Documentation Needed for Shipping Lithium Batteries from Germany to the U.S.

If you’ve ever tried shipping lithium batteries internationally, you already know it’s not as simple as tossing them into a box and dropping them off at the post office. Shipping lithium batteries, especially from Germany to the U.S., comes with a fair bit of paperwork—and for good reason. These batteries might look harmless, but they can be dangerous if handled the wrong way.

I’ve worked with plenty of people scratching their heads, wondering how to ship lithium batteries without getting their shipments rejected, delayed, or hit with big fines. So, let’s talk through the real-life documents you’ll need, in plain English.

Why All the Fuss About Shipping Lithium Batteries?

Here’s the deal: lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode if they’re damaged, short-circuited, or packed badly. Scary stuff. That’s why they’re officially labeled as dangerous goods under international shipping rules.

Because of that, shipping companies, customs officers, and airline carriers all want to know:

• What you’re shipping
• How it’s packed
• How dangerous it is

So, the paperwork is there to keep everyone safe from the warehouse workers loading the pallets to the airline crews flying your package across the ocean.

What Documents Do You Actually Need?

Now let’s get practical. If you’re shipping lithium batteries from Germany to the United States, here’s the documentation you’re going to need.

1. Commercial Invoice

Think of the commercial invoice as your shipment’s birth certificate.

It tells U.S. customs and your shipping carrier:

• What’s in the box
• How much it’s worth
• Where it’s coming from and going to

Your commercial invoice should include:

• Your name and address (in Germany)
• The recipient’s name and address (in the U.S.)
• A clear description of the product, like “Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, UN3480”
• How many you’re shipping and their weight
• The value of the goods in euros or U.S. dollars
• Country of origin (Germany)
• The HS Code (usually 8507.60 for lithium-ion batteries)

Without this invoice, your package could get stuck at customs, and that’s a headache nobody wants.

2. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

This one often freaks people out, but it’s not as scary as it sounds.

The Dangerous Goods Declaration—sometimes called a “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods”—is a special form confirming that your shipment is properly packed, labeled, and safe to transport.

You’ll need a DGD if:

• You’re shipping lithium batteries on their own (not installed in a device)
• Your batteries are over certain watt-hour limits (usually more than 100 Wh per cell or 300 Wh per battery pack)

A typical DGD includes:

• Shipper and recipient details
• Air Waybill number (if you’re shipping by air)
• Proper shipping name, e.g., “Lithium Ion Batteries”
• UN number (e.g., UN3480)
• Class (Class 9 for miscellaneous dangerous goods)
• Packing instruction code (like PI 965)
• Net weight and quantity
• The signature of whoever prepared the document

Good news: smaller batteries often qualify for exceptions, meaning you might skip the DGD altogether. But always check the carrier’s rules—some are stricter than others.

3. Lithium Battery Label or Mark

Even if you avoid needing a DGD, you still almost certainly need to label your package.

This special label:

• Has a battery icon with a flame symbol
• Includes a notice like “Lithium Ion Batteries in Compliance with Section II of PI 965” (or 966/967 depending on how you’re shipping them)
• Lists your telephone number

Why it matters:

This label warns carriers and customs that the package contains lithium batteries so they handle it with care. Without it, your package could be refused—or worse, cause an incident in transit.

4. Air Waybill (For Air Shipments)

If you’re sending your batteries by air, you’ll also have an Air Waybill. It’s basically your shipping contract with the airline.

• The Air Waybill should clearly list:
• Your details as the shipper
• The receiver’s info
• A description of the contents (mention lithium batteries!)
• Special handling instructions

Important tip:

Don’t hide the fact that you’re shipping lithium batteries. It needs to be declared on your Air Waybill, or your shipment could be refused by the airline.

5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Although not always required by customs, it’s smart to have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for lithium batteries.

The SDS includes:

• The chemical composition of the batteries
• Potential hazards
• Instructions for safe handling and storage

Carriers and customs officers sometimes ask for it, especially for larger or commercial shipments. Having it on hand can save you a lot of back-and-forth emails.

6. Import Regulations and Restrictions

The good news is that the U.S. doesn’t typically require special licenses for importing small quantities of lithium batteries for personal use. However:

• Commercial shipments may face stricter rules
• Larger shipments might be flagged for extra checks
• Certain high-capacity batteries could be restricted

If you’re unsure, talk to a customs broker or freight forwarder who knows the ropes.

Remember: Different Rules for Different Routes

Learning how to ship lithium batteries means knowing that shipping rules can vary depending on how you send your package:

• Air shipments follow IATA regulations
• Ocean freight follows the IMDG Code
• Road transport across Europe uses ADR rules
• Once your package hits the U.S., it’s subject to U.S. DOT regulations

So even if your shipment starts in Germany, it has to follow U.S. laws once it arrives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes I’ve seen that can cause big problems when shipping lithium batteries internationally:

• Forgetting to declare lithium batteries on shipping documents
• Using the wrong UN number (e.g., mixing up UN3480 and UN3481)
• Missing the required labels on packages
• Shipping batteries that exceed watt-hour limits without proper paperwork
• Assuming all carriers follow the same rules

A few minutes double-checking the rules can save weeks of delays—and a lot of stress.

Pro Tip: Get Expert Help

If this all sounds like a lot, don’t worry. Many shipping services, like freight forwarders or specialty shipping companies in Germany, are experts in handling lithium batteries.

Companies like myGermany.com even help prepare the documents for you. It might cost a bit extra, but it can save you serious headaches if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

Bottom Line

Shipping lithium batteries internationally especially from Germany to the U.S.—doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need to know what paperwork is required. 

Here’s your quick checklist:

• Commercial Invoice
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (if required)
• Lithium Battery label or mark
• Air Waybill (for air shipments)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Check import restrictions for larger shipments

Learning how to ship lithium batteries properly is the key to avoiding delays, fines, or rejected shipments. And once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine.