Importing from China
China is the world's main maker of chargers, adapters and power banks, and buying at source pays off. But there is a huge difference here versus other products: as soon as there is a lithium battery (power banks have one, and so do many wireless or battery chargers), the shipment becomes dangerous goods (DG). That changes how it ships, what documents it needs and what packaging it requires. Here is the straight story on bringing them in properly: shipping, customs, CE marking and — most important — the lithium battery protocol.
A simple wall charger (no battery) is normal cargo. But a power bank or any product with a lithium battery is Class 9 dangerous goods: UN3480 for loose batteries, UN3481 when they are in or packed with the equipment. Lithium batteries are banned or heavily restricted on passenger aircraft, so the normal, economical route is sea freight (FCL or groupage), with the cargo declared as DG and documented.
Packaging is not optional: it requires UN-approved packaging, hazard marking and, crucially, that the batteries travel at a low state of charge (usually ≤30 %). Not every consolidator accepts lithium in groupage, so it must be planned. We coordinate the sea shipment of batteries with the operators and keep the DG paperwork in order.
Chargers and adapters are usually classified under HS 8504 (converters and power supplies) and batteries / power banks under HS 8507 (electric accumulators). The duty on entry into the EU is usually low (many electronics enter at reduced or zero duty), but confirm the exact code with your broker. Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI and the declaration is in your name.
Beyond the customs paperwork, to sell the goods you need CE marking and compliance with RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) and electromagnetic compatibility. As an electrical device it also falls under WEEE (waste) and battery register obligations in many countries. Ask the supplier for the declarations of conformity before you ship.
Anything with lithium is Class 9 DG: UN3480 (loose batteries) or UN3481 (in or with the equipment). It cannot ship as normal cargo: it must be declared, documented and packed as dangerous goods.
Each battery model needs the UN38.3 test report (transport safety) and its safety data sheet (MSDS). Without these documents, no serious operator will load the cargo. Ask the supplier for them up front.
Batteries travel in UN-approved packaging, with hazard marking and, as a rule, at a low state of charge (≤30 %). It is a safety requirement, not a detail: poorly packed lithium is a real fire risk.
Lithium batteries are banned or tightly limited on passenger aircraft. The practical, economical route is sea freight; air, when possible, goes on freighters and is far more expensive. Plan your lead times accordingly.
Because they carry a lithium battery, this is dangerous goods, and the normal route is sea freight with the DG paperwork in order. We coordinate both. Tell us the battery model and we will tell you which documents you need.
Note: dangerous-goods classification (UN3480/UN3481), transport requirements (IMDG/ADR), duties and rules (CE, RoHS, WEEE, batteries) can change and depend on the product and destination country. This guide describes the general situation at the time of writing; confirm it with your broker and operator before shipping.
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