Shipping everyday items like clothes or furniture from China is typically easy. However, when it comes to batteries, liquids, or restricted goods, the process gets much more complicated. This is because these items are subject to special shipping rules in both China and the country you are sending them to.
Lithium batteries, which are found in phones, laptops, and power banks, are labeled as dangerous goods due to their fire hazard during air transport. Likewise, liquids such as cosmetics, chemicals, or essential oils must meet strict packaging and labeling requirements. Items that are restricted, like aerosols, perfumes, and medical supplies, also undergo extra checks.
In this guide, we will explain everything importers need to know about shipping batteries, liquids, and restricted items from China, including costs, compliance needs, and how freight forwarders can help simplify the process. Let’s get started!
Why First-Time Importers Struggle with Restricted Cargo
- Confusing rules: Different regulations apply based on whether you are shipping by air or sea, and each shipping company may have its own extra rules.
- Unclear product categories: Many newcomers don’t know that some items (like power banks or nail polish) are considered hazardous and need special handling codes.
- High expenses: Additional charges for handling dangerous goods, packaging, labeling, and paperwork often surprise importers.
- Supplier errors: Some suppliers from China lack experience in dangerous goods shipping and might not provide all the necessary paperwork, which can cause delays at customs. Read our guide on 1688 Vs. Pinduodo: which is best for first time importers.
- No insurance: New importers often skip getting cargo insurance, putting them at financial risk if restricted items are lost, damaged, or taken.
What Are Dangerous Goods (DG) in International Shipping?
“Dangerous goods (DG)” are items that can harm health, safety, property, or the environment while being transported. These products get grouped based on their chemical, physical, or biological traits and must meet strict rules for packaging, labeling, and paperwork before they can be shipped to other countries.
When shipping DG cargo from China, you need to be extra careful. Not following the rules can result in customs rejecting your shipment, fines, or even having your cargo taken away.
Common Restricted Items When Importing from China
- Lithium batteries can be found on their own, in electronic devices, or included with gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and power banks.
- You can find liquids and chemicals in products like cosmetics, perfumes, essential oils, cleaning supplies, and industrial chemicals.
- Aerosols and sprays include items such as deodorants, hair sprays, and paint sprays.
- Magnetic materials are present in speakers and various electronic parts.
- Flammable items consist of products that are alcohol-based, paints, and adhesives.
- Medical supplies include certain medicines, diagnostic kits, or lab samples.
Shipping Lithium Batteries from China Safely
Rules for Lithium-Ion vs. Lithium-Metal Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) are commonly found in laptops, smartphones, tablets, drones, and power tools. They are classified as UN3480 when shipped by themselves or UN3481 when they are included with other equipment. These batteries must pass the UN38.3 test to ensure they are safe for shipping.
On the other hand, lithium-metal batteries (non-rechargeable) are used in watches, medical devices, calculators, and some remote controls. They fall under the classifications of UN3090 when shipped alone or UN3091 when packed with equipment. There are stricter regulations for these batteries because lithium metal can react strongly with water and has a higher risk of catching fire.
UN3480 and UN3481 Packaging Requirements
Lithium battery shipments need to follow UN packaging rules:
- They should use sturdy outer packaging, like fiberboard boxes or metal containers, to keep the batteries safe from movement and crushing.
- There must be protection against short circuits. This can be done with insulating materials, non-conductive dividers, or by packing each battery cell separately.
Also, they need clear markings and warning labels that include:
- The UN number (like UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, or UN3091)
- A lithium battery handling label that has a phone number for emergencies
- A Class 9 hazardous material label to show it is a miscellaneous dangerous good.
How to Ship Liquids from China Without Delays
Cosmetics, Chemicals, and Alcohol Restrictions
Cosmetics and Skincare (lotions, perfumes, nail polish):
- Many beauty products have flammable alcohols or solvents, which makes them classified as dangerous goods according to IATA/IMO regulations.
- Importers must obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Dangerous Goods (DG) declarations before they can ship these items.
Chemicals (cleaning agents, solvents, paints, adhesives):
- These are tightly regulated under UN hazard classifications. Certain chemicals cannot be shipped by air at all; the only way to transport them is by sea freight with proper DG declarations.
- Customs requires clear labeling, accurate HS codes, and safety documents for the chemicals.
Alcohol and Beverages (wine, spirits, medicinal liquids):
- Products with a high alcohol content (>24%) are considered hazardous cargo.
- When shipping these items, you must declare the alcohol percentage, volume, and type of packaging used.
- Depending on the country of the importer, duties and excise taxes may apply.
Packaging and Labeling Guidelines for Liquid Cargo
Proper packaging is essential to avoid leaks, contamination, and issues with regulations.
Primary Packaging:
- Choose leak-proof bottles, jars, or containers that have secure seals.
- They should be able to handle pressure changes during air or sea transport.
Secondary Packaging:
- Use absorbent materials such as padding, foams, or absorbent sheets to manage spills.
- Opt for strong outer cartons, drums, or crates to safeguard the primary containers.
Labeling Requirements:
- Include UN hazard labels based on the type of liquid (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.).
