Requirements for Lithium Battery Exports

 

 

As an increasing number of lithium batteries are exported globally, foreign trade enterprises are highly concerned about how to clear customs for lithium battery exports. This article will provide a detailed breakdown.

I. Definition and Classification of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are those characterized by lithium metal or a lithium alloy as the anode material and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

These batteries are primarily divided into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries are typically non-rechargeable and are considered primary batteries (for a single discharge), such as button cells. Conversely, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, classified as secondary batteries (suitable for repeated use), for example, those found in smart phones.

II. Customs Supervision Requirements for Lithium Battery Exports

TheLaw of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, stipulates that enterprises manufacturing packaging containers for hazardous goods destined for export must apply to a commodity inspection agency for a performance appraisal of these containers. Furthermore, enterprises producing hazardous goods for export are required to apply to the same agency for a usage appraisal of their packaging containers. Hazardous goods using packaging containers that have not passed the appraisal are prohibited from export. In accordance with the above requirements, lithium battery products requiring hazardous goods packaging must not only use packaging that has undergone approved performance inspection but also apply to the local customs authority for a packaging usage appraisal.

III. Common Tips for Lithium Battery Exports

1. How to distinguish the United Nations (UN) numbers for lithium battery products?

According to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods—Model Regulations, batteries and battery packs, including those contained in equipment or packed with equipment, which contain any form of lithium, are to be classified, as appropriate, under the following UN numbers: UN3090—Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries); UN3091—Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment (including lithium alloy batteries); UN3480—Lithiumion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries); UN3481—Lithiumion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment (including lithium ion polymer batteries); UN3536—Lithium batteries, lithiumion batteries, or lithium metal batteries contained in a cargo transport unit; UN3171—Battery-powered vehicles or battery-powered equipment; UN3556—Vehicles powered by lithiumion batteries; UN3557—Vehicles powered by lithium metal batteries. 

2. What does Special Provision 188 (SP188) stipulate?

Provided that the lithium batteries comply with all test requirements of UN38.3 in Part III of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, and meet the requirements of Special Provision 188 in Chapter 3 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods—Model Regulations, exporting enterprises are exempt from applying for dangerous goods packaging performance certification.

(By Liu Changzhi, Ding Qinghao, Jiang Shiming)

 

 

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