Shipping Large Batteries Internationally with forward2me
Restricted Items Guide
Lithium batteries over 100 Wh are classified as Dangerous Goods under international air and road regulations, requiring compliant packaging, labelling, and specialist handling. forward2me is the only parcel forwarding service in Europe offering established courier options for Dangerous Goods battery shipments, making us the go-to choice for customers who need to ship standalone batteries or battery-powered equipment internationally.
Before you order large batteries or items containing them, this guide walks you through the regulations, documentation, costs, and courier options so there are no surprises when your shipment arrives at our warehouse.
Does forward2me Ship Batteries over 100 Wh?
Overview
Yes. However, batteries over 100 Wh are classified as Dangerous Goods under international air (IATA) and road (ADR) regulations. This means they require certified packaging, a dangerous goods declaration, trained staff sign-off, and attract additional surcharges on top of the standard shipping rate.
This page covers standalone batteries and battery-powered vehicles and equipment, including e-bikes, e-scooters, power stations, and mobility scooters. If you're shipping an e-bike specifically, see our e-bike and electric vehicles shipping guide for additional detail.
Get a quote before you orderDangerous Goods surcharges can add significantly to the cost of shipping. Always get a shipping estimate before purchasing, so there are no unexpected fees when your item arrives at our warehouse.
What We Can and Cannot Ship
Accepted items
We accept a range of battery-powered products and standalone batteries over 100 Wh, subject to the conditions below. Some items are accepted only under specific conditions, and some are not accepted at all.
E-bikes
UN3556 — lithium-ion powered
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E-scooters
UN3556 — lithium-ion powered
Hoverboards
New and unopened only — UN3556
Power stations / portable generators
UN3480 standalone battery rules apply
Large camera battery packs
UN3480 standalone battery rules apply
Mobility scooters
UN3171 (lead-acid) or UN3556 (lithium)
Electric ride-on vehicles
UN3171 (lead-acid) or UN3556 (lithium)
Used / refurbished hoverboards
Not accepted under any circumstances
Damaged or defective batteries
Not accepted under any circumstances
UN Classification – Which Applies to Your Item?
Regulations
The UN number assigned to your shipment determines how it must be packaged, declared, and handled. The correct classification depends on the battery type (lithium-ion, lithium metal, or lead-acid) and whether the battery is installed in equipment or shipped standalone.
UN3171
Battery-Powered Vehicle / Equipment
Used for vehicles powered by non-lithium batteries — typically lead-acid.
- Ride-on toys (lead-acid battery)
- Mobility scooters (non-lithium)
- Small EVs with sealed lead-acid batteries
UN3556
Vehicle, Lithium Ion Battery Powered
Used for vehicles and equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries.
- E-bikes
- E-scooters
- Lithium-powered mobility scooters
- Hoverboards (new and unopened only)
UN3480
Lithium Ion Batteries — Standalone
Used for lithium-ion batteries shipped individually, not installed in equipment. Packing Instruction PI965 Section 1A applies. Requires UN-specification 4G fibreboard box.
- Replacement e-bike batteries
- Power station batteries
- Large camera battery packs
Not sure which classification applies?Contact us before ordering and we'll help identify the correct UN number. The classification affects packaging, courier options, and cost — getting it wrong can result in your shipment being refused.
How Large Batteries Must Be Packaged
Packaging Requirements
Packaging requirements differ depending on whether the battery is installed in equipment or shipped standalone. In both cases, packaging must meet specific standards before a courier will accept the shipment.
Battery installed in equipment (UN3171 / UN3556)
- Strong fibreboard outer packaging – A robust outer carton is required. Most retailers supply compliant outer cartons. For second-hand items, we assess the packaging on arrival and may need to source suitable outer packaging.
- Dangerous goods declaration – Must be attached to the shipment. We prepare this on your behalf once all required documentation is received.
Standalone batteries (UN3480)
- UN-specification 4G fibreboard box – Standalone batteries over 100 Wh must be packed in a certified UN specification box. We supply this — a fee applies.
- Class 9 Lithium Battery Hazard Label – Required on the outer packaging.
- Cargo Aircraft Only label – Required for all standalone lithium battery shipments.
- Fully completed Dangerous Goods Declaration – Must accompany the shipment. Prepared and signed off by our trained DG staff.
A UN3480 lithium ion battery shipment prepared at our warehouse, showing the Cargo Aircraft Only label, Class 9 hazard diamond, and correct UN3480 classification marking required for standalone batteries over 100 Wh.
