Classify the Battery First
| Product Type | UN Number | Typical HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion cells or packs | UN3480 | 8507.60.00 | Standalone cells above 100Wh need full DG handling |
| Lithium-ion contained in equipment | UN3481 | 8507.60.00 | Laptops, scooters, e-bikes |
| Lithium-metal | UN3090/3091 | 8506.50.00 | Often restricted on passenger flights |
Paperwork Checklist
- •UN38.3 test summary for the exact cell or pack
- •Material Safety Data Sheet issued within three years
- •Dangerous Goods Declaration (air) or DG manifest (sea)
- •Packing Instruction references (PI965-PI970) on AWB or B/L
- •Battery labels showing watt-hour rating, recycling logos, caution text
Transport Rules by Mode
- •Air freight: Follow IATA DGR, keep state of charge under 30 percent, and expect carrier-imposed parcel limits.
- •Sea freight: IMDG booking plus segregation from foodstuffs; allow four extra days at origin for DG inspections.
- •Express air service: DHL, UPS, and FedEx need pre-approval and product data sheets before pickup.
On Arrival in Australia
- DAFF may order X-ray to confirm no undeclared batteries.
- ABF checks invoices for accurate descriptions like "power bank" or "lithium battery pack".
- ACCC expects proof of RCM compliance for powered devices and chargers.
Mistakes to Avoid
- •Mixing different chemistries inside the same carton without updated paperwork
- •Reusing generic UN38.3 reports that do not match the cell model
- •Forgetting to insulate terminals with tape or caps
- •Letting untrained staff sign Dangerous Goods Declarations
Spotyard's DG team reviews documentation before pickup so you avoid airport storage and rework fees.
Request a DG Compliance Review | Shipping Calculator
How Spotyard Helps
Our licensed customs brokers and compliance team handle:
- •HS code validation, tariff concession checks, and valuation memos
- •DAFF biosecurity submissions, inspection bookings, and audit support
- •Automated duty/GST calculations synced with your BAS workflow