freight Battery-Specific Requirements:
Container ventilation systems for lithium batteries
Segregation from incompatible dangerous goods
Enhanced fire detection systems
Emergency response equipment
Proper stowage to prevent shifting
Express Courier: Convenience at a Premium
Major carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer door-to-door service. These services work well for small quantities of consumer electronics with installed batteries but impose strict limits on loose batteries.
Weight restrictions, piece count limitations, and pre-approval requirements vary by carrier and destination. Many couriers require you to be a certified dangerous goods shipper with an established account before accepting lithium battery shipments.
Advantages:
Complete service including customs clearance
Excellent tracking and insurance
Reliable delivery times
Limitations:
2.7kg lithium content limit per package
Higher costs ($15-30 per kg)
Size and weight restrictions
Rail Freight
Rail freight is gaining popularity for shipments between China and Europe, offering a middle ground between sea and air. While faster than ocean freight and cheaper than air, it is limited to specific destinations and not universally available.
Destination-Specific Requirements
Beyond transport regulations, consider import rules at your destination.
The United States enforces DOT regulations alongside potential EPA requirements for certain battery types. Check country Guide here
The European Union requires CE marking and REACH compliance, with additional requirements under the new Battery Regulation effective in 2025.
Middle Eastern countries often have their own certification requirements and may require additional testing certificates. See our latest country guide to Iran and UAE
Essential Documentation: Your Compliance Checklist
Proper documentation prevents 70% of battery shipping delays. Here's what you need for each battery type:
Required for All Battery Shipments
Battery-Specific Documentation
For Lithium Batteries:
UN38.3 Test Summary: Required for all lithium shipments, valid 5 years
CCC Certification: Mandatory for lithium batteries sold in China
Dangerous Goods Declaration: UN classification and handling instructions
UN38.3 Test is a mandatory international safety test that proves lithium batteries can withstand stress such as vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures
For Wet Cell Batteries:
Detailed MSDS: 16-section safety data sheet
Handling Instructions: Orientation requirements, spill procedures
For Dry Cell Batteries:
Product Specifications: Voltage, capacity, chemistry details
Packaging Certificates: UN packaging approval documentation
Packaging Requirements in 2025 for Battery Shipping
Proper packaging prevents accidents, damage, and regulatory violations. 2025 standards are more stringent than ever.
UN Packaging Standards
All battery packaging must meet UN performance requirements:
Drop test resistance (1.2-1.8 meters)
Vibration tolerance (1 hour minimum)
Stack test (3x package weight)
Temperature cycling (-40°C to +70°C)
Lithium Battery Packaging
Key packaging types:
Pack under P966, P967, P968 rules (IATA’s official packaging instructions for lithium batteries, which define how batteries must be packed alone, with equipment, or inside equipment).
Critical 2025 updates:
Enhanced thermal management requirements
Improved venting specifications
Stricter quality control standards
Wet Cell Battery Packaging
Spillable batteries (UN2794):
Must remain upright
Leak-proof packaging mandatory
Clear "This Way Up" markings
Acid-resistant materials only
Non-spillable batteries (UN2800):
Any orientation acceptable
Terminal protection required
Robust packaging for weight
Proper cushioning essential
Common Packaging Mistakes to Avoid
Inadequate terminal protection - Causes dangerous short circuits
Wrong orientation markings - Critical for wet cell batteries
Overweight packages - Exceeds carrier handling limits
Non-UN-approved materials - Automatic shipment rejection
Poor cushioning - Leads to damage during transport
Case Study: E-Bike Battery Shipment
A U.S. importer ordered 500 e-bike batteries (total 2,000kg) from Shenzhen. Initially, the supplier proposed air freight, but the carrier refused because the batteries exceeded lithium weight limits and documentation was incomplete.
The importer switched to sea freight (FCL). Although transit took 30 days instead of 5, total cost dropped from $25,000 (air) to $9,000 (sea), and the shipment cleared customs without incident.
Lesson: For heavy lithium shipments, sea freight is the safest and most cost-effective choice.
Step-by-Step Pre-Shipment Planning
Follow this systematic approach to ensure smooth battery shipments:
Phase 1: Product Classification (2-3 weeks before)
Identify battery type and chemistry
Determine correct UN number
Verify all test certificates are current
Research destination country requirements
Phase 2: Documentation Preparation (1-2 weeks before)
Gather all required certificates
Prepare shipping documents
Verify supplier compliance capabilities
Confirm packaging specifications
Phase 3: Logistics Coordination (1 week before)
Choose qualified freight forwarder
Confirm carrier acceptance
Arrange proper packaging
Schedule pickup and delivery
Working with Gerudo Logistics: Your Dangerous Goods Partner
Battery shipping isn't something general freight forwarders handle well. Many simply refuse battery shipments rather than navigate the complexity. Specialist forwarders with dangerous goods expertise make the difference between smooth operations and costly mistakes.
Professional dangerous goods forwarders maintain trained staff certified in IATA and IMDG regulations. They have established relationships with carriers who accept battery shipments and know which airlines or shipping lines offer the best rates and reliability for your specific battery types. These specialists provide proper packaging, ensure documentation accuracy, and handle dangerous goods declarations.
For instance, Gerudo Logistics , with dedicated dangerous goods teams in major Chinese ports, specializes in battery logistics, have experienced handle all documentation and customs procedures, and have established routes for battery shipments worldwide. Working with such specialists who understand both Chinese export requirements and international regulations significantly reduces your compliance risks and shipping delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship lithium batteries by air in 2025? Yes, but lithium-ion batteries must be at ≤30% charge, properly packaged, and accompanied by UN38.3 test summaries. Passenger aircraft have stricter limits than cargo-only flights.
Do all batteries need CCC certification? No. CCC is required only for lithium-ion batteries sold in China. Export-only batteries, dry cells, and lead-acid batteries don't need CCC.
What's the cheapest way to ship batteries? Sea freight offers the lowest per-unit costs for large volumes. LCL works for medium quantities, while FCL is most economical for high volumes.
Why do battery shipments get rejected? Common reasons include missing UN38.3 documentation, improper packaging, exceeding lithium content limits, and incorrect state of charge for lithium-ion batteries.
How long does customs clearance take? With proper documentation: 1-3 days normally. Missing paperwork can delay clearance 2-6 weeks.
Can I ship damaged batteries? Most carriers refuse damaged batteries due to safety risks. Used batteries may be accepted if they pass inspection and meet all requirements.
What is the best way to ship e-bike batteries? Sea freight is recommended for bulk shipments. Air freight may be used for urgent orders but is costlier and more restricted.
Do I need special licenses to import batteries? Requirements vary by country. The United States may require DOT registration for certain quantities. Europe requires compliance with CE marking and REACH regulations. Research your specific destination country's requirements before shipping.
Conclusion: Ship Batteries Successfully in 2025
Shipping batteries from China doesn't have to be complicated when you understand the fundamentals:
Classify correctly: Know your battery type and UN number
Document properly: Ensure all certifications are current and accurate
Package safely: Use UN-approved materials and methods
Choose wisely: Select transport mode based on urgency and budget
Partner expertly: Work with dangerous goods specialists
Success in battery shipping comes from preparation, compliance, and working with experienced logistics partners who understand both regulations and practical challenges.
At Gerudo Logistics, we specialize in making battery shipping straightforward and compliant. From initial consultation to final delivery, our dangerous goods experts ensure your batteries reach their destination safely, on time, and within budget.
Ready to ship your batteries from China with confidence? Contact Gerudo Logistics today for expert guidance on your next battery shipment.
