Shipping lithium batteries internationally requires strict compliance with IATA regulations because they are classified as a dangerous goods battery. To ship them safely abroad, you must correctly identify if your shipment falls under UN3480 (standalone batteries) or UN3481 (batteries contained in or packed with equipment). You must use specialized UN-certified packaging, ensure the battery's State of Charge (SoC) is at or below 30% (for standalone), and attach the correct hazardous material labels. If your business frequently handles electronic components, medical devices, or industrial tech, shipping lithium batteries can seem like a logistical nightmare. Carriers are strict, and customs authorities are unforgiving. However, by understanding the rules, you can ensure your products reach your international clients without delays. Here is everything you need to know about shipping lithium batteries securely and efficiently.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
When shipping batteries abroad, you are dealing with materials that pose a serious safety risk if mishandled. A dangerous goods battery is susceptible to "thermal runaway"—a chain reaction that causes the battery to overheat rapidly, potentially leading to a fire or explosion during transit, especially in the pressurized cargo hold of an aircraft.
Because of this severe risk, global aviation authorities have established rigorous guidelines. You can review the foundational safety frameworks directly on the Official IATA Lithium Batteries Guidance page.
To comply with IATA regulations, you first need to classify your B2B shipment correctly. The United Nations has assigned specific four-digit numbers to identify dangerous goods:
UN3480 (Lithium Ion Batteries): This classification applies to standalone lithium-ion batteries. This means you are shipping only the batteries (e.g., power banks, replacement laptop batteries, or bulk battery cells for manufacturing). These are subject to the strictest packaging and transit rules.
UN3481 (Lithium Ion Batteries Contained In or Packed With Equipment): This classification applies when the battery is either already installed inside the device (like a smartphone or a medical monitor) or packed in the same box alongside the device it powers (like a power tool with its battery next to it).
Pro Tip: Generally, UN3481 shipments face slightly less restrictive packaging requirements than UN3480, but both require exact labeling and documentation.
If you are a manufacturer or distributor, you cannot simply put a lithium battery in a cardboard box and hand it over to a courier. You must adhere to the latest IATA regulations:
State of Charge (SoC): For UN3480 standalone batteries shipped by air, the battery must not hold more than a 30% charge.
UN-Certified Packaging: Your packaging must be drop-tested and capable of withstanding heavy pressure. It must prevent short circuits and accidental activation.
Hazard Labels: The outer box must clearly display the Lithium Battery Mark, indicating whether it is UN3480 or UN3481, along with a valid contact telephone number for emergencies.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Also known as a UN38.3 Test Summary Report, this document proves the battery has passed rigorous safety testing.
Managing dangerous goods battery shipments on your own can lead to costly customs holds or rejected packages. At ParcelParcel, we specialize in helping B2B clients navigate these complex rules.
We partner with the world's leading carriers (like FedEx, DHL, TNT, and UPS) to ensure your goods fly compliantly. Whether you need standard international parcel shipping or an urgent express delivery for critical replacement parts, our logistics specialists guide you through the packaging, labeling, and documentation processes.
Ready to streamline your supply chain? Calculate your shipping costs today and let our experts handle the heavy lifting of dangerous goods compliance.
Yes, you can ship UN3480 lithium batteries internationally by air, but they must strictly adhere to IATA regulations. This includes ensuring the battery has a maximum State of Charge (SoC) of 30%, using UN-certified rigid packaging, and providing an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Note that standalone batteries (UN3480) are typically restricted to Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO).
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UN3480 refers to standalone lithium-ion batteries shipped by themselves (like bulk power banks or spare batteries). UN3481 refers to lithium-ion batteries that are either contained inside the equipment they power (like a laptop) or packed in the same box with the equipment.
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For B2B international shipments containing lithium batteries, you generally need a Commercial Invoice detailing the exact type of battery, an Air Waybill (AWB), and a UN38.3 Test Summary Report (often referred to as an MSDS). Depending on the carrier, you may also need a specific Dangerous Goods Declaration.
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Yes. Any box containing lithium batteries must display the designated Lithium Battery Mark. This label must clearly state the relevant UN number (UN3480 or UN3481) and include a 24/7 emergency contact phone number. Standalone batteries usually also require a "Cargo Aircraft Only" label.
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ParcelParcel acts as your logistics partner. We help you compare rates among top carriers, verify that your packaging and labeling meet the latest IATA regulations, and ensure your commercial invoices and MSDS forms are correctly filled out. This prevents customs delays and ensures your dangerous goods arrive safely.
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You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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