- Add instructions like “This Side Up” and “Handle with Care.”
- Make sure to include international markings such as UN numbers (for example, UN1170 for ethanol).
- Provide the shipper’s declaration and emergency contact information.
Restricted Items Importers Often Overlook
Electronics, Perfumes, and E-Cigarettes from China
Electronics:
- Laptops, smartphones, and power banks typically have lithium batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods (DG).
- When shipping these items, you need to provide UN3480/3481 declarations and use certified packaging.
- Some countries may also require certifications like CE, FCC, or RoHS for customs clearance.
Perfumes and Fragrances:
- Many perfumes have flammable alcohols in them, so they are considered flammable liquids. Importers must have MSDS documentation, DG labeling, and leak-proof packaging.
- Due to fire hazards, certain airlines and courier services might completely ban the shipment of perfumes.
E-Cigarettes and Vape Products:
- These products are seen as high-risk cargo because they often include liquids (e-juice), batteries, and heating devices.
- They face strict regulations in many countries, with some regions like the Middle East and parts of Asia banning them altogether.
- Importers should check the specific vaping laws in each country before shipping.
Customs Clearance for Restricted Shipments from China
Why HS Codes Matter for Batteries and Liquids
HS codes, also known as Harmonized System codes, categorize every product involved in international trade. For items that have restrictions, HS codes help decide:
- The import duties and taxes that need to be paid.
- If a product is considered dangerous goods (DG).
- Whether special licenses or permits are necessary before the product can be cleared.
Key Documentation: MSDS, Permits, and Certificates
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Details the chemical makeup, flammability, and how to handle substances. It is required for liquids, chemicals, and batteries.
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): Verifies that the cargo complies with IATA/IMO rules for transporting dangerous goods. This is necessary for air and sea shipments that include restricted items.
- Import Permits and Licenses: Certain countries need government-issued permits for products such as medical supplies, alcohol, or chemicals. Without these permits, customs may hold or refuse the shipment.
- Certificates of Conformity (CoC): Demonstrates that electronic devices or medical products meet safety regulations. These certificates are often required before customs will release the goods.
For a better understanding, read our guide on what to do during a customs hold.
Freight Forwarder Necessity for Restricted Imports
How a Freight Forwarder Simplifies DG Compliance
- Correct Classification: Makes sure your shipment is labeled with the right HS code and recognized correctly as dangerous goods (DG).
- Packaging Assistance: Provides advice on using UN-certified packaging and labels that comply with IATA (for air freight) or IMO (for sea freight) rules.
- Documentation Support: Prepares and submits necessary documents, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), DG Declarations, permits, and certificates.
- Route Planning: Selects the safest and most affordable transportation method (air, sea, or a combination) based on the type of restricted goods.
- Customs Liaison: Manages customs clearance directly to minimize delays, fines, or the risk of confiscation.
- Insurance Guidance: Assists importers in obtaining cargo insurance specifically for DG shipments to cover higher risks.
Choosing the Right Forwarder for Dangerous Goods
- DG Certification: Make sure the forwarder has IATA DG certification for air freight or is trained in IMO DG handling for sea freight.
- Experience with Restricted Cargo: Check if they have experience shipping items like lithium batteries, liquids, or chemicals from China.
- Strong Global Network: Forwarders who have customs brokers and local agents in both China and your destination country can solve problems more quickly.
- Clear Compliance Guidance: A reliable forwarder helps importers understand compliance instead of leaving them confused.
- Transparent Pricing: Look for clear information about DG surcharges, packaging fees, and customs charges to avoid unexpected expenses.
Read our guide on the top 10 freight forwarders in China.
Common Mistakes Importers Make with Restricted Goods
Wrong HS Code and Poor Documentation
- Wrong Use of HS Codes: Many importers think that all electronics, liquids, or chemicals have the same HS/HTS codes. Choosing the incorrect code can lead to customs rejections, surprise tariffs, or fines.
- Missing Documents: Restricted items usually need Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), declarations for dangerous goods, permits, and special certificates. Not having complete paperwork is a frequent cause of delays and penalties.
Solution: Always check HS codes with your supplier, freight forwarder, or an official customs database. Partner with a skilled forwarder who can examine and prepare the necessary documents before shipping.
Ignoring Cargo Insurance for Dangerous Shipments
- Underestimating Risk: Items like lithium batteries, perfumes, and chemicals can easily catch fire, leak, or get damaged while being shipped. If importers don’t have cargo insurance, they could face huge financial losses if anything goes wrong.
- False Sense of Security in Carrier Liability: Many people think that the shipping company will take care of all damages, but the basic liability from carriers is limited and usually doesn’t cover dangerous items.
Solution: Get specialized cargo insurance for dangerous goods shipments to guard against accidents, theft, and natural disasters. It’s a small price to pay compared to the potential losses.
Cost Factors in Shipping Batteries and Liquids from China
Dangerous Goods Surcharges and Handling Fees
- DG Surcharges: Airlines, shipping companies, and warehouses impose extra fees when they transport dangerous goods such as lithium batteries, perfumes, or chemical liquids because of stricter safety rules.
