Shipping lithium batteries can be risky and full of compliance issues. Many new importers give up after hitting the first roadblock. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Yes, you can ship lithium batteries from China to the Philippines by sea, but only if you follow strict packaging, documentation, and DG cargo rules.
Before you give up or switch to air freight, read on. I’ve shipped hundreds of DG shipments by sea from China to Manila. I’ll explain the exact process that works.
What documents are needed to ship lithium batteries by sea?
Most shipments fail not because of customs, but because of missing or wrong documents. And trust me, the paperwork for lithium batteries is not like shipping normal products.
To ship lithium batteries by sea, you need an MSDS, UN38.3 test report, DG declaration, and proper inner and outer packaging with hazard labels.
The essential documents you need:
| Document Name | Purpose | Who Provides It |
|---|---|---|
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | Describes chemical risks and handling instructions | Battery manufacturer |
| UN38.3 Test Report | Verifies the battery passed international transport tests | Battery manufacturer or lab |
| Dangerous Goods (DG) Declaration | Declares the goods are hazardous under IMO rules | Freight forwarder or DG specialist |
| Packing List & Commercial Invoice | Basic shipping documents | Seller/exporter |
| IMO Container Packing Certificate | Needed for DG container loading | Shipper or consolidator |
My insight:
If you’re shipping from China to Manila or Cebu by LCL, we at sourcingph can help you consolidate into a certified DG container. We also offer full container (FCL) services. All you need are the following documents:
- Battery MSDS
- UN38.3 report
- Battery transport appraisal
- Dangerous goods packaging certificate
- Performance certificate + usage result form (arranged by supplier)
- Full export documents
- Draft declaration, contract, packing list, invoice
These documents are not optional. According to the IMDG Code, all lithium batteries shipped by sea must be classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, specifically under UN3480 for standalone batteries and UN3481 for batteries contained in or packed with equipment1. The packaging must comply with Packing Instruction P903 or P908, using UN-certified inner and outer packaging with shock-resistant materials2. Also, if you’re shipping standalone lithium-ion batteries, their state of charge cannot exceed 30%3.
Do I need a special freight forwarder for DG (dangerous goods) shipments?
Most regular forwarders don’t touch lithium batteries. They say “we don’t do DG” and leave you to figure things out alone. That’s because handling lithium batteries by sea needs certifications and licenses.
Yes, you need a DG-certified freight forwarder to ship lithium batteries by sea, or your shipment could be rejected or fined.
Why a DG-certified forwarder is non-negotiable:
A DG freight forwarder knows how to:
- Book space on vessels that allow Class 9 dangerous goods4
- Submit the IMO DG declaration to the shipping line5
- Arrange for DG container loading with correct segregation
- Handle emergency response paperwork
- Ensure marine pollutant marks are added when needed4
Using an experienced DG forwarder also prevents over-consolidation issues. DG sea shipments have weight and volume restrictions per container, so blindly mixing cartons from different shippers can get the whole container rejected6.
My insight:
In our experience, working with a certified forwarder doesn’t just save time—it protects your investment. We handle the entire process from China to the Philippines, including compliance with Chinese export control and Philippine customs requirements7. For example, customs in the Philippines often require pre-registration with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and submission of the battery’s technical data sheet before clearance8.
Can I use DDP service to ship lithium batteries to the Philippines?
Many ecommerce sellers don’t want to deal with import taxes or Philippine customs at all. DDP sounds like a dream. But lithium batteries are DG cargo, so can DDP still work?
Yes, you can ship lithium batteries using a DDP service to the Philippines, but only if your logistics partner has a local DG import license and clearance team.
What to check before using a DDP service:
| Factor | What You Should Confirm |
|---|---|
| Clearance Capability | Can your DDP partner clear Class 9 cargo in the Philippines? |
| Local Import License | Do they have the right license to import DG cargo? |
| Delivery Area | Does the service include Luzon only, or also Visayas/Mindanao? |
| Tax & Duty | Are all costs included, or will the buyer be charged extra? |
| Battery Type | Are they accepting bare cells, power banks, or embedded batteries? |
I’ve seen too many importers trust a cheap DDP offer, only to find out their goods are stuck at the port. My team in Manila holds a DG import permit, and we work with the BOC (Bureau of Customs) directly. That’s why we can offer true DDP, even for lithium battery shipments, whether it’s Cebu, Manila, or provincial delivery.
What kind of lithium batteries are allowed by sea?
Not all lithium batteries are treated the same. Some are banned, some are allowed with extra paperwork, and some need to be embedded in devices.
You can ship lithium-ion batteries (UN3480, UN3481) and lithium-metal batteries (UN3090, UN3091) by sea, but they must meet packaging and labeling rules.
Know your battery classification:
| Battery Type | UN Code | Standalone or In-device | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion Cell | UN3480 | Standalone | Allowed with full DG process1 |
| Lithium-ion in Equipment | UN3481 | Embedded in device | Easier to ship, still DG1 |
| Lithium-metal Battery | UN3090 | Standalone | Higher risk, needs extra care |
| Lithium-metal in Equipment | UN3091 | Embedded | Allowed with documentation |
Every carton must be marked with:
- Class 9 hazard label (diamond-shaped)9
- Lithium battery handling label
- “UN3480” or “UN3481” clearly printed on the outer box9
If the shipment meets marine pollutant criteria, the carton must also bear the marine pollutant mark4.
When working with our clients, we don’t just check documents—we inspect packaging photos, label positions, and state of charge. Once the shipment is compliant, we book space with a certified IMDG carrier and typically expect transit times of 14–21 days, depending on departure port10. For urgent shipments, RoRo vessels may offer faster handling, but the cost is higher10.
Conclusion
Shipping lithium batteries by sea from China to the Philippines is possible, but only if you follow the DG rules step by step. The right partner makes all the difference.
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All lithium batteries shipped by sea must comply with the IMDG Code’s classification for Class 9 dangerous goods under UN 3480 for standalone cells and UN 3481 for contained-in-equipment batteries. ↩ ↩ ↩
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Batteries must be packed in UN-specification inner and outer packaging meeting Packing Instruction P903 (for cells) or P908 (for batteries), with inner packaging cushioned to prevent movement. ↩
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State of charge must not exceed 30% for standalone lithium-ion batteries when shipped by sea. ↩
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Shippers must book through a carrier permitted to handle IMDG dangerous goods and provide a marine pollutant mark if batteries meet pollutant criteria. ↩ ↩ ↩
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Every consignment requires a Dangerous Goods Declaration form endorsed by a certified dangerous goods safety advisor. ↩
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Consolidation of multiple battery shipments is restricted; each consignment must meet weight and volume limits per container to avoid overpacking. ↩
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Using a freight forwarder experienced in DG sea freight expedites documentation, booking, and compliance with both Chinese export controls and Philippine import regulations. ↩
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Customs clearance in the Philippines often requires pre-registration with the Philippine Ports Authority and submission of the battery technical data sheet. ↩
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Packages must bear the Class 9 diamond-shaped hazard label, the lithium battery handling label, and include “UN 3480” or “UN 3481” markings on the outer packaging. ↩ ↩
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Transit times are typically 14–21 days, but expedited services are available at higher rates and may require roll-on/roll-off vessel booking for faster handling. ↩ ↩
