Requirements for random inspection of solar container batteries upon arrival

Do you need a commodity inspection for lithium battery shipping?

Lithium batteries, statutory inspection products, and their custom declarations require commodity inspection. You not only should prepare the essential documentation to prove the safety performance of battery shipping but also strictly under the national regulations for lithium battery international shipping.

What are the risks associated with battery transport?

One of the major risks associated with the transport of batteries is short-circuit of the battery as a result of the battery terminals coming into contact with other batteries, metal objects, or conductive surfaces.

What are the new regulations for the transport and handling of batteries?

New regulations for the transport and handling of batteries have been in effect since 2025. Lithium-ion and the emerging sodium-ion batteries, which play a key role in industrial trucks, are particularly affected. Anyone who transports, stores, or disposes of forklift batteries must be fully aware of the current regulations.

When will a cell / battery be a mandatory requirement?

On 1 January 2026, it will become a mandatory requirement to ship cells and/or batteries at a state of charge greater than 30% of their rated capacity with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities.

What are the new packaging requirements for lithium ion batteries?

Revised Packing Instructions: More stringent requirements for UN-certified packaging, capable of withstanding specific drop tests. State of Charge (SoC) Emphasis: Increased scrutiny on the SoC for standalone lithium-ion battery shipments, with a general requirement not to exceed 30% of rated capacity.

Should batteries be inspected?

Enhanced Scrutiny: Call for more rigorous inspection of batteries, especially in used EVs and BESS, to detect pre-existing damage. State of Charge (SoC): Strongly advocates for shipping batteries at a low SoC (ideally 30%-50%) to reduce energy available for a thermal event.