- Packaging and Labeling Costs: Dangerous goods shipments need to meet UN-approved packaging and labeling requirements, which may lead to additional charges from suppliers or freight forwarders.
- Storage and Inspection Fees: If customs or carriers decide to inspect your shipment, you might incur extra costs for storage, testing, or meeting regulations.
- Forwarder Service Fees: Specialized freight forwarders for dangerous goods usually charge higher fees for their services since they manage complicated paperwork, permits, and compliance issues.
How to Calculate Landed Cost for Restricted Imports
- Product Cost: This is the price set by the supplier at the factory.
- Freight Charges: You can choose between air freight, which is quicker but costs more for items like batteries and liquids, or sea freight, which is cheaper but has certain restrictions from IMO rules.
- DG Surcharges: These are extra fees for handling those carriers, warehouses, and forwarder may charge.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: These depend on HS codes, tariffs, and local import regulations.
- Insurance Costs: This is especially important when shipping dangerous goods.
- Last-Mile Delivery: This refers to the transportation costs from the port or airport to your final destination.
Insurance for Dangerous Goods Shipments
Why Cargo Insurance Is Essential for Restricted Items
- High Accident Risk: Lithium batteries can get too hot, leak liquids, and release harmful chemicals when being handled. Cargo insurance makes sure you get paid if your items are lost or damaged.
- Carrier Limitations: Airlines and shipping companies usually limit their responsibility based on weight instead of the true value of the items. This could lead to significant financial loss if something goes wrong.
- Peace of Mind: With insurance, importers can feel safe knowing they’re covered against fire, theft, leaks, or even losing an entire container, risks that happen more often with dangerous goods.
Risks of Undervaluing Shipping Insurance Coverage
- Partial Compensation: If you report a lower value for your items to save on insurance costs, the money you get back may not be enough to cover your actual loss.
- Policy Exclusions: Some insurance companies might deny claims if they find out that you intentionally reported a lower value for the shipment.
- Hidden Costs: Even with partial insurance coverage, importers could still face expenses for getting rid of damaged goods, cleaning up messes, or replacing items.
- Reputation Risk: Delays from losses that aren’t insured can hurt customer trust and damage relationships with suppliers, which can end up being more expensive than the shipment itself.
Importing Batteries and Liquids: Risk Transfer Explained
Who Is Responsible if Restricted Goods Are Damaged?
- Shipper’s Responsibility (Before Handover): In China, the supplier or exporter must ensure that the packaging is done properly, labels are correct, and necessary documents like the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) are provided. If the goods get damaged due to poor packaging before they are handed over to the carrier, the shipper is responsible for that damage.
- Carrier’s Responsibility (During Transit): After the airline or shipping line accepts the goods, it takes on the responsibility of transporting them safely, but this responsibility has limits. When it comes to dangerous goods, their liability often only covers compensation based on weight rather than the actual value of the items.
- Importer’s Responsibility (After Arrival): Once customs clear the shipment and delivers the goods, the importer takes on responsibility. At this point, having cargo insurance is very important to protect against possible losses.
How Incoterms Affect Restricted Cargo Liability
- FOB (Free on Board): The buyer takes on the risk once the goods are loaded onto the ship. For restricted items, this means the importer is responsible during shipping and needs to get insurance.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The seller offers insurance, but it might only be basic coverage, which isn’t enough for dangerous goods. Importers should check if the policy covers risks related to dangerous cargo.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller takes on most of the risks and costs, including delivery to the buyer’s location. However, not all suppliers will agree to handle restricted items under DDP because of complicated rules.
- DAP (Delivered at Place): The seller handles transport to the specified location, but the buyer must take care of customs clearance, duties, and insurance which are important things to consider when shipping batteries or liquids.
Conclusion
Shipping batteries, liquids, and other restricted items from China is not as simple as shipping regular cargo. With stricter rules, safety concerns, and extra expenses, even minor errors can cause delays in shipments, fines, or financial losses. Every detail counts when handling dangerous goods, from selecting the correct HS codes to making sure you have the right documents and cargo insurance.
At Siyuan Freight, we focus on managing restricted shipments accurately and in line with regulations. Whether you’re importing lithium batteries, cosmetics, or chemicals, we ensure your products are shipped safely without costly issues. Contact us today to ship smarter, safer and with peace of mind.
FAQs
Can I ship lithium batteries by air from China?
Yes, but there are strict IATA rules. Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries need to be packed according to UN3480 or UN3481 standards with the right labels. Many airlines also have limits on how many you can bring and on watt-hour ratings.
Is sea freight always safer than air freight for dangerous goods?
Not always. Even though sea freight has fewer limits on how much you can ship, some chemicals and liquids are still closely monitored. Air freight is quicker but comes with stricter safety rules. Your choice will depend on what you’re shipping and how quickly you need it to arrive.
Can I insure restricted goods shipments the same way as general cargo?
Yes, but the costs for insurance are usually more expensive. Cargo insurance for hazardous materials takes into account risks such as catching fire, leaking, or exploding. If you don’t have the right insurance, you might not have any options if your goods get damaged or lost.
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