Lithium Battery Shipping Rules: IATA Checklist for Exporters

Key Takeaways

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• The 30% SoC rule has expanded: From 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment under PI 966 face new State of Charge (SoC) requirements. Batteries contained in equipment under PI 967 are treated differently, so knowing the correct Packing Instruction is essential.
• UN 38.3 Test Summaries must be accessible: Manufacturers and subsequent distributors must make the relevant test summary available upon request. A QR code or URL can make digital access easier, but a QR code is not mandatory for every shipment.
• Battery chemistry and configuration matter: Lithium-ion, lithium-metal and sodium-ion batteries have different UN numbers and Packing Instructions depending on whether they are shipped alone, packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
• Check before you ship: Lithium and sodium-ion batteries are regulated as dangerous goods by air. DHL Express accepts only certain battery shipments, and some require prior approval.

Lithium batteries power products we use every day, from smartphones and laptops to power tools, medical devices and business electronics. But when these products are shipped internationally by air, additional safety requirements apply.

In 2026, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), 67th Edition introduce updated requirements affecting certain battery shipments.

For exporters, the goal is not to memorise every technical rule. What matters most is understanding what type of battery you are shipping, how it is packed and what you need to prepare before handover.

Which batteries are affected by the 30% State of Charge rule in 2026?

One of the key changes in 2026 concerns the State of Charge (SoC) of certain lithium-ion batteries.

From 1 January 2026, some lithium-ion batteries that are packed with equipment must be shipped at no more than 30% SoC. Batteries that are already installed inside equipment may be treated differently, and in some cases IATA recommends a reduced charge rather than making it a general mandatory requirement.

This is why the 30% rule should not automatically be applied to every battery shipment.

Before shipping, check:

• whether the battery is lithium-ion or lithium-metal;
• whether the battery is being shipped separately or together with a product;
• whether it is packed with equipment or already installed inside it; and
• the size and energy rating of the battery.

Important: If you are unsure whether your shipment is subject to the 30% SoC requirement, check with a Dangerous Goods specialist before packing or shipping rather than applying the rule based on assumption.

What is a UN 38.3 Test Summary, and do you need one?

Many lithium batteries must pass safety testing under UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Subsection 38.3 before they can be transported.

The UN 38.3 Test Summary provides key information showing that a particular battery type has passed the relevant transport safety tests. It is normally provided by the battery manufacturer or distributor.

What shippers need to know:

• The Test Summary should be accessible: You should be able to obtain the document that matches the battery model being shipped if it is requested.
• It does not normally need to accompany every shipment: IATA does not generally require a paper copy to be placed inside every package.
• A QR code is not mandatory: A QR code or URL can make the document easier to access online, but it is not required on every shipment.
• The document must match the battery: The battery model, manufacturer and other identifying information should be traceable to the correct Test Summary.

If you source batteries or battery-powered products from a supplier, it is a good idea to request the UN 38.3 Test Summary before you begin planning the shipment, rather than trying to obtain it on the day of pickup.

How should lithium batteries be packed and labelled?

Packaging and labelling requirements are not identical for every battery shipment. They depend on the battery type, size and how it is packed with the product.

However, there are some basic checks every shipper should make:

• Prevent short circuits: Battery terminals should be protected from contact with metal or other conductive materials.
• Prevent movement: Batteries and equipment should be securely packed so they cannot move or be damaged during transport.
• Prevent accidental activation: Battery-powered equipment should be packed so it cannot switch on unintentionally during transit.
• Use the correct marks and labels: Not every battery shipment requires the same Battery Mark or hazard label.
• Check route-specific requirements: Some countries and airlines may apply additional conditions beyond the basic IATA requirements.

Batteries that are damaged, swollen, leaking, recalled or suspected of being defective present a higher safety risk. DHL Express does not accept batteries known or suspected to be defective or damaged.

How do you ship the new Sodium-ion entries?

In addition to lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, sodium-ion batteries are also regulated as Dangerous Goods for air transport.

The requirements depend on how the battery is shipped, for example whether it is:

• Shipped separately;
• Packed together with equipment; or
• Already installed inside equipment

Applicable sodium-ion batteries are also subject to UN 38.3 testing, and certain shipment configurations have State of Charge requirements or recommendations.

If your business is beginning to use sodium-ion batteries, do not assume they can be shipped in the same way as ordinary batteries. The classification and transport requirements should be checked before shipping.

Checklist: What should you check before shipping batteries internationally?

You do not need to memorise every Packing Instruction or technical code, but you should be able to answer these questions before creating the shipment.

• 1. What type of battery is it?
  Lithium-ion, lithium-metal, sodium-ion or another battery type?
• 2. How is the battery being shipped?
  Is it shipped separately, packed with equipment or already installed inside the equipment?
• 3. Does the State of Charge requirement apply?
  Check whether the shipment falls under the 30% SoC requirement or another applicable recommendation.
• 4. Do you have the UN 38.3 Test Summary?
  Confirm with the manufacturer or supplier that the correct document is available for the battery model.
• 5. Is the battery in good condition?
  Do not ship batteries that are swollen, leaking, damaged, recalled or suspected of being defective.
• 6. Is the shipment packed and labelled correctly?
  Check the packaging, terminal protection, marks and labels required for the specific shipment.
• 7. Are there additional destination or airline requirements?
  Rules can vary by route, so these should be checked before handover.
• 8. Does DHL Express accept this type of battery shipment?
  DHL Express accepts only certain lithium battery shipments, and some shipment types are limited to customers with prior approval.

Does DHL Express accept every lithium battery shipment?

DHL Express Thailand accepts certain lithium battery shipments in line with IATA requirements and DHL's own acceptance conditions.

Acceptance may depend on:

• Battery type and size;
• How the battery is packed with the product;
• Origin and destination;
• Airline restrictions; and
• Account type or prior DHL approval.

For example, certain batteries packed with equipment or contained inside equipment may be accepted when the applicable requirements are met, while other battery shipments may require prior approval.

If you are unsure whether your battery or battery-powered product can be shipped, the safest approach is to check with DHL Express before creating the shipment.

Your battery supply chain ready for the 2027 shift?

Battery shipping rules can appear complicated because the requirements depend not only on battery chemistry but also on size, packing configuration and transport route.

By working with the right logistics partner, you can turn these complex safety rules into a competitive advantage. Speak to a DHL specialist in Thailand today to review your product catalogue and ensure you can ship your batteries with confidence and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions