Navigating DG Shipments from China: Key Trends from 2025 and What’s Next in 2026
The international dangerous goods logistics market concluded 2025 with sustained momentum, driven by expanding global trade flows and China's dominant position in hazmat material exports. China's exports of lithium-ion batteries alone reached USD 48.3 billion in value during the first eight months of 2025, representing year-over-year growth of 25.79%. This extraordinary expansion, combined with continued growth in chemical products, industrial materials, and energy storage systems, underscores the strategic importance of professional freight forwarding services capable of navigating complex regulatory requirements while ensuring safety compliance throughout the supply chain.
For international importers and logistics partners evaluating freight forwarding capabilities, understanding the developments that shaped 2025 and the trends emerging for 2026 is essential for strategic planning and risk management.
2025 Dangerous Goods Logistics Market Review: Five Key Developments
1. China National Standards Harmonization with International Framework
October 1, 2025 marked a watershed moment for China's dangerous goods regulatory landscape with the implementation of GB 12268-2025 and GB 6944-2025. These national standards aligned with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (23rd revised edition), eliminating significant friction in cross-border operations that previously required dual classification systems.
GB 12268-2025 introduced 69 new UN entries while removing outdated classifications, providing comprehensive updates to packaging requirements, packing instructions, and portable tank specifications. The six-month transition period allowed exporters and freight forwarders to update systems, train personnel, and modify operational procedures without disrupting supply chains.
This harmonization benefits international importers by ensuring consistent classification codes and documentation standards from Chinese factory gates through destination delivery. Freight forwarders can now process shipments under unified protocols that align domestic collection, Chinese port handling, and international transportation phases, reducing documentation errors and customs clearance delays.
2. Strategic Export Controls on High-Performance Battery Technologies
China's Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 58 on October 9, 2025, bringing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (≥300 Wh/kg), cathode materials, artificial graphite anodes, and related manufacturing equipment under formal export licensing requirements effective November 8, 2025. This regulatory framework requires exporters to obtain permits from the Ministry of Commerce before international shipment.
The measure reflects China's strategic approach to protecting core technologies while maintaining legitimate trade flows. For freight forwarders, this necessitates enhanced pre-shipment verification procedures, implementing systematic checks to confirm proper licensing before cargo acceptance. The requirement does not constitute an export ban but establishes regulatory oversight for dual-use technologies.
Professional logistics providers now offer comprehensive compliance management services, guiding clients through licensing procedures, documentation preparation, and permit processing timelines. This positions specialized freight forwarders as compliance partners rather than transactional vendors, adding substantial value for exporters navigating new regulatory requirements.
3. Explosive Growth in China Lithium Battery Exports
Between January and August 2025, China exported 3.003 billion lithium-ion batteries valued at USD 48.3 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 18.66% in volume and 25.79% in value. Europe accounted for over 41% of total export value, with Germany surpassing the United States as China's top single-country market at USD 9.15 billion (30.6% year-over-year increase).
The composition of battery exports evolved substantially. Power batteries for electric vehicles represented 64.1% of total exports (81.2 GWh), but energy storage batteries emerged as the fastest-growing segment, reaching 45.6 GWh with year-over-year growth of 232.8%. This surge reflects accelerating global deployment of renewable energy infrastructure, data center expansion, and utility-scale energy storage projects.
For international importers, this growth trajectory demonstrates China's central role in global battery supply chains and the corresponding demand for specialized logistics services. Professional freight forwarders with expertise in battery classification, packaging requirements, and destination country regulations provide essential support for maintaining supply chain reliability.
4. Introduction of New Battery Classifications and Enhanced Packaging Standards
Regulatory authorities introduced sodium-ion battery classifications for the first time in 2025, assigning new UN numbers and specific handling requirements. This addition recognizes emerging battery chemistries beyond traditional lithium-ion technologies, requiring freight forwarders to develop expertise in new hazard profiles and handling procedures.
The transition period for lithium battery-powered vehicles ended March 31, 2025, requiring new classification under UN 3556, UN 3557, or UN 3558 depending on battery chemistry. This change affected exporters of electric motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and other battery-powered mobility devices, necessitating documentation updates and training for classification specialists.
Enhanced packaging requirements introduced 3-meter stack testing for specific packing instructions (PI 966, PI 967, PI 969, and PI 970), ensuring packaging maintains integrity during transit. The state-of-charge restriction requiring lithium-ion batteries to be transported at no more than 30% capacity transitioned from recommendation to mandatory requirement for specific categories, with full enforcement beginning January 1, 2026.
5. Digital Compliance Infrastructure and Automated Documentation Systems
The mandatory electronic documentation requirement for hazardous goods, effective January 2025, fundamentally transformed documentation workflows. All dangerous goods declarations must now be submitted electronically in XML format, eliminating paper-based processes and enabling automated validation of compliance requirements against regulatory databases.
Advanced tracking technologies proliferated across the sector, utilizing GPS tracking, temperature sensors, and analytics to identify anomalies in real time. These systems enable proactive incident management, providing transparent operational visibility throughout the supply chain. IATA's DG AutoCheck automated acceptance system gained significant adoption, processing complex consignments that previously required up to an hour for manual checking.
