This page lists the transport papers we check before booking, and which lanes can take the cargo. Export licences, destination tariffs and product certificates change with the goods and the buyer. They are not catalogued here.
Lithium batteries are class 9. A wrong number pulls the test report and the packaging with it. The table is the same classification used on the Iran road page.
| Form | UN number |
|---|---|
| Lithium ion batteries, shipped alone | UN3480 |
| Lithium ion batteries in or with equipment | UN3481 |
| Containerised energy storage, battery in the transport unit | UN3536 |
| Lithium metal batteries, alone or in equipment | UN3090 / UN3091 |
The model number has to match the goods. The description cannot be “electronics”. It has to state the battery type, UN number, watt-hours and state of charge.
| Document | What is checked |
|---|---|
| UN38.3 test report | Lab, test items, model matches the shipment |
| MSDS / SDS and dangerous-goods packing certificate | Current version; certificate matches the packing actually used |
| State of charge | On the road, A-grade traction batteries are generally held at or below 30% of rated capacity. Allow discharge time before shipping |
| Transport identification report | Same type, UN number and watt-hours as the declaration, invoice and packing list |
Packing is class II as required, terminals insulated against short circuit, with the drop and stacking tests met. Book road battery cargo at least 7 days ahead. A false declaration is a detained truck and a fine, for the shipper’s account.
Rule editions change. Confirm the edition in force, and any extra Iranian import condition, before the goods leave. This page does not replace that check.
| Lane | Batteries and EVs |
|---|---|
| Road to Iran | Storage batteries can move if the file above is complete and the truck is qualified. EVs move on a car carrier, lashed, with the charge recorded |
| Rail to Georgia | EV as a vehicle-class shipment. State of charge generally at or below 30%, four-point lashing, wheel chocks, negative terminal disconnected. Booking it as general cargo gets it stopped at the border |
| Rail to Russia, rail to Iran | Not accepted from the page alone. Send the description, HS code, MSDS and transport report. The border and the train operator confirm first |
| Ocean to Bandar Abbas | Acceptance is low. Many lines refuse or need a separate application. State the battery, UN number and watt-hours at enquiry. Do not omit them |
| LCL to Moscow, St. Petersburg or Tehran | Lithium batteries and goods containing batteries do not go in the LCL container |
Solar modules are not batteries, but they break. Pallet, moisture barrier, limited stacking, bracing, and photos of the stuffing. The Baku and Iran rail pages both size the packing for more than one lift.
On the transport side: UN38.3, MSDS, the packing certificate, the identification report, and a UN number, watt-hours and state of charge that match the documents. Destination certificates and export permits are not on this list. If they exist, send them with the enquiry. We only judge whether the cargo can move.
Rail to Georgia is filed as a vehicle-class dangerous goods shipment, generally at or below 30% charge, lashed and isolated. Road to Iran uses a car carrier. Neither is general cargo.
No. The Moscow, St. Petersburg and Tehran groupage boxes do not take lithium batteries or goods that contain them.