Shipping lithium batteries from China is possible, but only if you follow the right rules. This quick guide explains what is allowed, which documents you need, and the best transport options by speed, cost, and risk control.
What is allowed to ship
Lithium batteries move in three common forms:
- Cells or battery packs alone.
- Batteries packed with equipment.
- Batteries contained in equipment.
All three can move internationally when tested and packed correctly.
Rules you must meet
- UN 38.3 test report proves the battery model passed safety tests.
- MSDS or SDS shows chemical and handling data.
- Proper packing and labels based on battery type and watt hour rating.
- State of charge limits often apply for air transport.
Carriers, airlines, and destination customs may add extra rules, so plan compliance before you book.
Documents you prepare
Commercial invoice, packing list, battery specification sheet with watt hour or lithium metal content, and the UN 38.3 report. For bigger air or sea shipments, a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods may be required.
Shipping options from China
Cost and speed at a glance
- Express courier: Fast door to door with built‑in tracking. Good for samples, after‑sales replacements, and small e‑commerce orders. Costs are higher, size is limited, and some lanes restrict standalone batteries.
- Air cargo: Airport to airport or door to door with faster transit and space planning. Works for electronics brands launching new SKUs or replenishing peak demand. Requires strict packing and airline approval.
- Sea freight: The most cost‑effective for medium to large volumes. Accepts more battery classes when packed correctly. Ideal for routine replenishment, DDP or DDU solutions, and multi‑SKU consolidations.
- Rail to Europe: Balanced speed and cost for pallets and FCL to EU hubs. Useful when air is too expensive and sea is too slow.
| Method | Typical Transit | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | 3 to 7 days | Samples, RMAs, small DTC orders | Highest |
| Air Cargo | 5 to 12 days | Urgent B2B replenishment | Medium |
| Sea Freight | 25 to 40 days | Bulk and regular replenishment | Lowest |
| Rail to EU | 15 to 22 days | Pallets to EU hubs | Medium low |
When each option makes sense
- Choose express for 1 to 50 kg or time sensitive samples.
- Choose air cargo for 100 to 1,000 kg with launch deadlines.
- Choose sea for the lowest landed cost and larger volumes.
- Choose rail when you need mid‑speed delivery to Europe.
How ZGGShip helps
We verify compliance, prepare packing and labels, coordinate carrier approvals, and route your cargo by express, air, sea, or rail. Our team can run DDP programs that include export customs, destination clearance, duties, taxes, and last mile delivery.
Ready to move lithium batteries from China the right way? Get a route and quote today.