How to Ship Electronics Internationally

The online market for electronics is booming, making it one of the leading product categories for worldwide e-commerce sales. With this rapid industry growth, lithium batteries have become ubiquitous, powering everyday devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, medical devices, and power tools. However, it's important to note that these batteries are classified as dangerous goods due to their potential hazards. This classification comes with specific regulations on how they can be disposed of, used, and shipped.

For e-commerce businesses selling and shipping products containing lithium batteries internationally, compliance with these dangerous goods regulations is essential to ensure safe and timely delivery. If you've ever wondered, "Can I ship electronics internationally?" the answer is yes—but you must be aware of the specific regulations governing the cross-border shipping of products containing lithium batteries.

In this guide, we will walk you through the key considerations and steps for exporting electronic products from Malaysia, with a particular focus on shipping with DHL Express. 

Destination Country Regulation

When exporting electronics, it is crucial to understand the regulations of the destination country. Even if your products clear the borders of Malaysia, they must also meet the requirements of the receiving country to be successfully imported. 

Each country has its own set of regulations to ensure that electronics are safe for consumers and meet quality standards. Failure to comply can result in shipment delays or outright rejection.

How to Pack Your Electronic Devices

Shipping electronic devices requires careful preparation to ensure they arrive at their destination undamaged.

Follow these 5 steps to properly clean, protect, and package your device for safe shipping.

Step 1: Preparing the device

• Clean and power down: Dust off and clean your electronic device, making sure it is free from any moisture or debris. 

• Completely power down the device to avoid accidental activation during shipping. 

• Protect sensitive areas: Cover buttons, ports, and screens with protective materials like cardboard or electrical tape. 

  Place a thin layer of bubble wrap or foam between the keyboard and screen (if applicable).

Step 2: Securing the device

• Use Original Packaging: If available, repack the device in the original manufacturer's packaging with all inner cushioning materials, as it is designed to protect the device. 
• Alternative Wrapping: If the original packaging is unavailable or damaged, wrap the device in multiple layers of bubble wrap, ensuring a cushioning layer of at least 6 cm thickness. Secure the bubble wrap with tape. Place the wrapped device in a snug-fitting plastic bag to protect against static electricity.

Step 3: Packing using ‘Box-in-Box’ technique

• Select an outer box: Choose a strong outer box at least 14 cm larger than the inner box or wrapped device in all dimensions. For heavier items, use a dual-wall box.
• Avoid second-hand boxes: Do not use second-hand boxes that show signs of wear and tear. The box must be in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, or damage to ensure maximum protection.
• Add filler material: Place 6 cm of filler material at the base of the outer box and place the inner box (or wrapped device) inside, maintaining a 6 cm gap on all sides. 

  Fill the remaining space with additional filler material such as scrunched-up newspaper, foam inserts, packing peanuts, or air pillows to ensure the device is immobile within the box. Gently shake the box to confirm secure packing.

• Include accessories: Place any accessories in the box, ensuring they are also cushioned and secured.

Step 4: Sealing and labeling the package

• Seal the box using H-taping: Use high-quality packing tape to seal all openings of the box. Tape down every seam and along the edges to maximize security and keep the packaging in place. 
• Label the package: Affix the shipping label in the middle of the parcel on a flat surface, avoiding corners or openings. Be careful not to tape over any important details, especially the barcode. 

• Add “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels on at least two sides of the box for easy visibility and to encourage careful handling. 

  If the package contains a lithium-ion battery, include a label indicating this to comply with shipping regulations.

• Final Checks: Gently shake the box again to ensure no internal sliding. Double-check for any openings or weak spots in the sealing. 

• Remove any old labels or barcodes if reusing a box to avoid confusion during transit.

Estimated Cost to Ship Electronics with DHL Express

To estimate the shipping rate from Malaysia to the destination country, get an instant quote via MyDHL+ using this guide or check the shipping base rate on this chart.

For individual shippers, there are 2 service options available:

1. Weight-based shipping
2. Box rate shipping

Weight-based shipping

Rates are determined by the weight of your shipment and categorized by zones.

Check the zone of your destination country on this rate card.

If you're ready to ship, follow this guide to check shipping rates and book your shipment online via MyDHL+.

Flat-rate boxes

This offer is available only at DHL Express outlets.

You get a flat rate based on the box size you choose, determined by shipping zones.

Check available rates and boxes here. 

As an alternative, if you're a business shipper with frequent shipments to the destination country, consider getting a DHL Express business account.

Not only does DHL Express offer a range of shipping services tailored to your business needs, but the discounts your account receives can also be based on shipment volume. Your discount increases with your shipping volume.

How can I ship my electronics from Malaysia using DHL Express?

To send your shipment to the destination country, you can book online, visit any DHL Express outlet near you, or ship using a business account.

Online Booking through MyDHL+

Go to the MyDHL+ website and click 'Create Shipment' to begin.

Step 1: Enter shipment information

Provide details of both the sender and receiver including their names, addresses, emails, and contact numbers.

Step 2: Enter shipment details

Select ‘Packages’ as the type and choose the purpose of your shipment.

Next, fill in the information for each item in your shipment such as description, HS Code, quantity, value, weight, and country of origin.

Select the type of packaging you will use, whether it's your own or one of DHL’s boxes, and input the quantity, weight, and dimensions of the packaging.

Step 3: Arrange delivery 

Select your preferred delivery date and the service type. You can add optional services like GoGreen Plus or Direct Signature for added security and sustainability.

Upload your Customs Documents and decide whether you want to schedule a pickup or drop off at a DHL Service Point.

Step 4: Print the shipping label 

Choose whether you want to print the shipping label yourself or at the Service Point.

Step 5: Review shipment details and pay

Review all the details and the total cost of your shipment. Select your preferred payment method and confirm the transaction.

Check out the complete step-by-step guide here, with detailed explanations and visual examples for each step.

DHL Express Service Point

Visit the nearest DHL Express Service Point with your shipment.

In retail, you can either use the regular shipping method with standard rates or choose Express Easy, where you buy a DHL box at a flat rate and load it with all you can fit. 

DHL Express Business Account 

If you ship regularly,  register for a business account to access exclusive services and discounts.

It takes three days to set up your account. Once it's ready, you can start shipping as a business immediately.