Damaged or defective batteries are never acceptedWe do not ship batteries that show signs of damage, swelling, leakage, or defect under any circumstances. If a battery arrives at our warehouse in this condition, we will contact you to arrange a safe disposal or return.
Which Couriers Accept Batteries over 100 Wh
Courier options
Not all couriers accept Dangerous Goods shipments, and acceptance varies by UN classification, origin warehouse, and destination. The table below shows current availability.
| Courier | UN3480 (Standalone) | UN3556 / UN3171 (In equipment) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
accepted | accepted |
Preferred carrier for DG batteries. DG capability must be verified per destination country. Air: FedEx International Priority. EU road: FedEx Regional Economy (not available to Croatia from Germany). |
 |
tbc | tbc | UN3171 and UN3556 may be accepted on the UPS network — under review. We will update this page once confirmed. |
 |
not accepted | tbc |
DHL does not carry lithium-ion batteries UN3480 over 100 Wh. Acceptance of UN3171 and UN3556 is under review. |
Additional Fees for Dangerous Goods Battery Shipments
Costs
FROM UNITED KINGDOM
DG road surcharge (FedEx Regional Economy)
Special UN packaging
DG air surcharge per Air Waybill
Base shipping rate
£86.81
£35 - £50 per unit
£100 - £150
Quoted by weight & destination
FROM UNITED KINGDOM
DG road surcharge (FedEx Regional Economy)
£86.81
UN specification box
£15 per box required
DG air surcharge
[ Pending — to confirm ]
Base shipping rate
Quoted by weight & destination
FROM GERMANY
DG surcharge
Special UN Packaging
DG air surcharge per Air Waybill
Base shipping rate
€60 for FedEx Regional Economy (Road) / FedEx Intl Priority (Air)
€35 per UN box (one battery) / €50 per UN box (up to 3 batteries)
€100 - €150
FedEx Regional Economy - Min €25
Import duties, taxes, and customs fees in the destination country are separate and are the responsibility of the recipient.
FROM GERMANY
Dangerous Goods surcharge
€60 (fixed)
UN specification box
€30 per box required
DG air surcharge
€50
Base shipping rate
Quoted by weight & destination
Import duties, taxes, and customs fees in the destination country are separate and are the responsibility of the recipient.
How to Ship Large Batteries Internationally with forward2me
How It Works
Get a quote before you order
Contact us for a shipping estimate before purchasing. Dangerous Goods fees apply on top of the base rate and vary by origin, courier, and destination. Knowing the total cost upfront avoids surprises once your item is at our warehouse.
Confirm the UN classification
Check whether your item is a battery installed in equipment (UN3171 or UN3556) or a standalone battery (UN3480). If you're unsure, contact us — the classification affects packaging, courier options, and cost significantly.
Provide your MSDS/SDS document
We require a Material Safety Data Sheet for your item. For battery-powered vehicles, this must confirm the battery type and state that the item can be shipped under the correct UN classification. Your retailer or manufacturer can usually supply this.
Agree all fees before we proceed
Once your item arrives at our warehouse, we will confirm the applicable DG surcharges, UN box fees, and any repacking costs. We will not proceed without your written approval.
Respond to customs promptly
You are the Importer of Record. When your shipment reaches the destination country, the courier will contact you about import duties and taxes. Respond within 24–48 hours – delays can result in the shipment being returned at your expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Wh (watt-hours) measures the energy capacity of a battery. It determines which shipping regulations apply. The Wh rating is usually printed on the battery itself or listed in the product specification sheet. If it's not visible, check the retailer's product page or contact the manufacturer. You can also calculate it: Wh = Voltage (V) × Amp-hours (Ah).
In most cases yes, with the exception of hoverboards – used and refurbished self-balancing vehicles are not accepted under any circumstances. For other second-hand items, we assess the packaging on arrival. If the original packaging is insufficient, we may need to source compliant outer packaging, and a fee will apply.
You need to provide an MSDS/SDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for your item, confirming the battery type and applicable UN classification. For standalone batteries, the SDS must specifically state that the item can be shipped under the relevant UN number. The dangerous goods declaration itself is prepared and signed off by our trained DG staff – you do not need to produce this.
We cannot ship a damaged or defective battery internationally under any circumstances. If your battery arrives at our warehouse in this condition, we'll contact you to arrange either a return to sender (RTS) or disposal.
Most destinations are supported, but Dangerous Goods capability needs to be verified per country and courier before shipping – this is checked on a case-by-case basis. We recommend contacting us to confirm your specific destination before ordering, particularly for standalone batteries.
Need to Ship a Large Battery?
Contact us before ordering – we'll confirm the classification, check destination availability, and give you a full cost estimate.