We Already Have UN38.3. Why Is the Shipment Still Delayed?

8 Battery Shipping Documents Importers Often Overlook

One of the most common questions we hear from battery buyers is:

"You already provided the UN38.3 report. Why can't the shipment move?"

The answer is simple:

Because UN38.3 is important, but it is not the only document involved in lithium battery exports.

In many cases, shipment delays occur not because the batteries are defective, but because someone assumed all the required paperwork had already been prepared.

Based on real export situations, here are eight documents and confirmations that importers should check before production is completed.

1. UN38.3 Test Report

UN38.3 verifies that lithium batteries have passed transportation safety testing.

However, buyers should confirm that:

• The report matches the actual battery model;
• The battery configuration is the same;
• The report applies to the current product version.

A Common Mistake

Assuming one UN38.3 report covers every battery produced by the supplier.

It doesn't.

2. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

MSDS provides information regarding:

• Chemical composition;
• Safety precautions;
• Emergency measures;
• Transportation references.

Freight forwarders frequently request this document.

A Common Mistake

Using outdated versions that do not match the shipped product.

3. Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate

This is one of the most frequently overlooked documents in battery exports from China.

In China, it is commonly known as:

The Outbound Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate.

Many buyers assume that UN38.3 alone is enough.

In reality, most e-bike batteries exceed the exemption limits defined for small lithium batteries.

For example:

• 48V 15Ah = 720Wh;
• 48V 20Ah = 960Wh;
• 52V 20Ah = 1,040Wh;
• 60V 20Ah = 1,200Wh.

These products are often transported as dangerous goods, depending on the shipping method and applicable regulations.

A Common Mistake

The batteries are ready.

The vessel booking is ready.

Then the freight forwarder asks:

"Where is the Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate?"

Only then does everyone realize it was never arranged.

4. Packing Information

Forwarders usually require:

• Carton dimensions;
• Gross weight;
• Net weight;
• Quantity per carton;
• Pallet information.

Without these details, freight quotations and bookings may be delayed.

A Common Mistake

Assuming these details can be prepared at the last minute.

5. Commercial Invoice and Packing List

These documents support customs clearance and payment procedures.

They normally include:

• Product descriptions;
• Quantities;
• Unit prices;
• Total values;
• HS codes.

A Common Mistake

Using vague product descriptions that trigger customs questions.

6. Market-Specific Compliance Documents

Different markets may require different supporting documents.

Depending on the destination, buyers may request:

• CE-related documents;
• Declarations of conformity;
• Local registration support;
• Additional compliance statements.

A Common Mistake

Assuming one set of certificates applies worldwide.

In practice, import requirements often vary not only by country, but also by customer type and distribution channel.

7. Confirmation of UN Number and Shipping Method

Not all battery shipments are classified the same way.

Examples include:

• UN3480 - Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone;
• UN3481 - Batteries packed with or contained in equipment.

The transportation requirements may differ depending on the shipping method.

A Common Mistake

Confirming the route after production instead of before production.

8. Clarify Exactly What the Supplier Will Provide

One simple question prevents many misunderstandings:

"What documents will be included with this shipment?"

For example:

Will the supplier provide:

• UN38.3?
• MSDS?
• Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate?
• Invoice?
• Packing List?
• Additional declarations?

Never assume.

Confirm it in advance.

Final Thoughts

In lithium battery exports, paperwork is just as important as the product itself.

Most shipment delays are avoidable.

The problem is rarely that the documents do not exist.

The problem is that nobody confirmed which documents were actually required until the cargo was ready to ship.

Sometimes, asking one extra question before production begins is enough to prevent weeks of delay later.

In international battery projects, early communication about documentation is often just as important as confirming technical specifications.