Exporting lithium batteries from Australia can be challenging. Whether you're shipping an e-bike battery, power tool battery, equipment containing batteries or standalone lithium-ion batteries, they are generally regulated as dangerous goods for transport.
At DG Solutions Australia, we help individuals and businesses safely package, declare and export lithium batteries from Australia to destinations worldwide.
What Lithium Batteries Can Be Exported?
We can assist with a wide range of lithium battery shipments, including:
- E-bike and electric bicycle batteries
- Power tool batteries
- Lithium batteries for industrial equipment
- Medical and electronic equipment containing batteries
- Spare and replacement lithium batteries
- Prototypes and specialist battery packs
- Equipment packed with lithium batteries
Common classifications include UN3480 – Lithium Ion Batteries and UN3481 – Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment or Packed with Equipment.
The correct classification depends on the battery and how it is being shipped.
Can You Ship an E-Bike Battery Overseas from Australia?
Yes, but most e-bike batteries are considerably larger than the 100 Wh threshold and must be transported as fully regulated dangerous goods.
This means you generally cannot simply place an e-bike battery into a normal courier parcel.
Depending on the shipment, requirements may include:
- UN-approved dangerous goods packaging
- Correct lithium battery markings and Class 9A labels
- Protection against short circuits and accidental activation
- Battery state-of-charge requirements
- UN 38.3 test documentation
- Dangerous Goods Declaration
- Dangerous goods acceptance by the airline or freight carrier
We regularly assist customers who have been told by standard courier services that their e-bike battery cannot be shipped.
Shipping Power Tool Batteries from Australia
Lithium-ion batteries used in drills, saws, lawn equipment and other cordless power tools are also subject to dangerous goods regulations.
The requirements can differ depending on whether the battery is:
Installed in the tool – potentially classified as UN3481, Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment.
Packed alongside the tool – potentially classified as UN3481, Lithium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment.
Shipped by itself – generally classified as UN3480, Lithium Ion Batteries.
Battery watt-hour rating, quantity and method of transport can significantly affect the applicable requirements.
What Is a UN 38.3 Test Summary?
Lithium batteries offered for transport generally need to be of a type that has successfully passed the applicable UN 38.3 testing requirements.
A UN 38.3 Test Summary provides evidence relating to this testing and is an important document when arranging international lithium battery shipments.
If you're exporting a battery, we recommend obtaining the UN 38.3 Test Summary from the battery manufacturer or supplier before arranging freight.
Lithium Battery Packaging and Dangerous Goods Declarations
International air freight is governed by strict dangerous goods requirements. A lithium battery shipment may require specialist packaging, marking, labelling and dangerous goods documentation before an airline will accept it.
DG Solutions Australia can assist with:
- Lithium battery classification
- UN-approved packaging
- Repacking of batteries for air transport
- Dangerous goods labels and markings
- IATA Dangerous Goods Declarations
- Documentation checks
- International dangerous goods freight arrangements
This can be particularly useful for private individuals, businesses, workshops and manufacturers that don't regularly export dangerous goods.
Need to Export a Lithium Battery from Australia?
If you need to ship an e-bike battery, power tool battery, spare lithium battery or battery-powered equipment overseas from Australia, DG Solutions Australia can help determine the correct shipping requirements.
Send us the battery details, including the make and model, watt-hour (Wh) rating, weight, dimensions, destination and UN 38.3 Test Summary where available.
We can then assess the shipment and advise on the appropriate packaging, documentation and freight options.