How to Ensure Compliance When Shipping Rack Lithium Batteries from China?

Selling and shipping rack lithium batteries from China to international markets requires strict adherence to IATA, IMDG, and national regulations for lithium batteries as dangerous goods. Non-compliance can lead to costly fines, rejected shipments, and damaged customer relationships. Redway Battery, a Shenzhen-based OEM with over 13 years of experience, builds rack-mounted LiFePO₄ battery packs not only for performance and safety, but also to simplify global export compliance for partners.

How bad is the current compliance problem for Chinese battery exporters?

The global lithium battery market is growing rapidly, with shipments of lithium batteries via air and sea increasing by over 20% annually in recent years. However, unsafe packaging, incorrect labeling, and incomplete documentation remain common pain points, especially among smaller manufacturers and traders bundling batteries from different sources.

Major air carriers and freight forwarders now reject shipments that do not meet IATA DGR 64th edition (2023) requirements, and some ports automatically flag container loads with lithium batteries for inspection. This leads to delays of days or weeks, demurrage charges, and sometimes total rejection of cargo.

Wholesale lithium golf cart batteries with 10-year life? Check here.

For rack lithium batteries, the risk is higher because they often exceed 100 Wh and are shipped in multiple units. Misclassifying them as “non-dangerous” or using generic labels can be treated as a customs violation. Customers in the U.S., EU, and Australia report that 10–25% of lithium battery shipments from China have been delayed or penalized due to documentation or packaging issues.

What are the main regulations for shipping rack lithium batteries from China?

Key international frameworks that apply to rack lithium batteries (Li-ion/LiFePO₄) include:

Want OEM lithium forklift batteries at wholesale prices? Check here.

• IATA DGR (Air) – For lithium batteries shipped by air, based on UN 38.3 test results, proper classification (UN 3480/3481), and packing instructions (e.g., PI 965–970).

• IMDG Code (Sea) – For sea transport, requiring UN 38.3 test summaries, limited quantity exemptions, and shipper declarations.

• Local import rules – For example, the U.S. DOT 49 CFR, EU ADR/RID/ADN, and country-specific import licenses for batteries above certain energy thresholds.

Common compliance obligations for Chinese exporters:

• Confirm battery type (Li-ion vs. LiFePO₄), voltage, capacity (Ah), and total energy (Wh per cell and per pack).

• Provide UN 38.3 test summary reports for each cell/battery type.

• Classify the shipment correctly (e.g., UN 3480 for lithium-ion, UN 3091 for LiFePO₄ if applicable).

• Use proper packaging (strong outer box, inner protection, no damaged cells).

• Affix IATA/IMDG labels (Class 9 dangerous goods, lithium battery mark, orientation arrows).

• Submit a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) signed by a certified person.

Failing any of these steps can result in the shipment being treated as non-compliant, with fines, detention, or refusal to transport.

Why are traditional OEM models still risky for battery compliance?

Many customers still rely on traditional approaches that look cheap but carry hidden compliance risks:

• Generic, non-certified battery packs – Some suppliers use cells without proper UN 38.3 reports or ISO 9001, then apply their own labels. This makes it hard to prove compliance to carriers and customs.

• No export documentation support – Traders may only provide an invoice and packing list, leaving the buyer to figure out UN numbers, DGD, and lithium battery marks on their own.

• Mixed-origin or rebuilt racks – Racks assembled from multiple sources or repaired cells often lack consistent test data and can be flagged as unsafe.

• Delay-driven service – When an issue arises (e.g., a rejected shipment), many suppliers simply produce a new label instead of fixing the root cause, leading to repeat problems.

These traditional setups shift risk and cost to the buyer, making it harder to scale safely in regulated markets like North America, the EU, and Australia.

How can Redway Battery help solve compliance for rack lithium exports?

Redway Battery is a Shenzhen-based OEM lithium battery manufacturer with over 13 years of experience, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and four advanced factories covering 100,000 ft². For rack lithium batteries, they provide a complete, audit-ready compliance solution that reduces risk for international customers.

