Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods because of their energy content, so both sea and air shipments are regulated. The exact rules differ, and air transport is generally the stricter of the two.

What Are the Differences Between Sea and Air Shipping Requirements?

Common Requirements for Both Modes

Nearly every shipment needs a UN38.3 test summary, an MSDS/safety data sheet, and proper packaging and marking. Cells and packs must pass the UN38.3 test series before they can be shipped commercially, regardless of the transport mode.

How Air Shipping Is Stricter

Air freight typically imposes tighter limits on state of charge, packaging specifications and quantity per package, and requires specific dangerous-goods handling and documentation. Shipments must be prepared by trained, certified personnel and packed to prevent accidental short circuits.

Sea shipping shares the core UN38.3 and MSDS requirements but generally applies different packaging and labeling expectations. Because rules change and depend on battery type and destination, always confirm the current requirements with your forwarder and carrier before booking. Keep in mind that rules also distinguish between cells shipped alone and cells packed with equipment, so the classification must match the actual shipment. Exact documentation is defined per shipment and subject to project evaluation.