How to Ship an EV from China: Battery Rules (2026)

Shipping an electric vehicle (EV) from China is not the same as shipping a petrol car. The lithium battery makes the cargo Class 9 dangerous goods, which affects method, documentation and cost. This guide explains what you need to prepare.

1. Why EVs are treated differently

Lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods (UN 3480/3481, Class 9). Carriers require battery compliance documentation before booking, and some RoRo lines refuse EVs entirely or restrict the state of charge. Plan this into your timeline.

2. Documents required

• UN 38.3 test report for the battery
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• State of charge (SoC) declaration — typically ≤ 30%
• Battery capacity and voltage details
• Standard vehicle documents (invoice, title, origin certificate)

See our EV battery compliance page for the full checklist.

3. Shipping method

• Container — the most reliable option for EVs; carriers that accept EVs usually require container stowage with the SoC reduced.
• RoRo — available on some lanes but with restrictions; not all RoRo lines accept EVs, and those that do cap the SoC and require advance approval.

Always confirm EV acceptance with the carrier before booking — we do this as part of the quotation.

4. Loading port and transit

EVs ship from the same ten major Chinese export ports. Transit times are the same as conventional vehicles (25–45 days depending on lane), but booking lead time is longer because of the compliance review.

5. Destination clearance

Destination countries may apply specific rules for EV imports (battery disposal, voltage standards, incentives). We arrange clearance with local partners and flag any EV-specific requirements in advance.

6. How to get a quote

Send us: EV make/model/year, battery capacity, running or not, quantity, origin city in China, and destination port. We reply with the method, compliance requirements, indicative cost and next available sailing.