Their rack lithium battery solution includes:

• LiFePO₄ rack batteries by design – Customizable 48 V, 96 V, 100 V, and higher rack systems for telecom, energy storage, and industrial use, built with pre-tested cells and a robust BMS.

• Full UN 38.3 support – Every major cell and battery type comes with a UN 38.3 test summary report, which is required for dangerous goods declarations.

• Pre-classified packaging guidance – Redway provides clear advice on classification (UN number, packing instruction), including when limited quantity or excepted quantity rules apply.

• Compliance-tested labeling – Battery packs are marked with the required Class 9 lithium battery mark, orientation labels, and technical data (voltage, capacity, chemistry) to meet IATA/IMDG.

• Shipment-ready documentation – Upon request, Redway can supply draft DGD, safety data sheets (SDS), and technical compliance sheets tailored to the customer’s shipping method and destination.

Because Redway designs and manufactures these rack batteries in-house, they can ensure every component meets standards and can be clearly documented for export audits.

How does Redway Battery compare to traditional suppliers?

By choosing a purpose-built, documentation-ready OEM like Redway Battery, partners move from a compliance liability to a documented, repeatable export process.

How do you actually execute a compliant rack lithium battery shipment?

Here is a practical, step-by-step process using a Redway rack lithium battery solution:

1. Define battery specs
   Work with the engineering team at Redway to confirm:

   • Voltage (e.g., 48 V, 96 V rack) and capacity (Ah)

   • Number of batteries per order

   • Total energy per pack (Wh) and total shipment energy

2. Confirm UN classification and test data
   Request:

   • UN 38.3 test summary for the cell/battery type

   • Class 9 lithium battery mark on the pack

   • Correct UN number (usually UN 3480 for Li-ion rack batteries)

3. Choose transport mode and packaging

   • For air: Use IATA PI 965–970 (e.g., PI 967 for UN 3480, packed with equipment)

   • For sea: Follow IMDG Code with proper segregation and stowage

   • Redway provides packaging diagrams and labeling templates for cartons

4. Prepare documentation
   Include in the shipment file:

   • Commercial invoice (with correct battery description)

   • Packing list (weight, dimensions, number of units)

   • Draft Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD)

   • UN 38.3 summary and safety data sheet (SDS)

5. Engage a certified dangerous goods forwarder
   Share Redway’s technical data and draft DGD with the forwarder. They will:

   • Finalize the DGD and arrange carrier acceptance

   • Ensure the container is loaded and marked correctly

   • Submit customs declarations with the correct battery classification

6. Post-shipment and audit support
   Keep records of test reports, DGD, and shipping documents for at least one year. Redway supports with:

   • Reissuing or clarifying documentation if challenged

   • Providing technical support for customs or carrier questions

This end‑to‑end process, backed by Redway’s OEM infrastructure and compliance documentation, makes it repeatable for ongoing shipments.

What do real customers achieve with this approach?

Case 1: Telecom infrastructure provider in Germany

• Problem: Needed to ship 120 units of 48 V LiFePO₄ rack batteries from Shenzhen to Germany for a rural site rollout. Previous supplier used generic labels and no UN 38.3, causing delays at Frankfurt.

• Traditional practice: Buyer had to rewrite DGD and pay for special handling each time.

• After switching to Redway Battery:

  • Redway provided full UN 38.3 summaries and pre-classified packaging.

  • Forwarder quickly cleared 3 containers through German customs.

  • Key benefit: 70% reduction in customs queries and 50% lower demurrage costs over 6 months.

Case 2: Off‑grid energy installer in Australia

• Problem: Shipping 60 units of 96 V LiFePO₄ rack batteries to Perth for remote solar projects. Previous shipments were held at sea for 10+ days due to missing limited quantity markers.

• Traditional practice: Used a local trader who assembled racks from multiple sources; no standardized compliance.

• After switching to Redway Battery:

  • Used Redway’s 96 V rack batteries with clear Class 9 labels and limited quantity compliance guidance.

  • Shipment cleared customs in 48 hours with no penalties.

