Shipping lithium batteries from China to Canada is possible, but the shipment must be correctly classified and prepared as dangerous goods before a carrier accepts it.
The first step is to determine whether the shipment contains lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries and whether the batteries are shipped alone, packed with equipment or installed inside equipment. These distinctions determine the applicable classification: UN3480 or UN3481 for lithium-ion batteries and UN3090 or UN3091 for lithium metal batteries.
The battery type must normally meet the applicable UN 38.3 testing requirements. Air freight is particularly restrictive. Standalone UN3480 lithium-ion batteries are generally limited to 30% State of Charge for air transport, while standalone UN3480 and UN3090 batteries are prohibited as cargo on passenger aircraft. From January 1, 2026, additional State of Charge requirements also apply to many lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment under PI 966.
Sea shipments follow the IMDG Code, while the Canadian transport leg must comply with applicable Transportation of Dangerous Goods requirements. For the broader freight process, see our China-to-Canada shipping guide.
Before pickup in China, confirm the battery classification, UN 38.3 evidence, packaging, marks, documentation and carrier acceptance.
Start With the Correct Lithium Battery Classification
The first decision is not whether to use air freight or sea freight. It is determining exactly what type of battery is being shipped and how it is packed.
Lithium batteries used in commercial international freight normally fall into two main groups:
- Lithium-ion batteries: rechargeable batteries commonly used in laptops, mobile devices, power tools, e-bikes and other rechargeable products.
- Lithium metal batteries: generally non-rechargeable batteries used in products such as watches, sensors, calculators and some electronic or medical devices.
Lithium polymer batteries are treated as lithium-ion batteries for dangerous-goods classification purposes.
You then need to determine whether the battery is:
- Shipped by itself
- Packed in the same package with equipment
- Installed or contained inside equipment
These differences determine the applicable UN number and, for air transport, the relevant packing instruction.
Lithium Battery UN Numbers and Air Packing Instructions
| Battery Configuration | UN Number | Air Packing Instruction | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone | UN3480 | PI 965 | Replacement battery packs |
| Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment | UN3481 | PI 966 | Power tool supplied with a separate battery |
| Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment | UN3481 | PI 967 | Laptop with an installed battery |
| Lithium metal batteries shipped alone | UN3090 | PI 968 | Standalone lithium metal cells |
| Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment | UN3091 | PI 969 | Device supplied with a separate lithium metal battery |
| Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment | UN3091 | PI 970 | Device with an installed lithium metal cell |
The PI numbers above apply to air transport. Marine shipments follow the applicable IMDG Code provisions.
Planning note
Confirm the battery chemistry and packing configuration before requesting the final freight booking. A product described simply as “electronics with batteries” does not provide enough information to determine the correct dangerous-goods workflow.
Power Banks Are Classified as Batteries
Power banks are a common source of classification errors.
A power bank is primarily designed to provide power to another device. For air-transport purposes, it is therefore treated as a battery rather than as equipment containing a battery.
A typical lithium-ion power bank is generally classified as UN3480, not UN3481.
This distinction matters because standalone UN3480 batteries are subject to stricter air-freight requirements than many batteries installed inside equipment.
UN 38.3 Is a Core Transport Requirement
Lithium cells and batteries offered for transport under UN3090, UN3091, UN3480 and UN3481 must normally be of a type that has passed the applicable tests in Part III, subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.
UN 38.3 testing covers transport-related conditions including:
- altitude simulation
- thermal testing
- vibration
- shock
- external short circuit
- impact or crush where applicable
- overcharge
- forced discharge
The exact requirements depend on whether the product is a cell or battery and on its design.
Ask the Supplier for the UN 38.3 Test Summary
Before the goods are collected from the supplier, ask for the applicable UN 38.3 Test Summary.
The test summary should identify information such as:
- manufacturer details
- testing laboratory
- test report identification
- date of the test report
- battery type
- battery mass
- Watt-hour rating or lithium content
- physical description
- model numbers
- tests conducted
- pass/fail results
- applicable version of the UN Manual
The practical issue for a Canadian importer is whether the test summary actually corresponds to the battery model being purchased. A generic certificate for a different battery model should not be treated as sufficient evidence for the shipment you are preparing.
Supplier document tip
Request the battery model number, specification sheet and UN 38.3 Test Summary before final packing begins. Matching the shipment model to the model covered by the test summary can prevent compliance questions later in the booking process.
Air Freight Rules for Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries can be transported by air, but the requirements depend heavily on battery configuration, Watt-hour rating, lithium content, quantity and packing instruction.
For the broader air-cargo process between China and Canada, see our commercial air freight guide.
Standalone Lithium-Ion Batteries — UN3480
Standalone lithium-ion batteries are classified as UN3480 and normally follow PI 965 for air transport.
Under normal air-transport rules, lithium-ion batteries shipped by themselves must be offered for transport at a State of Charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity.
