As the global transition to green energy accelerates, the export demand for lithium-ion battery products has surged. The Marine Shipping Identification Report has thus become an essential document for lithium-ion battery enterprises engaged in international trade.

In the global trade landscape, maritime shipping— 作为 the primary mode of transportation—handles a large volume of export business for lithium-ion battery-containing products. However, due to the potential safety risks of lithium-ion batteries during transportation, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and transportation authorities worldwide impose strict regulations on the shipping of such goods. The Marine Shipping Identification Report has therefore emerged as a critical document to ensure the safe and compliant overseas transportation of lithium-ion battery products.

I. What Is a Marine Shipping Identification Report?

The Marine Shipping Identification Report, officially known as the Certification for Transport of Goods, is a document issued by professional testing institutions. It assesses and provides recommendations on the transportation safety of goods during waterborne transport, in accordance with domestic and international dangerous goods transportation regulations and standards.

For lithium-ion battery products, this report serves as their "international maritime ID card." It details the cargo’s transportation hazard classification, packaging requirements, and safe shipping conditions, and acts as a key basis for shipping companies, port terminals, customs, and other authorities to review whether the goods can be shipped by sea.

II. Why Do Lithium-Ion Battery Products Need a Marine Shipping Identification Report?

Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods and are subject to strict controls in international maritime shipping. The Marine Shipping Identification Report is crucial for lithium-ion battery products for the following reasons:

1. Guarantee of Safe Transportation: Through professional analysis of the physical and chemical properties of lithium-ion battery products, the identification report identifies potential risks during transportation (such as short circuits, fires, explosions) and guides enterprises to adopt corresponding protective measures and emergency response plans.
2. Proof of Regulatory Compliance: The IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) sets clear regulations for the maritime shipping of lithium-ion batteries. Providing a Marine Shipping Identification Report is key evidence to prove that the goods comply with international regulations, avoiding refusal of shipping or penalties due to non-compliance.
3. Facilitated Customs Clearance: The report provides customs with critical information such as the goods’ characteristics, hazard level, and packaging requirements. This helps speed up inspection and release processes, improving customs clearance efficiency.
4. Basis for Liability Division: In the event of a transportation accident, the identification report can serve as an important basis for liability division, proving that the enterprise has fulfilled its reasonable safety obligations.

III. Relevant Regulations and Standards for Marine Shipping Identification Reports

The preparation of Marine Shipping Identification Reports primarily adheres to the following international and domestic regulations and standards:

1. International Regulations

• IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code): Developed by the IMO, this is an international rule specifically for maritime dangerous goods. It details requirements for the classification, packaging, marking, labeling, stowage, and segregation of dangerous goods.
• UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: Provides detailed guidance on dangerous goods transportation, including requirements for classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and transport documents.
• UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS): Offers a unified international standard for the classification and labeling of chemicals, ensuring the safe transportation of chemicals worldwide.

2. Domestic Standards (China)

• JT/T 1543—2025 Technical Requirements for the Safe Transport of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Ships: China’s first industry-recommended standard on the technical requirements for the safe maritime transport of lithium-ion batteries, implemented on May 1, 2025. It specifies safety technical requirements for the classification and numbering, technical specifications, packaging and cargo transport units, consignment, loading/unloading, carriage, and emergency response of lithium-ion batteries transported by ships.
• GB Dangerous Goods List: A Chinese standard listing substances and articles classified as dangerous goods.
• GB Classification and Product Name Numbering for Dangerous Goods: Provides methods for classifying dangerous goods and rules for product name numbering, facilitating the accurate description of goods in Marine Shipping Identification Reports.

IV. Which Products Require a Marine Shipping Identification Report?

Nearly all lithium-ion battery-containing products require a Marine Shipping Identification Report, mainly including:

• Various rechargeable power batteries: Such as batteries for power vehicles, electric road vehicles, power tools, and hybrid vehicles.
• Various small rechargeable batteries: Such as laptop batteries, digital camera batteries, camcorder batteries, cylindrical batteries of all types, and wireless communication batteries.
• Energy storage battery systems: Such as lithium-ion battery energy storage systems and energy storage containers.
• Equipment with built-in lithium-ion batteries: Such as mobile phones, tablets, portable DVD players, CD players, and MP3 players.
• Various lead-acid batteries: Such as lead-acid batteries for car starting, stationary lead-acid batteries, and small valve-regulated sealed lead-acid batteries.

V. Application Process for a Marine Shipping Identification Report

The application process for a Marine Shipping Identification Report typically includes the following steps:

1. Submit Application: Submit an application to a qualified testing institution and sign a service agreement.
2. Send Samples: Send representative samples that reflect the overall characteristics and transportation requirements of the goods to the testing institution.
3. Fill in Application Form: Complete a detailed goods information form, including the goods’ name, specifications, quantity, purpose, manufacturer, and other details.
4. Provide Documentation: Usually required to submit battery specifications, UN38.3 test report (mandatory for lithium-ion batteries), MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), product manual, etc.
5. Product Identification: Engineers at the testing institution conduct testing and identification of the product in accordance with standard requirements.
6. Issue Report: After completion of the identification, the testing institution issues the Certification for Transport of Goods (Marine Shipping Identification Report). The standard processing time is generally 7 working days.

It should be noted that if a lithium-ion battery does not have a UN38.3 test report, UN38.3 testing must be conducted first, which typically takes 14 working days.

VI. Relationship Between UN38.3 Certification and Marine Shipping Identification Report

UN38.3 certification is an international standard for the transportation safety of lithium-ion batteries, aiming to ensure the stability and safety of lithium-ion batteries during transportation. It includes test items such as altitude simulation, thermal testing, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, and forced discharge.

The UN38.3 test report is one of the key foundational documents for applying for a Marine Shipping Identification Report. When applying for marine shipping identification for lithium-ion battery products, a UN38.3 test report must be provided as supporting documentation.

VII. Special Regulations for Maritime Shipping of Lithium-Ion Batteries

In accordance with the IMO’s IMDG Code and relevant domestic standards, the maritime shipping of lithium-ion batteries is subject to the following special regulations:

1. Packaging Requirements: Unless installed in equipment, batteries and cells must be packaged individually to prevent short circuits and placed in a sturdy outer package. The package must withstand a 1.2-meter drop test in any orientation without damage.
2. Marking and Labeling: The package must display the required lithium-ion battery labels and marks; the outer casing of lithium-ion batteries must indicate the watt-hour (Wh) rating.
3. Stacking Test Requirements: According to the 64th revised edition (2023) of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations, lithium-ion battery packages transported under the "IB" provision must withstand a 3-meter stacking test.

VIII. Conclusion

As global market demand for lithium-ion battery products continues to grow, the Marine Shipping Identification Report has become an essential document for lithium-ion battery enterprises in international trade. It standardizes the technical requirements for the maritime shipping of lithium-ion batteries and provides clear guidance for enterprises.

For battery manufacturers, equipment producers, and traders, fully recognizing the importance of the Marine Shipping Identification Report, selecting a professional and reliable testing institution, and completing relevant procedures in strict accordance with requirements are key steps to ensure the smooth export of products and promote the smooth progress of international trade.