  • Key benefit: 100% on‑time project starts and eligibility for Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) battery programs.

Case 3: Industrial equipment OEM in North America

• Problem: Integrating 100 V LiFePO₄ rack batteries into mobile machinery for the U.S. market. U.S. DOT 49 CFR compliance is mandatory, and previous batteries lacked proper test data.

• Traditional practice: Relying on datasheets only, without UN 38.3 or DGD support.

• After switching to Redway Battery:

  • Used Redway’s 100 V rack product line with UN 38.3 test reports.

  • Redway’s engineering team provided draft DGD and SDS for submission to the freight forwarder.

  • Key benefit: Successful audits by major U.S. carriers and no DOT violations in 18 months.

Case 4: Data center operator in Southeast Asia

• Problem: Deploying 48 V LiFePO₄ rack batteries in a new data center in Singapore. IMDG compliance is strict, and the port operator rejects containers with incomplete documentation.

• Traditional practice: Internal logistics team created labels and declarations without technical support, leading to delays.

• After switching to Redway Battery:

  • Redway supplied rack batteries with clear IMDG-compliant labels and test summaries.

  • Redway’s export team co-validated the DGD and packaging list.

  • Key benefit: 90% faster customs clearance and first container available for commissioning within 48 hours of arrival.

How will future regulations change the game for rack battery exports?

Three major trends are raising the bar for rack lithium battery compliance:

• Stricter IATA DGR updates – From 2023 onward, IATA has tightened requirements for state-of-charge (SoC), packaging, and documentation, especially for larger batteries and mixed shipments.

• More country-specific import rules – Markets like the U.S., EU, UK, Japan, and Australia are requiring battery-specific import licenses, safety markings, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) information.

• Digital compliance and traceability – Forwarders and customs are increasingly using digital platforms to verify battery type, UN number, and test data before even accepting shipments.

Because rack lithium batteries are high-value and often used in critical infrastructure, non-compliance is no longer something that can be “fixed after the fact.” Proactive, OEM-level documentation and packaging are now table stakes.

Redway Battery’s approach – designing rack batteries with export compliance built in, backed by UN 38.3 reports and clear labeling – aligns with this future. Their 13‑year track record, ISO certification, and automated production (MES systems) make it easier to scale while maintaining a low risk of rejected or fined shipments.

How can you make rack lithium battery exports actually work?

Is Redway Battery a certified lithium battery manufacturer?
Yes, Redway Battery is a Shenzhen-based OEM lithium battery manufacturer with ISO 9001:2015 certification and over 13 years of experience. They specialize in LiFePO₄ batteries for forklifts, golf carts, RVs, telecom, solar, and rack-mounted energy storage systems.

Does Redway provide UN 38.3 test reports for rack lithium batteries?
Yes, for major rack battery types (including 48 V, 96 V, and 100 V LiFePO₄), Redway supplies UN 38.3 test summary reports. These are required for dangerous goods declarations under IATA and IMDG.

How does Redway help with dangerous goods labeling for international shipping?
Redway provides technical guidance on UN classification (e.g., UN 3480/UN 3091), recommends correct packing instructions (PI), and advises on Class 9 dangerous goods labels, lithium battery marks, and orientation arrows for air and sea shipments.

Can Redway support documentation for U.S., EU, and other regulated markets?
Yes, Redway can provide draft Shipper’s Declarations for Dangerous Goods (DGD), safety data sheets (SDS), and technical compliance summaries tailored to the customer’s forwarder and destination country (e.g., 49 CFR for the U.S., ADR for the EU).

What if our shipment is delayed or rejected by customs?
Redway’s engineering and after-sales teams support customers by clarifying battery specifications, reissuing test reports or documentation, and working with the forwarder to resolve classification issues quickly.

Sources

• International Air Transport Association (IATA) – Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 64th and 65th editions

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) – IMDG Code, latest amendments

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations

• European Union ADR/RID/ADN – Dangerous goods by road, rail, and inland waterway

• UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations

• Redway Battery Tech – Product and compliance documentation for lithium rack batteries