EV Battery Compliance for Vehicle Exports from China
Electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries are regulated as dangerous goods for ocean transport. Shipping an EV or loose battery from China requires the correct testing, documentation and labelling before the unit is accepted at the port.
Core requirements
- UN38.3 test summary — every lithium cell and battery must have passed the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3 tests.
- MSDS / SDS — a material safety data sheet for the battery chemistry.
- Class 9 labelling — lithium battery handling marks and, for larger batteries, the Class 9 dangerous goods placard.
- Carrier approval — the shipping line must accept dangerous goods; bookings cannot be made on a standard general-cargo basis.
EVs vs loose batteries
A complete electric vehicle is shipped as a Class 9 dangerous goods unit with its installed battery; loose or spare battery packs need additional packaging and documentation. Either way, EV battery compliance must be closed before export clearance.
Plan ahead
Dangerous-goods approvals add lead time. Build the compliance step into your schedule and let us prepare the shipping documents together with export clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship an EV by RoRo?
RoRo carriers accept EVs only with valid battery compliance and dangerous-goods approval; some services restrict or prohibit them, so confirm early.
Is UN38.3 required even for a built-in car battery?
Yes. The installed traction battery must still be covered by a valid UN38.3 test summary and Class 9 marking.
Need a quote for your shipment?
Tell us the vehicle type, origin port in China and destination. We handle lashing, export clearance and destination clearance end-to-end.
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