A branded power bank order can sit in a warehouse for weeks if the battery paperwork is missing. Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods, and every carrier, forwarder and customs office will ask for the same small set of documents. Here is what they are and who provides them.
The documents
- UN38.3 test report: proves the battery cell and pack passed the UN transport tests (altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact, overcharge, forced discharge). Issued by a test lab for the specific cell and pack. Provided by the factory.
- MSDS / SDS: the material safety data sheet for the battery chemistry. Provided by the cell supplier through the factory.
- Watt-hour rating: printed on the product and declared on the shipping documents. A 10,000mAh 3.7V pack is 37Wh. Under 100Wh ships as standard lithium cargo; 100Wh to 160Wh needs extra approval; above 160Wh is rare for promotional products.
- Dangerous goods declaration: prepared by the forwarder using the above, under IATA packing instruction PI965 (batteries alone) or PI966 (batteries packed with equipment). Power banks ship under PI965 Section IB or II depending on quantity.
Air vs sea
Sea freight accepts lithium batteries as Class 9 dangerous goods with the same paperwork and is the usual route for 1,000 units or more. Air is faster but several carriers restrict power banks in bulk, and express couriers charge a dangerous goods surcharge. For samples, most couriers accept up to two units per parcel with the UN38.3 summary attached.
Labels and packaging
Cartons need the lithium battery handling label (UN3480 for batteries alone) and a Class 9 label above certain quantities. Inner packaging must prevent short circuits: each power bank in its own box or sleeve with terminals protected. We pack to these rules by default.
What to ask your supplier before ordering
- Is the UN38.3 report for the exact cell and pack in this model?
- Is the MSDS dated within the last two years?
- What is the Wh rating and is it printed on the housing?
- Can the factory arrange DDP shipping with a forwarder who handles Class 9?
Every Edsonsoon bamboo power bank ships with UN38.3 and MSDS, and we can quote FOB Shenzhen, EXW or DDP with a forwarder who moves Class 9 cargo daily.
Ready to quote? Send the quantity, logo file and destination country through the wholesale quote form, or browse the bamboo wireless charger range and bamboo power banks.