For international importers evaluating freight forwarding partners, digital infrastructure capabilities now represent critical selection criteria. Providers with advanced transport management systems, API integrations with customs platforms, and tracking capabilities deliver superior service quality while reducing documentation errors and accelerating cargo acceptance processes.
2026 Dangerous Goods Logistics Outlook: Seven Strategic Trends
Trend #1：Mandatory Lithium Battery State-of-Charge Restrictions for Air Transport
Beginning January 1, 2026, lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481) and battery-powered vehicles (UN 3556) with ratings exceeding 100 Wh must be transported by air at a state of charge not exceeding 30%. This mandatory restriction represents the most significant operational change affecting air cargo logistics providers handling China battery exports.
Implementation requires systematic verification procedures at cargo acceptance points. Non-compliance results in immediate shipment rejection, financial penalties potentially exceeding USD 100,000 per violation, and suspension of dangerous goods handling privileges. Given that China exported 3.003 billion batteries in the first eight months of 2025, the operational impact will be substantial.
Logistics providers offering value-added services including battery discharge verification, pre-shipment testing facilities, and compliance consultation will gain competitive differentiation. International importers should partner with freight forwarders capable of coordinating with Chinese manufacturers to ensure compliance at the point of origin, eliminating costly rejections and delays.
Trend #2: Export Licensing Framework Integration and Compliance Advisory Services
The export licensing framework for high-performance lithium batteries and related materials transitions from initial implementation to normalized operations throughout 2026. Freight forwarders must integrate licensing verification into standard procedures, implementing systematic checks to confirm shippers have obtained appropriate export permits before accepting dangerous goods.
This requirement creates opportunities for logistics providers to offer comprehensive compliance management services. Exporters manufacturing batteries with energy density ≥300 Wh/kg, cathode materials, or artificial graphite anodes require guidance on licensing procedures, documentation preparation, and permit processing timelines. Professional freight forwarders position themselves as compliance partners, managing regulatory complexity more efficiently than internal resources.
The temporary suspension announced November 7, 2025 (valid through November 10, 2026) for certain rare earth and superhard material export controls demonstrates the fluidity of China's framework. International importers benefit from partnering with logistics providers maintaining robust regulatory monitoring capabilities, tracking policy changes affecting controlled dangerous goods categories.
Trend #3: ASEAN Market Expansion and Regional Manufacturing Integration
ASEAN's position as China's largest export market creates significant opportunities for dangerous goods logistics providers. Chinese exports to ASEAN increased 12% in 2024, with dangerous goods categories representing growing proportions of bilateral trade flows. Thailand and Indonesia are positioning themselves as regional electric vehicle production hubs, with Chinese companies planning to produce over 600,000 electric vehicles in ASEAN countries by 2026.
This manufacturing migration requires logistics infrastructure to support battery imports, chemical feedstock movements, and production equipment transportation. The requirement to navigate varying national implementations of dangerous goods regulations across ten ASEAN member states creates natural barriers to entry, favoring established providers with regional expertise.
For international importers with operations in ASEAN markets, partnering with freight forwarders offering multimodal solutions combining ocean freight from China, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery to manufacturing facilities provides competitive advantages. The ability to coordinate documentation across Chinese export controls, international maritime regulations, and ASEAN import requirements demands sophisticated compliance management capabilities.
Trend #4: Chemical and Industrial Materials Export Regulatory Updates
Beyond lithium batteries, China's chemical exports continue expanding to serve global manufacturing supply chains. The 2025 Catalogue of Dual-use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export Licensing, effective January 1, 2025, updated precursor chemical and monitored chemical designations, affecting compliance requirements for chemical exporters.
The chemical sector faces pricing pressure and global overcapacity concerns, but export volumes remain robust as Chinese manufacturers maintain cost competitiveness. Pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, and industrial solvents represent significant dangerous goods categories requiring specialized logistics services.
International importers benefit from freight forwarders offering value-added services including hazard classification consultation, Safety Data Sheet management across multiple jurisdictions, and multi-language documentation preparation. Many destination countries require pre-shipment notifications for specific chemical categories, import permits for controlled substances, or advance customs clearance procedures, necessitating expertise in destination country requirements.
Trend #5: Sustainability Requirements and Carbon Footprint Reporting Capabilities
Environmental considerations increasingly influence dangerous goods logistics operations as international buyers incorporate sustainability metrics into vendor selection criteria. The 2025 edition of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations emphasized reducing environmental impact, providing detailed guidelines for sustainable packaging, improved waste management, and stricter protocols for handling spills and leaks.
Corporate procurement teams are incorporating carbon footprint metrics into supplier evaluation processes. For Chinese exporters, this translates to requirements for emissions data covering product movement from manufacturing facility to destination port. Logistics firms globally are committing to carbon-neutral operations by 2030, with significant sector investment in renewable energy initiatives.
International importers evaluating freight forwarders should prioritize partners offering carbon footprint tracking and emissions reporting for dangerous goods shipments. Lifecycle assessment dashboards quantifying embedded emissions support corporate sustainability reporting and influence vendor selection criteria. Practical approaches including route optimization utilizing lower-emission transport modes and investment in sustainable packaging solutions reduce carbon intensity without compromising safety compliance.
