CellFlight B2B / Buyer Guide / Transport & certification

Transport & Certification Checklist (20 Items)

Lithium cells and packs are Class 9 dangerous goods — shipping, market access and drone operations each require specific certificates. Tick the ones relevant to your project and print the list to share with your supplier or forwarder.

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Transport safety (lithium dangerous goods)

UN38.3 test

Scope: Mandatory for all lithium cells and batteries before transport
Authority: UN-recognized test labs (UN Manual of Tests)
When: Before any commercial shipment
Note: Covers T.1–T.8, including the 1.2 m drop (T.8); a test summary must accompany shipment.

MSDS / SDS

Scope: Shipping document describing composition, hazards and first-aid
Authority: Supplier / third party
When: Required for clearance and carriage

IATA DGR (air)

Scope: Air carriage per PI 965–967, UN3480/UN3481
Authority: IATA
When: Air shipping of lithium batteries
Note: Standalone cells (UN3480) are usually cargo-aircraft-only; battery-with-device (UN3481) is less restricted but still needs short-circuit protection.

IMDG (sea)

Scope: Sea carriage, incl. special provision SP188
Authority: IMO
When: Sea shipping of lithium batteries

ADR (road)

Scope: European cross-border road transport of DG
Authority: UNECE
When: European road transport

DG transport condition certificate

Scope: Common for exports from China, issued by DGM / SCC etc.
Authority: Accredited appraisal bodies
When: Export clearance from China

Product safety & market access

CE marking (EU)

Scope: CE marking covering battery directives / RED / MD
Authority: EU notified bodies / self-declaration
When: Entering the EU market

FCC (US)

Scope: Wireless & EMC conformity
Authority: US FCC
When: Entering the US market

UL (North America safety)

Scope: UL1642 (cell) / UL2054 (pack) / UL2849 (e-bike) etc.
Authority: UL Solutions
When: Often required by NA buyers/channels

CCC (China)

Scope: Some cells/packs and devices are in scope
Authority: China CNCA
When: Selling in China

KC (Korea)

Scope: Battery & wireless market access
Authority: Korea KATS
When: Entering Korea

PSE (Japan)

Scope: Diamond / circular PSE for applicable cells
Authority: Japan METI
When: Entering Japan

Environmental & chemical

RoHS

Scope: Restriction of hazardous substances
Authority: EU / national equivalents
When: Electronics to market

REACH

Scope: Chemical registration, evaluation, restriction
Authority: EU ECHA
When: Products with chemicals to market

EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542)

Scope: Carbon footprint, recycled content, battery passport, EPR
Authority: European Commission
When: Phased from 2024
Note: Gradually mandates a digital battery passport and carbon-footprint disclosure for EU-bound products.

Radio & EMC

RED (EU radio equipment)

Scope: Products with Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modules
Authority: EU notified bodies
When: Wireless-enabled products

RCM (AU/NZ)

Scope: Electrical safety & EMC mark
Authority: AU/NZ regulators
When: Entering Australia / New Zealand

Drone-specific

Civil drone airworthiness / TC

Scope: Type certificate for larger civil drones
Authority: CAAC / FAA / EASA
When: Manned / specific-category ops & serial production

Remote ID

Scope: In-flight broadcast of identity & position
Authority: Civil aviation authorities
When: Mandatory in most jurisdictions

Registration / operator permit

Scope: Tiered open / specific category management
Authority: CAA / UOM platforms
When: Before flight

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Disclaimer: this list is an informational index and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Always rely on the latest rules from destination authorities and carriers.

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