Confirm the goods, then the documents.
Lithium batteries are not shipped with a fixed portfolio of certificates applicable to all products and routes. The request shall indicate whether the cell chemical system, model, rated parameters, and the batteries are shipped individually, in boxes with the equipment or are installed in the equipment. IATA has these transport configurations separately; The same model does not indicate that the documentation and packing requirements are identical.
It's suggested to split into four groups.
| Resource group | What do you suggest? | Main check points |
|---|---|---|
| Product Identity | Model lists, placards and product photographs, manufacturer information | Whether the information corresponds to the actual delivery model |
| Battery testing | Summary of applicable UN38.3 tests, with reports as required by the audit | Is the manufacturer, model and test information appropriate? |
| Transport audit | Identification, packaging and declaration of shipments required by MSDS and channels | Applicable modes of transport and this shipment requirements |
| Commercial delivery | Invoices, packing lists, dispatch and dispatch information, destination postage | Consistency of quantity, value, number of pieces and weight |
UN38.3 A summary of the tests is used to provide evidence that the battery type passed the corresponding transport test. It is not a uniform document that must be accompanied by each shipment; Manufacturers and follow-on distributors should be made available to them in accordance with applicable rules, and carrier may still require an audit. MSDS is also not a substitute for the test summary.
Let's get these questions straight with the client.
- Is it a new battery, or is it repair, return, prototype, damage or recall?
- Batteries go alone, or with any equipment? What's the difference between a battery and a device?
- What is the rated voltage, capacity and number of watt hours for lithium ion batteries? Don't just give it back.
- From where to pick up, to which country, city and postage, to air or sea?
- Which model is the current document for, and are there any suffixing, version or structural changes to the output model?
These problems can help to identify gaps in information at an early stage and to avoid being packaged before finding channels that are unacceptable.
What details can easily lead to the additions?
It is suggested that the “Practical descriptor—symmetric list—test summary—invoice packing list” should be reconciled together. Common barriers to communication include inconsistent abbreviations of models, only the front page of the report, the use of other types of documents, the absence of an indication that there are alternative batteries in the boxes, and the use of product market access information as a transport document.
The certification required for the sale or use of the product in the country of destination should be confirmed by the importer in combination with the use and market requirements; The adoption of the transport audit does not amount to the fulfilment of all import and sales requirements.
FAQ
With UN38.3 tests, would it be possible to walk FedEx?
This is not a direct judgement. Packaging, transport configuration, route and carrier acceptance are also to be checked. FedEx's Battery Guide also requires that appropriate packaging, marking and documentation requirements be met.
Do you have to complete all the documents before you can make an offer?
A preliminary assessment may be made by submitting a list of available information and missing items. The “admissibility” “what is missing” “what is the final cost” should be identified separately from “admissibility” and the initial price should not be understood as a carrier's approval.
Official Sources
- IATA: Summary description of lithium cell transport and testing
- FedEx: Battery Transport Packaging and Documentation Guide
Date of information check: 2026-09-23. The specific portfolio is based on actual cargo, mode of transport and carrier audit.