Trend #6: Advanced Safety Technologies and Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility
Regulatory bodies across major markets synchronized standards around packaging, labeling, and real-time data sharing throughout 2025. The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration raised civil fines above USD 100,000 per day, emphasizing the financial consequences of non-compliance. This drives investment in advanced monitoring technologies for China export operations.
Real-time temperature monitoring for thermally sensitive dangerous goods, shock detection for impact-sensitive materials, and location tracking for high-value hazardous shipments transition from premium add-ons to standard expectations. Blockchain-enabled chain-of-custody systems provide immutable documentation of dangerous goods movements, addressing regulatory requirements for complete traceability.
For international importers, partnering with freight forwarders offering comprehensive emergency response capabilities provides risk mitigation. Providers must maintain 24/7 emergency response capabilities with trained personnel able to provide immediate technical guidance during incidents. Investment in automated emergency notification systems ensures rapid communication with emergency responders, regulatory authorities, and affected parties.
Trend #7: Specialized Training Requirements and Workforce Development Programs
Personnel training requirements intensify as dangerous goods classifications expand and regulations evolve. Staff involved in acceptance, handling, packing, and documentation must undergo recurrent training on updated regulations, new UN classifications, digital compliance tools, and emergency response procedures. The harmonization of China's GB standards with international frameworks creates opportunities for cross-training personnel on both domestic and international requirements.
For Chinese freight forwarding companies serving international markets, investing in internationally recognized dangerous goods training certifications (IATA, IMDG, ADR) for operations teams becomes essential for maintaining service quality and regulatory compliance. The complexity of navigating China's export licensing requirements for controlled dangerous goods categories requires specialized regulatory expertise.
International importers benefit from partnering with logistics providers demonstrating commitment to workforce development. Advanced training programs incorporating virtual reality simulations allow personnel to practice dangerous goods handling procedures in controlled environments. Professional development pathways for dangerous goods specialists improve service quality and operational reliability.
How Gerudo Logistics Supports Global Importers in China Dangerous Goods Compliance
Navigating China's dangerous goods export landscape requires specialized expertise and proactive compliance management. Gerudo Logistics provides comprehensive solutions addressing the complex requirements facing international importers in 2026.
End-to-End Compliance Management: Our team manages the complete regulatory lifecycle, from Chinese export licensing verification to destination country import requirements. We coordinate with manufacturers to ensure proper state-of-charge compliance for lithium batteries, conduct pre-shipment documentation reviews, and maintain direct communication channels with Chinese customs authorities to expedite clearance processes.
Full Shiping Services: We offer services tailored to your specific type of shipments, which include hazard classification consultation, documentation support across multiple jurisdictions, and specialized handling arrangements at major Chinese export hubs. Our adaptable service approach responds to the unique needs of each shipment and client relationship.
Expert Personnel and Certifications: Our operations team holds internationally recognized dangerous goods certifications (IATA, IMDG, ADR) and undergoes continuous training on regulatory updates. This expertise ensures accurate classification, compliant documentation, and professional handling throughout the supply chain, protecting clients from costly rejections and penalties.
Strategic Partnership Approach: We position ourselves as compliance advisors, providing consultative support for regulatory strategy, supplier qualification, and risk mitigation. Our clients benefit from our deep understanding of both Chinese export regulations and international import requirements, eliminating friction points that commonly disrupt dangerous goods supply chains.
Conclusion
The international dangerous goods logistics market connecting China with global buyers enters 2026 with significant growth momentum. China's dominance across multiple dangerous goods categories, particularly lithium batteries where exports exceeded USD 48 billion in the first eight months of 2025, demonstrates the strategic importance of professional freight forwarding capabilities.
Key Success Factors for 2026:
Compliance Readiness: Partner with freight forwarders demonstrating documented expertise in mandatory state-of-charge restrictions (effective January 1, 2026), Chinese export licensing procedures, and destination country import regulations
Regulatory Monitoring: Select logistics partners maintaining proactive regulatory intelligence capabilities, tracking policy changes across Chinese export controls and international transportation conventions
Operational Excellence: Prioritize providers with trained personnel holding internationally recognized dangerous goods certifications (IATA, IMDG, ADR) and systematic quality control procedures
Sustainability Integration: Evaluate providers offering carbon footprint reporting and route optimization capabilities addressing corporate environmental commitments
Value-Added Capabilities: Engage freight forwarders providing comprehensive support including hazard classification consultation, documentation management, and emergency response capabilities
Regional Expertise: For ASEAN operations, ensure freight forwarders offer multimodal solutions with established capabilities in both China and destination markets
Strategic Partnership: Work with logistics providers positioned as compliance advisors who understand both Chinese export frameworks and international import requirements
Gerudo Logistics stands ready to support international importers navigating the complexities of China dangerous goods exports in 2026 and beyond. Our investment in regulatory expertise, trained personnel, and comprehensive service capabilities positions us as a strategic partner for companies demanding excellence in dangerous goods logistics.