UN3480 batteries are also forbidden as cargo on passenger aircraft. Commercial shipments therefore generally require an eligible cargo-aircraft routing unless a specific regulatory approval applies.
For lithium-ion batteries, Watt-hour rating can be calculated as:
Watt-hours = nominal voltage × ampere-hours
For example:
12 V × 5 Ah = 60 Wh
Always use the manufacturer’s actual rated values when determining the shipment classification.
Air cargo warning
Do not send standalone lithium battery cargo to the export warehouse before the UN number, applicable packing instruction, State of Charge requirement and carrier acceptance have been confirmed. Regulatory compliance does not mean every airline will accept every battery shipment.
Important 2026 Change for Batteries Packed With Equipment
An important rule change took effect on January 1, 2026 for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment under PI 966.
For Section I, lithium-ion cells and batteries must be offered for air transport at no more than 30% State of Charge, unless the necessary approvals from the relevant States have been obtained.
For Section II, lithium-ion cells and batteries with a Watt-hour rating above 2.7 Wh must also be offered for transport at no more than 30% State of Charge. Batteries offered above that level move into a more restrictive approval pathway.
This change is particularly important for importers working with suppliers that have used the same shipping procedure for several years.
A supplier’s previous shipping history does not automatically mean its current preparation method complies with the 2026 requirements.
2026 compliance change
If lithium-ion batteries are packed with equipment under PI 966, confirm the current State of Charge requirement with the supplier before packing and pickup. Older shipping procedures may no longer be suitable for 2026 air shipments.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment
Lithium-ion batteries installed inside equipment normally fall under PI 967 for air transport.
Current IATA guidance strongly recommends offering these batteries for transport at a State of Charge not exceeding 30% of rated capacity, or with an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%.
This reduced State of Charge is currently a safety recommendation for PI 967 rather than the same general mandatory rule that applies to the PI 966 categories described above.
This is one reason the distinction between packed with equipment and contained in equipment should be confirmed from the actual physical packing arrangement rather than guessed from a product description.
Standalone Lithium Metal Batteries — UN3090
Lithium metal batteries shipped by themselves are assigned to UN3090 and normally follow PI 968 for air transport.
Standalone UN3090 lithium metal batteries, like UN3480 lithium-ion batteries, are prohibited as cargo on passenger aircraft.
Lithium metal battery classification uses lithium content rather than the Watt-hour approach used for lithium-ion batteries, so the supplier should provide the appropriate technical battery data.
Damaged, Defective and Recalled Batteries Need Separate Handling
Do not place damaged, defective, recalled or recycling batteries into the same workflow as normal new commercial batteries.
Transport Canada applies specific requirements to these battery categories. Batteries transported for disposal or recycling must not be transported by air, while damaged or defective batteries are subject to dedicated dangerous-goods provisions.
Damaged battery warning
If a supplier reports swelling, overheating, damaged casings, manufacturing defects or a product recall, stop the normal booking process. The shipment should be reviewed specifically as damaged, defective or recalled dangerous goods before transport is arranged.
Shipping Lithium Batteries by Sea
Sea freight may be more practical for larger commercial battery shipments or cargo that is difficult to move by air, but it is not an unrestricted alternative.
For the wider container-shipping process, see our ocean freight guide.
International carriage of packaged dangerous goods by sea is governed by the IMDG Code. The 2024 Edition incorporating Amendment 42-24 became mandatory on January 1, 2026.
A lithium battery shipment by sea may require:
- correct dangerous-goods classification
- compliant packaging
- protection against short circuits
- required marks and labels
- dangerous-goods documentation
- applicable container or cargo declarations
- correct stowage and segregation
- shipping-line acceptance
The airline-specific State of Charge rules described earlier should not automatically be applied to an ocean shipment. Air and sea transport operate under different dangerous-goods frameworks.
Shipping lines may also apply their own acceptance procedures, documentation cut-offs or commercial restrictions, so carrier acceptance should be confirmed before cargo reaches the terminal.
Documents and Data to Collect Before Booking
The exact documentation depends on battery type, transport mode, packing instruction, quantity and carrier.
For most commercial shipment planning, start by collecting the following information:
| Document or Data | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| UN 38.3 Test Summary | Confirms the battery type has passed applicable transport testing |
| Battery specification | Confirms chemistry, model, voltage, capacity and rating |
| Correct UN number | Establishes dangerous-goods classification |
| Packing configuration | Confirms whether batteries are standalone, packed with or contained in equipment |
| State of Charge information | Important for applicable air shipments |
| Packaging details | Used to verify the applicable packing requirements |
| Marks and labels | Communicate the dangerous-goods classification |
| Dangerous-goods shipping documentation | Required where the applicable rules call for it |
| Proof of classification | Relevant to Canadian TDG responsibilities |
| Carrier acceptance | Confirms that the selected airline or shipping line will accept the cargo |
For the wider paperwork required for a commercial shipment, use our shipping documents guide.
