With the popularization of electronic products such as electric vehicles, mobile phones, and watches,Lithium batteryAs its core component, the demand has increased dramatically. Lithium batteries are favored for their small size and light weight. However, their flammable nature also brings special challenges to international cargo transportation. International customs have strict regulatory requirements for the export of lithium batteries to ensure the safety of the transportation process. This article will explore the classification of lithium batteries, export regulatory requirements, and common violations to help exporters better understand and deal with this challenge.

1. Lithium battery classification and its UN number

Lithium batteries are divided into three categories according to their usage scenarios and characteristics, including five United Nations numbers (UN numbers), the main classifications are as follows:
1. Lithium batteries transported separately:
?Lithium metal batteries (UN3090)
?Lithium-ion batteries (UN3480)
2. Lithium batteries installed in equipment:
?Lithium metal batteries (UN3091)
?Lithium-ion batteries (UN3481)
3. Lithium battery-powered vehicles or self-propelled devices:
? Common number (UN3171)

The above batteries need to pass a series of UN-mandated tests to ensure their safety for transportation.

2. Lithium battery export supervision requirements

The export of lithium batteries must not only comply with international regulations such as TDG, IMDG Code and ICAO-TI, but also comply with the relevant provisions of my country's "Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law". The specific requirements are as follows:

1. International regulations require:Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods and must be packaged in dangerous goods packaging that complies with international standards, except for specific exemptions.
2. my country's laws and regulations require:
?Packaging manufacturers need to apply for dangerous goods packaging performance inspection.
?Lithium battery companies should purchase dangerous goods packaging that has passed inspection, apply to the customs for use identification, and obtain the "Export Dangerous Goods Packaging Use Identification Result Sheet" (i.e. "Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate").

3. Common violations in exporting lithium batteries and key points for customs inspection

1. Key points of customs inspection:The port customs will verify the "Dangerous Goods Package Certificate" to confirm whether information such as packaging type, UN mark, lithium battery mark and actual export quantity are consistent with the actual goods.
2. Common violations:
? Failure to meet the exemption conditions but failure to apply for a “Hazardous Materials Package Certificate” as required.
?The mark on the outer packaging of the lithium battery is covered or not marked as required.

The following is a brief description of the lithium battery export process:

1. Product classification and testing:First, determine the corresponding United Nations number (UN number) based on the type of lithium battery (such as lithium-ion battery or lithium metal battery) and usage scenario (transported alone, installed in equipment, or driving a vehicle). Secondly, conduct safety tests specified by the United Nations, including but not limited to altitude simulation, short circuit, overcharge and other tests, to ensure the safety of lithium batteries during transportation.
2. Meet the packaging requirements:Apply to the customs for dangerous goods packaging performance inspection and obtain the "Export Dangerous Goods Packaging Performance Inspection Result Sheet". Use dangerous goods packaging that has passed the inspection, and apply to the customs for dangerous goods packaging use appraisal, and obtain the "Export Dangerous Goods Packaging Use Appraisal Result Sheet" (commonly known as "Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate").
3. Prepare export documents:Prepare necessary export documents, including but not limited to contracts, invoices, packing lists, dangerous goods packaging certificates, and other specific documents that may be required depending on the type of lithium battery.
4. Customs declaration:Submit export declaration to customs electronically, including all necessary commodity information and attachments (such as dangerous goods packaging certificate, etc.).
5. Customs inspection:Customs will decide whether to inspect the goods based on the risk assessment results. The inspection will mainly focus on whether the packaging, marking and documents of lithium batteries comply with regulations.
6. Pay taxes and fees and obtain release:After completing the customs declaration, pay any relevant taxes and fees as required by customs. Once customs has reviewed the information and completed all necessary inspections, the goods will be released for transportation.
7. Arrange transportation:Depending on how the lithium batteries are being shipped (by air or sea), arrange the shipping details with the logistics company and ensure that all shipping standards and safety measures are followed.
8. Track the goods and complete the delivery:Use the tracking system provided by the logistics company to monitor the transportation status of the goods until they arrive safely at the destination and are delivered to the recipient.

In summary, the complexity of lithium battery export lies not only in its flammable nature, but also in a series of international and domestic regulatory requirements that need to be followed. Exporters need to have a deep understanding of the classification, regulatory requirements and testing standards of lithium batteries, and ensure that every step of the operation complies with regulations to avoid safety risks and legal risks during transportation. Correct declaration, compliant packaging and clear marking are the key to ensuring the smooth export of lithium batteries.