Mandatory 30% Charge: From 1 January 2026, the 30% State of Charge (SoC) limit is a strict legal requirement for battery-powered vehicles in our air network, enforced by the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
New UN Classifications: You must use UN 3556 for Lithium-ion and UN 3558 for Sodium-ion vehicles to ensure correct documentation and smooth clearance with Bea dan Cukai.
Air Express Focus: Shipping via our time-definite air network provides the fastest, most secure path for high-value e-mobility components across the Indonesian archipelago.
Digital Proof: You must link your UN 38.3 test summaries and SoC declarations via QR codes on all shipping documents for instant verification.
Shipping electric vehicles (EVs) in 2026 involves navigating the complexities of large-scale dangerous goods. As a partner who understands the unique logistics of Indonesia, we know the rules have shifted from best practice to mandatory international laws with significant penalties. These regulations require a deep understanding of IATA safety standards to keep your shipments moving smoothly from Soekarno–Hatta Airport to their final island destination without delays.
The 30% State of Charge (SoC) rule is now law for all battery-powered vehicles in air freight. Under the IATA 67th Edition, any vehicle with a battery exceeding 100Wh must be at 30% SoC or less.
Immediate Rejection: If your vehicle arrives for its flight with a 50% charge, it will be rejected, creating costly delays.
Extra Costs: Missed flight windows and storage fees at the airport can quickly impact your profit per unit.
Small Vehicles: These rules apply just as strictly to e-scooters and e-bikes, which are increasingly popular in Indonesia.
Special Permits: You need a formal Special Provision A331 approval if a vehicle must ship at a higher charge for technical reasons.
We are here to help you understand these energy levels so they always match your declaration. A variance can lead to surcharges of around IDR 4,000,000 per pallet if you do not plan for these specific handling needs.
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For a business operating across our vast archipelago, moving electric vehicles via air express provides a level of speed and security that other modes simply cannot match. Our global network is built to handle the technical needs of 2026 e-mobility, connecting Indonesia to the world.
Speed of Recovery: Air express reduces the time your capital is tied up in transit, which is vital for high-value assets.
Climate Control: Our hubs provide a controlled environment that helps protect sensitive electronics from heat and humidity.
Priority Handling: Time-definite shipments get first-on, first-off priority on our dedicated aircraft.
Global Access: We reach over 220 countries and territories to support your global and inter-island fleet goals.
The year 2026 has introduced specific UN numbers to replace generic codes, a change that helps emergency responders and customs officials. Using the wrong code on your commercial invoice is a major red flag for inspectors at any Indonesian port of entry.
UN 3556: This is the standard for most EVs powered by Lithium-ion batteries.
UN 3557: This applies to vehicles powered by Lithium-metal batteries often found in industrial gear.
UN 3558: This is for the newer Sodium-ion batteries becoming common in budget e-mobility.
Maturity Check: If you're shipping from manufacturing hubs like Batam, ensure your suppliers use these 2026 codes.
Sodium-ion vehicles are generally lower risk because they can be discharged to zero volts without damage. However, they are still regulated under the same 30% SoC rules as lithium.
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Customs authorities now demand a full safety biography of the battery inside the vehicle. Without the right lab proof and declarations, including any required Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) certifications for components, your shipment will be held for a manual audit.
UN 38.3 Test Summary: This is the lab proof that the battery passed rigorous safety tests.
SoC Declaration: A formal statement confirming the battery is at 30% or less.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): This must reference the 2026 IATA 67th Edition regulations.
Digital Access: Our MyDHL+ platform lets you upload QR codes for these summaries directly onto your waybill.
This ensures that the Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (DJBC), also known as Bea dan Cukai, can verify your data instantly. For certain vehicles, you must also follow specific 12-digit HS code requirements to benefit from any import duty exemptions.
EVs are classified as Dangerous Goods in Apparatus. They require specific Class 9 Hazard Labels that must be visible on the packaging or the vehicle itself. The 2026 labels combine symbols for both Lithium and Sodium-ion risks.
Class 9 Label: This is the primary mark for miscellaneous dangerous goods.
CAO Label: This is mandatory if the battery size exceeds passenger aircraft limits.
Battery Mark: This is for vehicles that do not meet the full exceptions.
Safety Compliance: We follow Packing Instruction (PI) 952 to ensure your vehicle is handled according to air safety standards.
Ensuring these labels meet the standards of the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation is critical. A single missing sticker can lead to a fine of IDR 80,000,000 or more per shipment.
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The trend is moving toward digital visibility to provide real-time monitoring. This visibility is becoming a requirement for high-value insurance policies on luxury EV shipments, offering peace of mind.
Thermal Monitoring: We use SmartSensor tech to help track temperature and humidity during transit.
Instant Alerts: You can receive notifications if your shipment encounters unexpected conditions.
Peak Planning: Space for dangerous goods can tighten during the busy Hari Raya Idul Fitri (Lebaran) period, which often sees significant clearance delays.
Early Scheduling: Booking your shipments early ensures you get the capacity you need, avoiding the pre-holiday rush.
Navigating the 2026 battery regulations requires a partner who understands the technical nuances of dangerous goods and the specific logistical landscape of Indonesia. By mastering the SoC rules and the new UN classifications, you can turn a major logistics risk into a smooth, trusted operation. Speak to a DHL specialist today to check your fleet plan and move your vehicles with confidence.
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You must ensure the battery is at 30% charge or less. You also need to use specific new UN numbers like UN 3556 or UN 3558 and provide a UN 38.3 test summary to prove the battery is safe for transport, in line with IATA and local Indonesian DGCA regulations.
It is a safety rule designed to reduce the risk of fire during flight. Batteries with lower energy levels are much less likely to experience a thermal event if they are damaged during transit.
DHL Express focuses on international air express services. For ocean freight or large-scale containerised shipping, which may be suitable for movements to major ports like Tanjung Priok, we recommend speaking with our colleagues in DHL Global Forwarding.
UN 3556 is for Lithium-ion powered vehicles, while UN 3558 is for the newer Sodium-ion technology. You must use the correct code on your documentation to avoid delays with Bea dan Cukai and to help emergency responders.
We use digital platforms like MyDHL+ that allow you to upload safety summaries and declarations directly to your waybill. Our specialists are here to help you ensure your safety data sheets meet the latest 2026 standards, building a trusted relationship for your shipping needs.
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