Is an SDS or MSDS Required for Lithium Battery Shipping?
This point is frequently misunderstood.
An SDS or MSDS is not the transport document required by IATA for manufactured lithium batteries.
An SDS does not replace:
- the correct UN classification
- UN 38.3 compliance
- the applicable Test Summary
- required dangerous-goods documentation
- carrier acceptance
A carrier, warehouse, booking agent or another party in the supply chain may still request an SDS or additional technical information as part of its own acceptance process.
That does not make the SDS a substitute for the transport-specific compliance documents.
Document tip
If a supplier sends an SDS or MSDS, do not assume the shipment is ready for transport. Check the battery classification and UN 38.3 evidence separately.
Canadian Importers Also Have TDG Responsibilities
The compliance process does not end when the goods arrive in Canada.
Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods framework applies to the Canadian handling and transport of regulated lithium batteries.
Relevant responsibilities can include:
- classification
- packaging or means of containment
- marks and labels
- documentation
- training
- proof of classification
UN3090, UN3091, UN3480 and UN3481 are Class 9 dangerous goods under the applicable Canadian framework.
For the broader Canadian import and border process, see our customs clearance guide.
Do not assume that a shipment accepted for international transport automatically satisfies every requirement for onward movement inside Canada.
Air Freight or Sea Freight: Which Is Better?
There is no single best shipping method for lithium batteries.
The correct choice depends on battery classification, shipment quantity, urgency, packing configuration and carrier acceptance.
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Usually faster | Usually slower |
| Regulatory sensitivity | Very high | High |
| State of Charge rules | Important for several lithium-ion classifications | Different marine dangerous-goods framework applies |
| Standalone battery restrictions | Significant | Different IMDG provisions apply |
| Carrier acceptance | Must be confirmed | Must be confirmed |
| Typical fit | Urgent, smaller compliant cargo where air acceptance is available | Larger commercial shipments or cargo less suitable for air |
The method should not be selected from freight price alone.
First identify and classify the battery. Then determine whether the proposed shipment configuration is accepted under the selected transport mode.
Pre-Booking Checklist for Lithium Battery Shipments
- Identify the battery chemistry. Confirm whether it is lithium-ion or lithium metal.
- Confirm the packing configuration. Determine whether the battery is standalone, packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
- Confirm the UN number. Establish whether the shipment is UN3480, UN3481, UN3090 or UN3091.
- Check the battery rating. Confirm Watt-hours for lithium-ion batteries or applicable lithium content for lithium metal batteries.
- Verify UN 38.3. Obtain the applicable Test Summary and ensure it corresponds to the battery model being shipped.
- Confirm battery condition. Do not treat damaged, defective or recalled batteries as normal commercial cargo.
- Check State of Charge requirements. For air cargo, determine whether the applicable packing instruction requires a reduced State of Charge.
- Verify packaging. Protect the battery against damage, movement, short circuit and unintended activation where relevant.
- Prepare required marks and documentation. Requirements depend on classification and transport mode.
- Obtain carrier acceptance. Confirm the airline or shipping line will accept the shipment before pickup.
- Prepare the Canadian transport leg. Confirm applicable requirements for onward transportation after arrival.
Before supplier pickup
Complete the dangerous-goods review before final pickup from the supplier. Discovering after collection that the battery requires different packaging, a lower State of Charge or a different carrier can create avoidable handling, storage and rebooking costs.
For the complete workflow around commercial imports, continue with our commercial goods shipping guide.
Common Reasons Lithium Battery Shipments Are Delayed or Rejected
Many lithium battery shipment problems begin before the cargo reaches the airport or port.
- incorrect UN classification
- treating a power bank as equipment instead of a battery
- missing UN 38.3 evidence
- test documentation that does not match the battery model
- missing Watt-hour or lithium-content data
- incorrect State of Charge for air transport
- unsuitable packaging
- insufficient short-circuit protection
- incorrect marks or labels
- undeclared batteries inside products
- damaged or recalled batteries
- carrier restrictions discovered after warehouse delivery
Complete the battery compliance review before pickup, not after the shipment reaches the export warehouse.
Plan the Shipment Before Final Packing
Lithium battery logistics becomes much easier when the shipment is reviewed before production and final packing are complete.
Start by requesting:
- battery chemistry
- battery model
- technical specification
- Watt-hour rating or lithium content
- packing configuration
- UN 38.3 Test Summary
- shipment quantity
Then confirm the UN classification and the proposed air or sea route.
Only after compliance requirements and carrier acceptance are clear should final packing and pickup be completed.
Need help planning a commercial lithium-battery shipment from China to Canada? Confirm the battery model, configuration, quantity and proposed shipping method first so the correct dangerous-goods workflow can be reviewed