Shipping dangerous goods and lithium batteries

Dangerous goods shipping covers any product that could put people, property or the environment at risk in transport, from lithium batteries and aerosols to perfume, nail polish and cleaning products. These items can still be sent, but they have to be classified, packed, marked, labelled and documented correctly, and many carriers set their own limits on top of the legal rules.

More ecommerce products fall into this category than you might expect. Phones, wireless earbuds, power banks, e-bikes, hair styling tools and fragrances can all count as dangerous goods. Getting it wrong can mean rejected parcels, fines, damaged stock or, at worst, a fire in transit.

This guide covers what counts as dangerous goods, the rules for road, air and sea, the lithium battery shipping regulations that changed on 1 January 2026, limited quantities, carrier restrictions, training requirements and a step-by-step process. It also covers what to ask a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider before you hand over your stock.

What counts as dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are substances and articles that can cause harm during transport because they're flammable, corrosive, toxic, under pressure or able to react dangerously. Under the UN system used worldwide, they're divided into nine classes:

Each dangerous substance or article has a four-digit UN number and a proper shipping name, which determines how it must be packed and shipped. The quickest way to check a product is section 14 of its safety data sheet (SDS), which gives its transport classification. Ask your manufacturer for an SDS for any product that could be hazardous.

How strictly a product is regulated also depends on the quantity and the transport mode, so the classification is only the first step.

The rules for each type of transport

Dangerous goods rules differ by transport mode, and a single parcel can travel by more than one. The rules are based on the same UN framework, but the details and limits vary.

Air rules can apply when you don't expect them. International express services often fly, and some domestic parcel networks use aircraft for part of the journey, including for deliveries to Northern Ireland, the Highlands and islands. If any part of a journey might be by air, plan for the air rules.

Carriers can also set stricter rules than the law requires, or refuse some dangerous goods entirely. Always check the carrier's own terms for each service you use.

Lithium battery shipping regulations

Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. They can overheat and catch fire if they're damaged, short-circuited or badly made, and those fires are hard to put out. That's why the rules are detailed, and why carriers check them closely.

Know which type you're shipping

The rules depend on the battery chemistry and whether it's shipped on its own, packed with a device or installed in one:

A phone with its battery inside is "contained in equipment". A camera sold with a spare battery in the box is "packed with equipment". A power bank is a battery on its own. Sodium-ion batteries now have their own UN numbers too.

Check the watt-hour rating

For lithium-ion batteries, the watt-hour (Wh) rating decides which rules apply. It's usually printed on the battery, or you can calculate it: Wh = amp-hours (Ah) × volts (V). A 5,000mAh (5Ah) battery at 3.7V is 18.5Wh.

Small batteries, up to 20Wh per cell and 100Wh per battery, can usually ship under simplified provisions with fewer requirements. Larger batteries, such as those in e-bikes, scooters and some power tools, are fully regulated and need specialist packaging, documentation and trained staff. For lithium metal batteries, the equivalent limits are based on lithium content: 1g per cell and 2g per battery.

Testing, marking and documents

UN 38.3 testing: every lithium cell and battery design must pass the UN 38.3 tests before it can be shipped. Manufacturers and distributors must make a test summary available, so ask your supplier for it.

Lithium battery mark: most packages containing lithium batteries need the lithium battery mark, showing the UN number and a contact phone number. There are limited exceptions, such as small numbers of batteries installed in equipment.

Packaging: batteries must be protected against short circuits and damage, and devices must be protected from switching on accidentally.

State of charge limits for air transport

Lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own by air must be at no more than 30% state of charge. Since 1 January 2026, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations have also made the 30% limit mandatory for lithium-ion batteries over 2.7Wh that are packed with equipment, such as spare batteries in the same box. For batteries installed in devices, a 30% state of charge is recommended.

Damaged and returned batteries

Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries are subject to much stricter rules and are generally prohibited from air transport. Treat returned devices with suspected battery faults carefully, and agree a separate process for them with your 3PL and carriers.

Limited quantities: shipping everyday products

Many everyday dangerous goods, such as aerosols, perfume and nail polish, are sold in small consumer packs. These can often be shipped as limited quantities (LQ), which comes with simpler requirements.

How it works: each dangerous good has a maximum inner pack size for limited quantity shipping, set out in the regulations. If every inner pack is within that limit and the total package stays within the overall weight limit, the shipment can usually go as LQ.

What's simpler: limited quantity shipments by road don't need the full hazard labels, dangerous goods transport documents or specific UN-approved packaging. They do still need strong, good-quality packaging that prevents leaks and breakage.

The LQ mark: packages must carry the limited quantity mark, a diamond with black top and bottom sections and a white centre. Air shipments use a version of the mark with a "Y" in the centre, and the air limits are lower.

What it doesn't cover: lithium batteries follow their own rules and don't use the limited quantity provisions. Larger packs, bulk shipments and many products by air may still need full dangerous goods treatment.

For beauty and personal care brands, limited quantities are usually how fragrances and aerosols ship. Our guide to cosmetic labelling requirements covers the product rules that apply alongside transport rules.

Carrier and postal restrictions

Legal compliance is only half the picture. Every carrier decides which dangerous goods it will accept on each service, and many are stricter than the law.

Royal Mail: lithium batteries sent on their own are prohibited. Batteries installed in or sent with a device are allowed within limits on the number of cells or batteries and their watt-hour rating, typically up to 20Wh per cell and 100Wh per battery. Some other dangerous goods, such as aerosols and perfume, are restricted to UK services and small quantities. International rules are stricter.

