Lithium Battery Documents for Electric Scooter Import
Electric scooters with lithium batteries are shipped as Class 9 dangerous goods and need two core documents: a UN38.3 test report proving the cells passed the required safety tests, and an MSDS/SDS describing composition and safe handling. The correct UN number (UN3171, UN3480 or UN3481) depends on whether the battery ships installed, alone or packed with the vehicle. STARGO confirms document readiness per battery configuration before shipment.
Reviewed by Ainne Zhang (Operations Director) · Last verified 2026-07-26
Key facts
- Lithium batteries ship as Class 9 dangerous goods under the IMDG Code (sea) and IATA DGR (air)
- UN38.3 = a test report proving cell safety; MSDS/SDS = a composition and safe-handling data sheet — you need both
- UN3171 (installed in vehicle), UN3480 (batteries alone) and UN3481 (packed with equipment) apply to different shipping configurations
- Air freight is stricter than sea — state of charge and watt-hour limits apply; sea freight is the usual route for scooters
- Lead-acid battery vehicles do not need UN38.3, but may still need an MSDS depending on carrier and route
Why lithium batteries are regulated in transport
Lithium batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, so international transport rules classify them as Class 9 dangerous goods. Two frameworks govern them: the IMDG Code for sea freight and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air freight. Compliance is not optional — a shipping line, airline or freight forwarder will refuse a booking, or hold the cargo, if the correct documents and packaging are missing. For electric scooters and motorcycles, sea freight is the usual route, and the documentation is straightforward to prepare when it is confirmed at the order stage rather than at the port.
UN38.3 test report — what it proves
UN38.3 refers to section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. A UN38.3 test report proves the battery cells and packs have passed a mandatory series of safety tests: altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge and forced discharge. It is the single most important document for shipping a lithium battery, because carriers use it as evidence the battery is transport-safe. The report is specific to a cell and pack design, which is why it is confirmed per battery model and configuration rather than issued generically.
MSDS / SDS — what it covers
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), also called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), describes the battery's chemical composition, hazard classification, first-aid and firefighting measures, handling and storage guidance, and emergency response information. Where UN38.3 proves the battery passed the transport tests, the MSDS tells handlers what the product is and how to deal with it safely. Freight forwarders and some customs authorities ask for the MSDS alongside the UN38.3 report. STARGO can provide the MSDS for the battery configuration on the order.
UN numbers & shipping configuration
| UN number | Configuration | Typical case for scooters |
|---|---|---|
| UN3171 | Battery installed in the vehicle (battery-powered vehicle) | CBU scooters shipped with the battery fitted |
| UN3480 | Lithium batteries shipped on their own | Spare or replacement packs shipped separately |
| UN3481 | Batteries packed with, or contained in, equipment | Battery boxed alongside a knock-down (SKD/CKD) vehicle |
Sea vs air, and state of charge
Sea freight under the IMDG Code is the standard and most economical route for electric scooters, and the one STARGO normally coordinates. Air freight under IATA DGR is far stricter: it applies watt-hour thresholds, and many lithium batteries must be shipped at a reduced state of charge (commonly around 30%) with additional packaging and labelling. Because of this, air shipment of lithium battery vehicles is assessed case by case and depends on the battery model, configuration and state of charge. Tell your supplier the shipping method early so the documents and packaging match the route.
Why forwarders refuse battery shipments — and how to avoid it
- Missing UN38.3 report — confirm availability for the exact battery configuration at the order stage
- Missing or mismatched MSDS — request it with the UN38.3 before booking freight
- Wrong UN number for the configuration — confirm whether the battery ships installed, alone or with the vehicle
- Non-compliant packaging or labelling — use the supplier's dangerous-goods packaging for lithium shipments
- Choosing air freight without checking limits — confirm state-of-charge and watt-hour rules before assuming air is possible
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to import electric scooters with lithium batteries?
The lithium-specific documents are a UN38.3 test report and an MSDS/SDS, on top of the standard trade documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading). The correct UN number (UN3171, UN3480 or UN3481) depends on how the battery is shipped. STARGO confirms UN38.3 and MSDS readiness per battery configuration before shipment.
What is the difference between UN38.3 and MSDS?
UN38.3 is a test report proving the battery passed a mandatory series of transport-safety tests. The MSDS/SDS is a data sheet describing the battery's composition, hazards and safe handling. Carriers typically ask for both: UN38.3 to accept the battery for transport, and the MSDS so handlers know how to deal with it.
Can electric scooters with lithium batteries ship by air?
Air freight of lithium batteries is possible but tightly regulated under IATA DGR, with watt-hour thresholds and a reduced state of charge often required. For electric scooters, sea freight is the usual and more economical route. Air feasibility is assessed case by case based on the battery model, configuration and state of charge — discuss it with STARGO before ordering.
Why did my freight forwarder refuse the shipment?
The most common reasons are a missing UN38.3 report or MSDS, the wrong UN number for how the battery is packed, or non-compliant dangerous-goods packaging. All are avoidable by confirming the battery documents and shipping configuration at the order stage. STARGO prepares the document set to match the agreed route.
Do lead-acid battery scooters need UN38.3?
No. UN38.3 applies to lithium batteries. Lead-acid batteries follow different transport rules and do not need a UN38.3 report, although a carrier may still ask for an MSDS depending on the route. If local service simplicity and shipping simplicity are priorities, lead-acid can be the lower-friction choice for some markets.
Does STARGO provide UN38.3 and MSDS for its batteries?
Yes. UN38.3 and MSDS documentation readiness depends on the battery model and configuration and is confirmed per order before shipment. STARGO builds its lithium packs in-house with its own BMS, and advises dealers on the correct document set for their shipping route and market.
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