Lithium batteries power countless products sold online ranging from smartphones and laptops to cordless tools, toys and medical equipment.
If your online business sells these types of products, it’s important to understand the rules surrounding international shipping.
So, can lithium batteries be shipped internationally? Yes, they can— but there are some important legal and practical factors to keep in mind.
This guide outlines everything eCommerce businesses need to know, from regulations and packaging requirements to fulfilment strategies and courier-specific rules.
Can Lithium Batteries Be Shipped Internationally?
Yes, but lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods under international shipping regulations. This classification applies to both:
- Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable – commonly found in phones, laptops, power banks, etc.)
- Lithium-metal batteries (non-rechargeable – often used in watches, calculators, remote controls)
These batteries can be shipped internationally when packaged, declared, and labelled correctly, and when they are undamaged and compliant with quantity limits.
Battery Shipping Overview
| Battery Type | Can Be Shipped Internationally? | Special Conditions |
| Lithium-ion (rechargeable) | Yes | Must comply with UN3480 (alone) or UN3481 (with/inside equipment) |
| Lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) | Yes | Must comply with UN3090 (alone) or UN3091 (with/inside equipment) |
| Damaged, recalled, or faulty batteries | No | Prohibited by all major international couriers |
What Regulations Must Online Businesses Follow?
Shipping lithium batteries across borders means complying with regulations issued by international and national authorities.
These rules vary slightly depending on the mode of transport—air, sea or road—but all are built around safety due to the risk of overheating or fire.
Core Regulatory Bodies and Rules
| Regulatory Body | Applies To | Key Focus |
| IATA (International Air Transport Association) | Air freight | Packaging, quantity limits, labelling |
| ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) | Air freight | Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions |
| IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) | Sea freight | Battery type, packaging and documentation |
| ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) | Road | Guidelines for transporting hazardous goods by land |
| UK Civil Aviation Authority | UK outbound air freight | Enforces ICAO/IATA rules for UK air shipments |
If you use a fulfilment service for international orders, ensure your provider is experienced with these regulations, especially if they are picking, packing and dispatching battery-powered items on your behalf.
Courier-Specific Rules for Lithium Battery Shipments
Different couriers have different policies. Some require pre-approval, while others have specific documentation or packaging requirements.
Choosing a knowledgeable delivery partner is essential to prevent shipment delays or rejections.
| Courier | International Lithium Battery Shipments | Conditions and Notes |
| DHL Express | Allowed | Follows IATA guidelines; specific documentation required |
| UPS | Allowed | Requires pre-approval; some destination restrictions |
| FedEx | Allowed | Only compliant, undamaged batteries accepted |
| Royal Mail | Not Allowed | International lithium battery shipping prohibited |
If you use an integrated fulfilment service that includes shipping, make sure they partner with couriers who are licensed to handle lithium batteries internationally and can provide Dangerous Goods support.
Packaging and Labelling Requirements
Not providing proper packaging is one of the most common reasons lithium battery shipments are held up or rejected.
Whether you’re shipping batteries alone, with equipment, or inside a product, packaging needs to provide protection against short circuits and damage.
Packaging Essentials
- Strong outer packaging with cushioning materials
- Individual protection for each battery or cell
- Non-conductive materials to prevent contact between terminals
- Quantity limits should be followed—particularly for air shipments
Labelling Requirements
| Battery Configuration | Required UN Number | Labelling Needed? |
| Lithium-ion battery only | UN3480 | Yes – Class 9 label & handling label |
| Lithium-ion battery in/with equipment | UN3481 | Yes – Handling label at minimum |
| Lithium-metal battery only | UN3090 | Yes – Class 9 label & handling label |
| Lithium-metal battery in/with equipment | UN3091 | Yes – Handling label at minimum |
Most shipments also require a Lithium Battery Handling Label and, in some cases, a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD).
What Quantities Are Allowed?
The quantity limits depend on how the batteries are being shipped:
- Lithium-ion batteries: Must not exceed 100Wh per cell or 300Wh per battery when shipped with or contained in equipment under the “Section II” exemption.
- Lithium-metal batteries: Must not exceed 1g lithium content per cell or 2g per battery under the same exemption.
If you exceed these limits, additional paperwork, labelling, and Dangerous Goods training are required.
For growing eCommerce companies, working with a specialist fulfilment provider or courier service with Dangerous Goods capabilities is often more efficient and reliable.
Fulfilment Services and Lithium Battery Compliance
Online retailers using third-party fulfilment services must ensure that the warehouse or logistics provider is fully compliant with lithium battery regulations.
Considerations include:
- Are staff trained to identify and package lithium batteries?
- Can they produce Dangerous Goods Declarations?
- Do they ship with approved couriers?
- Is there tracking and liability coverage in place?
At Impact Express, we support online businesses with tailored international fulfilment solutions, including full support for shipping battery-powered goods.
Our team is trained in Dangerous Goods compliance and works with IATA-certified couriers to help your business scale globally—without the regulatory risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Matters |
| Shipping damaged or defective batteries | Banned outright—poses safety hazard |
| Using incorrect or non-compliant packaging | Can result in shipment rejection or customs issues |
| Omitting labels or UN numbers | May delay delivery or breach regulations |
| Misdeclaring the item on customs forms | Illegal—may lead to fines or shipment seizure |
Conclusion: Yes, Lithium Batteries Can Be Shipped – If You Follow the Rules
If your online business sells or ships products containing lithium batteries, it is absolutely possible to send them internationally. But you must:
- Understand the applicable regulations
- Use compliant packaging and labelling
- Choose the right courier or fulfilment partner
Ready to streamline your international fulfilment?
Contact Impact Express today to speak with our logistics experts.
