A power bank ships as UN3480, “lithium ion batteries”, because the power bank is itself a battery. That is the most important fact for planning freight, and the one buyers most often get wrong. UN3480 is the strictest lithium-ion category for air transport: on passenger aircraft it is forbidden, and on cargo aircraft it must be shipped at a state of charge of no more than 30%. Products that only contain a battery, such as a solar radio with a built-in cell, usually ship as UN3481 instead, and since 1 January 2026 a 30% state-of-charge limit also applies to some UN3481 shipments.
This guide is for importers planning sea or air freight of power banks, solar power banks, hand warmer power banks and emergency radios. It explains the UN numbers, the documents your forwarder will ask for and how to choose between sea and air. Dangerous goods rules are detailed and change every year, so confirm the requirements for each shipment with your forwarder and the current IATA DGR or IMDG Code.
Which UN Number Applies?
| UN number | Description | Our products |
|---|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium ion batteries (shipped on their own) | Power banks, solar power banks, wireless and magnetic power banks, hand warmer power banks* |
| UN3481, packed with equipment | Batteries in the same package as the device they power | For example, a spare battery packed with a device |
| UN3481, contained in equipment | Battery installed inside the device | Emergency radios with a built-in cell, such as our solar hand crank radios |
*Classification depends on the product’s main function. Because a hand warmer power bank is also a power bank, forwarders often treat it as UN3480. Ask your forwarder to confirm.
Air Freight Rules in Brief
- UN3480 (power banks): cargo aircraft only, state of charge not more than 30% of rated capacity, packed and labeled under the relevant IATA packing instruction.
- UN3481 packed with equipment: from 1 January 2026, the 30% state-of-charge limit became mandatory for batteries above 2.7 Wh under the relevant packing instruction.
- UN3481 contained in equipment: a state of charge of 30% or less is recommended.
Express couriers apply their own rules on top of IATA’s. Many accept power banks only on specific services or not at all. Check before you promise a delivery date.
Sea Freight
For distributor volumes, sea freight is normal. Lithium batteries ship under the IMDG Code as class 9 dangerous goods. Your forwarder books the container as dangerous goods, and the shipping line may need advance approval. Expect:
- Dangerous goods declaration
- UN38.3 test summary for each battery type
- SDS/MSDS
- Correct UN packaging marks and class 9 labels
- Possibly a packaging certificate or other documents, depending on the port and carrier
Allow extra lead time for dangerous goods bookings, especially before holidays.
Documents We Provide
- UN38.3 test summary for the cell or pack in your model
- SDS/MSDS
- Battery data: chemistry, rated capacity, Wh, weight
- Packaging with correct markings and labels
- State-of-charge setting at packing as required by your transport mode
Tell us early whether goods will fly or sail. It affects how we charge units before packing.
Sea or Air?
| Need | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Large volumes, lowest cost | Sea freight |
| Small urgent samples of a radio with built-in cell | Air or courier, if the service accepts UN3481 |
| Urgent power bank stock | Cargo aircraft at 30% charge, or sea-air options; ask your forwarder |
| Seasonal products such as hand warmers | Book sea freight early instead of relying on air |
For seasonal planning, see our hand warmer power bank guide.
What to Send Us for an Accurate Quote
- Models and quantities
- Transport mode: sea, air or courier
- Destination port or airport and Incoterms
- Your forwarder’s document list, if they have one
Contact our sales team and we will include the shipping documents with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UN number is a power bank?
UN3480, lithium ion batteries, because the power bank is itself a battery.
Can power banks be shipped on passenger aircraft as cargo?
No. UN3480 shipments are restricted to cargo aircraft, at a state of charge of no more than 30%.
What changed for lithium battery shipping in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the 30% state-of-charge limit became mandatory for UN3481 batteries packed with equipment above 2.7 Wh.
Which documents does my forwarder need?
Usually a UN38.3 test summary, SDS/MSDS and a dangerous goods declaration, plus correct packaging marks.