Lithium Metal Battery Shipping (UN3090/UN3091)
Lithium metal battery shipping requires the right UN classification, DG packaging, labels, documents and carrier route before the cargo leaves China. Fexbuy ships non-rechargeable lithium metal cells and batteries from China to the USA, UK, Germany, EU, Canada and Australia under UN38.3, IATA and IMDG requirements.
We handle supplier pickup, DG document review, compliant packing support, export customs, air/ocean/rail routing, DDP/DDU delivery and final-mile coordination for importers, Amazon sellers, equipment brands and manufacturers.
Lithium Metal Battery Shipping Service for UN3090 and UN3091
This service is for lithium metal batteries, also called primary lithium batteries or non-rechargeable lithium batteries. These are not handled the same way as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, so the first step is confirming the exact battery type, UN number and packing condition.
We support shipments including:
- Lithium metal cells or batteries shipped alone
- Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
- Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
- Industrial devices, meters, sensors, medical devices, IoT equipment and electronic products using primary lithium cells
- Carton, pallet, LCL, FCL and air cargo shipments from China suppliers
- Door-to-door delivery under DDP, DDU, FOB or CIF terms
For broader rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery freight options, see our lithium battery shipping service.
UN3090 vs UN3091: Classification Comes First
The most important booking decision is whether your batteries are shipped alone or with equipment. This affects the packing instruction, label set, airline acceptance, sea freight booking and destination customs review.
| Classification | Applies To | Typical Example | Main Shipping Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries shipped alone | Spare primary lithium battery packs, standalone cells | Stricter air acceptance; cargo aircraft restrictions often apply |
| UN3091 packed with equipment | Battery packed in the same shipment but not installed | Device and spare battery in the same carton | Battery must be protected from short circuit and movement |
| UN3091 contained in equipment | Battery installed inside the product | Sensor, meter, tracker or medical device with battery installed | Equipment must prevent accidental activation during transport |
| UN3480 / UN3481 | Lithium-ion batteries | Rechargeable battery packs or products | Different rules based on Wh rating and state of charge |
Do not book a lithium metal shipment as lithium-ion just because the product is “a lithium battery.” Misclassification can lead to carrier rejection, customs holds, repacking costs, return to shipper or penalties.
Lithium Metal vs Lithium Ion: Why the Rules Differ
Lithium metal batteries are usually non-rechargeable and are classified by lithium content per cell or battery. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are normally classified by watt-hour rating and, for some air shipments, state of charge requirements.
For lithium metal cargo, the forwarder must check:
- UN3090 or UN3091 classification
- Lithium content and battery specification
- Whether the battery is alone, packed with equipment or installed in equipment
- Whether the package needs Class 9 lithium battery labels
- Whether cargo-aircraft-only handling applies
- Whether the shipment can move by air or should move by ocean/rail
State-of-charge limits are mainly a lithium-ion concern. For lithium metal batteries, the practical risk controls are correct UN classification, lithium content review, short-circuit protection, strong packaging and carrier acceptance.
IATA, IMDG, Class 9 and Packaging Requirements
Lithium metal batteries are dangerous goods and may fall under Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods depending on the shipment configuration and applicable packing instruction. Air shipments follow IATA DGR and ICAO rules. Sea shipments follow IMDG Code requirements.
Common compliance points include:
- UN38.3 test summary or report for the battery type
- MSDS/SDS matching the shipped battery
- Correct UN number: UN3090 or UN3091
- Correct packing instruction, such as PI968, PI969 or PI970 where applicable
- Terminal protection to prevent short circuit
- Inner packaging that prevents movement and contact between cells or batteries
- Strong outer cartons or UN-certified packaging when required
- Lithium battery mark, Class 9 label and cargo aircraft only label when required
- DG declaration or shipper’s declaration when required by the mode and shipment type
When the packaging is not suitable, our team can coordinate a UN-certified battery packaging service before export.
Shipping Modes and China Export Routes
The best mode depends on urgency, lithium content, UN number, package size, airline acceptance, customs risk and final delivery address.
| Mode | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo air freight | Urgent approved DG shipments | UN3090 is stricter by air and may require cargo aircraft only routing |
| Ocean LCL | Smaller non-urgent shipments | Good for cost control when cartons do not fill a container |
| Ocean FCL | Larger regular shipments | Better control for palletized or container-volume cargo |
| Rail/truck to Europe | Selected EU lanes | Useful when air restrictions or cost make sea/air less attractive |
| DDP/DDU door delivery | Importers and eCommerce sellers | Includes destination customs and final-mile planning based on incoterm |
Exact transit time is confirmed by lane, mode, airline or vessel schedule, DG acceptance and destination customs conditions at the quote stage.
