Electric motorcycles and e-bikes can contain lithium-ion batteries regulated as dangerous goods. Requirements depend on battery chemistry, watt-hour rating, whether the battery is installed or shipped separately, packaging, mode of transport and the rules in force for the route.
Battery documentation
Ask the manufacturer or responsible supplier for the applicable UN 38.3 test summary and the dangerous-goods information required for the actual battery. Depending on the shipment, a carrier may require a shipper’s declaration, compliant packaging, marks and labels, trained personnel and additional records. A general claim that a product is “UN38.3 certified” does not replace shipment-specific review.
Air, sea and road options
Air carriers often apply stricter limits and acceptance procedures than sea freight. Sea shipments may be subject to the IMDG Code and carrier rules; road legs may be subject to local dangerous-goods rules. Never assume a carrier will accept a battery because another carrier accepted a similar item.
Customs and Incoterms
Define the importer of record, customs broker, tariff classification, declared value, origin, import permits, duties and taxes. FOB is generally used for sea or inland-waterway transport; CIF includes cost, insurance and freight to the named port but does not mean all destination import charges are paid. DDP assigns broad delivery and import-clearance responsibilities to the seller, but it should only be offered where the seller can lawfully and operationally perform them.
Before booking
- Identify exact model, battery configuration and shipment packaging.
- Obtain current technical and dangerous-goods documents.
- Get written acceptance from the carrier or freight forwarder.
- Confirm import eligibility, customs classification and taxes with a broker.
- Agree in writing on delivery scope, insurance, damage reporting and delays.
Use official guidance from the relevant transport authority, carrier, customs agency and manufacturer. This guide is general information, not a substitute for route-specific compliance advice.