Parcel carriers: many couriers accept limited quantities and small lithium batteries in devices on road services, but need a dangerous goods agreement or account for anything fully regulated. Some won't carry certain items at all.

International shipping: air services, destination country rules and customs checks all add restrictions. Fully regulated dangerous goods often need a specialist forwarder.

Marketplaces: Amazon and other marketplaces run their own hazmat review processes, so products may need safety data sheets and classification before they can be listed or sent into a marketplace's warehouse. Our Amazon fulfilment page covers working with 3PLs that support marketplace sellers.

Before you launch a product, check the rules for every carrier and service you plan to use, and keep the evidence.

Training and dangerous goods safety advisers

Anyone whose work involves preparing dangerous goods for transport, including classifying, packing, marking, labelling and completing paperwork, must be trained for their role. That covers your own team if they pack orders, and your 3PL's staff if it does.

Training: road and air rules both require training appropriate to each person's duties, with refresher training at set intervals and records kept. Air training is generally more detailed, and the IATA rules change every year.

Dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA): businesses that consign, pack, load or carry dangerous goods by road usually need to appoint a qualified DGSA. The adviser monitors compliance, advises on procedures and investigates incidents. There are exemptions, for example for businesses that only handle limited quantities, so check whether one applies to you.

Using a 3PL: if your 3PL packs and dispatches your dangerous goods, check that its staff are trained and that it has access to a DGSA. As the brand, you still need to give it accurate product information, including safety data sheets, UN numbers and battery details.

How to ship dangerous goods step by step

Use these steps for every new product that could be hazardous.

1. Classify the product

Get the safety data sheet and check section 14 for the UN number, class and packing group. For lithium batteries, record the chemistry, watt-hour rating or lithium content, and whether batteries are shipped alone, packed with or contained in equipment. Ask for the UN 38.3 test summary.

2. Choose how it will ship

Decide which carriers, services and transport modes you'll use, then check whether the product can go as limited quantities, under the simplified lithium battery provisions or only as fully regulated dangerous goods.

3. Check every carrier's rules

Confirm each carrier accepts the product on the service you want, and whether you need a dangerous goods account or agreement.

4. Pack, mark and label correctly

Use packaging that meets the requirements for the route, protect batteries from short circuits and damage, and apply the correct marks and labels, such as the limited quantity mark or lithium battery mark.

5. Complete the paperwork

Fully regulated shipments need dangerous goods transport documents, and air shipments need a shipper's declaration where required. Simplified provisions may need less, so check the rules for each route.

6. Train your team

Make sure everyone involved has role-appropriate training, and check whether you need a DGSA.

7. Store stock safely

Keep dangerous goods in suitable storage, away from ignition sources, and separate damaged or returned lithium batteries from sellable stock. Check your insurance covers what you store.

8. Review regularly

Air rules change every January, and carriers update their terms. Review your classifications and processes at least once a year, and whenever you add a product or carrier.

Questions to ask a 3PL about dangerous goods

Our platform data shows hazardous goods storage is offered by a minority of UK 3PLs, so check this early. Use these questions alongside our questions for a 3PL discovery call.

1. Storage: can you store my dangerous goods, including lithium batteries, aerosols and flammable liquids, and how are they separated from other stock?

2. Training: are your packing staff trained in dangerous goods for road and air, and how do you keep training up to date?

3. DGSA: do you have a dangerous goods safety adviser, either in-house or contracted?

4. Carriers: which carriers and services do you use for dangerous goods, and do you have the right agreements in place?

5. Limited quantities: can you ship my products as limited quantities, and do you stock the right marks and packaging?

6. Lithium batteries: can you ship batteries packed with or contained in equipment, and how do you check watt-hour ratings and state of charge requirements?

7. International: which dangerous goods can you ship internationally, and through which services?

8. Returns: how do you handle returned devices with damaged or suspected faulty batteries?

9. Insurance: does your insurance cover storing my dangerous goods?

10. Incidents: what's your process if a parcel leaks, overheats or is rejected by a carrier?

Dangerous goods shipping FAQs

What is dangerous goods shipping?

It's the transport of products that could cause harm in transit, such as lithium batteries, aerosols, perfume and flammable liquids. These items must be classified, packed, marked, labelled and documented according to the rules for each transport mode.

Are lithium batteries dangerous goods?

Yes. Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. Small batteries installed in or packed with devices can usually ship under simplified provisions, while larger batteries and batteries shipped on their own face stricter rules.

What are the lithium battery shipping regulations for air?

Air shipments follow the ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Since 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries over 2.7Wh that are packed with equipment must be at no more than 30% state of charge, matching the existing rule for batteries shipped on their own.

Can I send lithium batteries by Royal Mail?

Only when they're installed in or sent with the device they power, and within Royal Mail's limits on numbers and watt-hour ratings. Lithium batteries sent on their own are prohibited.

Can I ship perfume and aerosols?

Usually, yes, as limited quantities by road, as long as each inner pack is within the limits and the package carries the limited quantity mark. Air shipping is more restricted.

Do I need a dangerous goods safety adviser?

Businesses that consign, pack, load or carry dangerous goods by road usually need one, but there are exemptions, for example for businesses that only handle limited quantities.

Find a 3PL that handles dangerous goods

Shipping dangerous goods safely comes down to classifying every product correctly, choosing carriers that accept it, packing, marking and documenting it properly, and working with trained people. Compare 3PLs on fulfilment.com and get quotes from providers set up to store and ship dangerous goods and lithium batteries.