Our 5-Step Shipping Process
- Supplier pickup in China
We collect cargo from your factory, supplier, warehouse or consolidation point in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Yiwu, Ningbo, Shanghai or other China export hubs. - DG review, packing and labeling
Our team checks the UN number, MSDS/SDS, UN38.3, product photos, carton data and packing method. If needed, we arrange DG labels, lithium battery marks, CAO labels and compliant outer packaging. - China export customs
We prepare the export file using invoice, packing list, HS code, cargo description, weights, carton count and DG classification details. - International freight movement
We book the suitable DG route by cargo air, ocean LCL, ocean FCL or selected multimodal routes. - Destination customs and delivery
For DDP or DDU shipments, we coordinate customs clearance, duties/tax handling based on agreed terms and delivery to warehouse, business address, 3PL or Amazon-related destination where applicable.
Documents Needed for a Quote and Shipment
To quote and move a lithium metal battery shipment correctly, send:
- UN number: UN3090 or UN3091
- MSDS/SDS
- UN38.3 test summary or report
- Battery specification sheet showing lithium content
- Product photos and battery photos
- Packing photos if cartons are already prepared
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Carton count, gross weight, net weight and CBM
- Pickup address in China
- Destination country, city and delivery address type
- Preferred incoterm: DDP, DDU, FOB or CIF
- Required mode: air, sea, rail or cheapest compliant option
For normal compliant batteries, do not mix the shipment with damaged, defective, swollen, leaking, recalled, waste or recycling batteries. Those require separate handling under our damaged & defective lithium battery shipping service.
Why Choose Fexbuy for Lithium Metal DG Freight
Fexbuy is a Shenzhen-based DG freight forwarder with 21 years of logistics experience, 98% on-time performance, UN38.3 / IATA / IMDG compliant handling and door-to-door battery shipping routes from China to the USA, UK, Germany, EU, Canada and Australia.
Importers choose us when they need more than a freight rate. We help identify the correct UN number, reduce airline or carrier rejection risk, check document consistency, arrange compliant packing support and plan customs-friendly delivery terms. Our low inspection rate comes from careful pre-shipment document review, correct cargo description and experienced DG routing.
FAQ
What is the difference between UN3090 and UN3091?
UN3090 means lithium metal batteries are shipped alone. UN3091 means lithium metal batteries are packed with equipment or contained in equipment. This difference affects packaging, labels, air acceptance, documents and freight mode.
Can UN3090 lithium metal batteries ship by air?
Sometimes, but UN3090 is more restricted than many battery shippers expect. Passenger aircraft movement is generally not suitable, and cargo-aircraft-only routing may be required. Acceptance depends on lithium content, package type, airline approval and documentation.
Are lithium metal batteries the same as lithium-ion batteries for shipping?
No. Lithium metal batteries are usually non-rechargeable and classified under UN3090 or UN3091. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and usually classified under UN3480 or UN3481. The documents, limits and acceptance checks are different.
What documents are required for lithium metal battery shipping?
A typical shipment needs MSDS/SDS, UN38.3, battery specification, invoice, packing list, cargo photos, packing photos, carton count, weight, CBM, destination details and the correct DG declaration when required.
Can you ship lithium metal batteries by sea?
Yes, many lithium metal shipments move by ocean LCL or FCL when air restrictions, shipment size or cost make sea freight more suitable. The cargo still needs correct UN classification, packaging, labels and IMDG-compliant documentation.
Does Fexbuy provide DDP delivery for lithium metal batteries?
Yes, DDP and DDU options are available for supported lanes. The final quote depends on destination country, customs requirements, duties/taxes, cargo details, mode and delivery address type.
Get a Free Quote for UN3090 or UN3091 Shipping
Send your UN number, MSDS/SDS, UN38.3, battery specification, cargo photos, carton details, weight, CBM, pickup address in China and destination country. Fexbuy will review the DG requirements, recommend the compliant route and quote door-to-door shipping by air, sea or multimodal freight.
Request a Free Quote or send your shipment details via WhatsApp for a fast compliance review.
