IATA Section I (standalone) vs Section II (in device) — two very different sets of rules for the same battery type.
Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods under IATA regulations because they can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged, short-circuited, or exposed to heat. The rules divide into two categories: batteries installed in devices (phones, laptops, cameras) are Section II — less restricted, permitted by most couriers on most routes with correct packaging. Standalone/spare batteries (power banks, replacement laptop batteries, loose cells) are Section I — significantly more restricted, subject to quantity limits, and prohibited on many air freight routes. Understanding which category applies to your shipment determines what documentation, packaging and carrier restrictions apply.
| Carrier | Rule / Status |
|---|---|
| DHL Express | Devices with batteries: accepted. Standalone Li-ion batteries: accepted on ground routes, air restrictions apply. Max 2 spare batteries per parcel. |
| FedEx | Batteries in devices: accepted internationally. Spare batteries: Section I restrictions, prohibited on some routes. Power banks: treated as standalone batteries. |
| UPS | Installed batteries: accepted. Standalone batteries: require dangerous goods declaration. Power banks over 100Wh: prohibited by most airlines. |
| DPD | Batteries in devices: accepted. Standalone batteries: ground services only, not available on all international routes from Portugal. |
| GLS | Batteries installed in devices: accepted. Standalone/loose lithium batteries: generally not accepted for international shipments. |
Rules change frequently. Always verify at carrier websites before booking.
Identify your battery category: installed in device (Section II, fewer restrictions) or standalone/spare (Section I, strict restrictions). Check the Watt-hour (Wh) rating — printed on the battery or in the device spec sheet.
For devices with installed batteries: pack the device normally, ensure it cannot accidentally activate (power off, lock screen). Declare lithium battery content when booking — couriers ask at checkout.
For standalone batteries: use a rigid outer box, place each battery in an individual non-conductive bag (to prevent short-circuiting), cushion between batteries. Label 'LITHIUM BATTERY — CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY' if shipping by air.
Complete a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDG) if your carrier requires it for Section I batteries. DHL, FedEx and UPS provide templates.
Limit standalone battery quantities per parcel to what your carrier permits (typically 2–4 spare batteries depending on Wh rating). Split larger shipments.
Choose ground/road service over air for standalone battery shipments where possible — fewer restrictions and simpler documentation.
Power banks are treated as standalone (Section I) batteries by all carriers — not as 'devices'. A 20,000mAh power bank is approximately 74Wh and faces Section I restrictions.
E-bike and e-scooter batteries are typically over 100Wh and are prohibited on air freight. Specialist dangerous goods freight forwarders can arrange ground-only shipping.
The Wh rating determines the restriction level: under 20Wh (small cells), 20–100Wh (standard consumer), 100–300Wh (large format, stricter rules). Calculate: Wh = Ah × voltage.
Recalled batteries (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 era) are absolutely prohibited — no carrier, no route, no exception.
Always declare batteries honestly at booking. If a battery shipment causes a fire in a cargo hold and was undeclared, the shipper faces criminal liability.
Yes. Laptops with installed lithium-ion batteries are accepted by DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS for international shipments. The laptop must be powered off, packed in protective packaging, and the battery must be installed in the device (not removed). Declare the lithium battery content when booking.
Power banks are classified as standalone lithium batteries (Section I). Banks under 100Wh are accepted on most ground routes but face air freight restrictions. Banks over 100Wh are prohibited on passenger and cargo aircraft by most carriers. Use DPD or GLS ground services for power banks under 100Wh to EU destinations.
IATA PI 965/967 Section I covers high-capacity standalone lithium batteries — subject to full dangerous goods regulations. Section II covers lower-capacity standalone batteries or batteries installed in equipment — subject to simplified requirements. Most consumer electronics fall under Section II or the 'contained in equipment' category.
For a single laptop shipped via courier express services, most carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) only require you to declare the battery presence at booking — a formal SDG is not required for Section II. For multiple units or commercial volumes, an SDG may be required. Check with your specific carrier.
E-bike batteries are typically 250–1,000Wh — far above the 100Wh air freight threshold. They cannot go by air courier. Ground freight (road) to EU destinations is possible via specialist dangerous goods freight providers. For non-EU destinations, specialist air cargo with full IATA PI 965 Section I compliance is required — contact a freight forwarder.
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