Effective Immediately : ONE Announces New Lithium Battery Transport Regulations for Ningbo Port

October 22, 2025​​ – Ocean Network Express (ONE) has issued an urgent notice regarding new regulations for lithium battery shipments via Ningbo Port, effective immediately. All lithium battery cargo must now submit an additional ​​UN38.3 test report​​, or risk penalties such as cargo detention, fines, or even vessel refusal.As the ​​world’s third-largest container port​​, Ningbo handled ​​28% of China’s total lithium battery exports in 2024​​, making this regulation a significant shift for the industry.

​​Key Changes in Ningbo Port’s Lithium Battery Transport Regulations​​

The new rule, mandated by the ​​Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration​​, applies to all ​​Class 9 dangerous goods (lithium batteries)​​. It covers ​​exports, imports, transshipments, and transit​​ involving Ningbo Port.The biggest change is the ​​documentation requirement​​:

Previously, only a ​​Safety Data Sheet (SDS)​​ was needed for booking.

Now, ​​both SDS + UN38.3 test report​​ are mandatory.

The ​​UN38.3 test report​​ requires ​​12 extreme-condition tests​​ on batteries, and the ​​battery model in the report must exactly match the actual shipment​​.

​​Scope of Application​​

The regulation applies to all ​​Class 9 lithium battery cargo​​, including:

UN3090​​ (Lithium metal batteries)

UN3091​​ (Lithium metal batteries packed with or installed in equipment)

UN3480​​ (Lithium-ion batteries)

UN3481​​ (Lithium-ion batteries packed with or installed in equipment)

UN3536​​ (Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport units)

This applies to ​​all shipments involving Ningbo Port​​, including ​​export (loading), import (discharge), transshipment, and transit​​.

​​Required Documents for Booking​​

For all applicable lithium battery shipments, the following ​​two key documents​​ must be submitted ​​in addition to other dangerous goods documentation​​:

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)​​ – A long-standing mandatory requirement providing battery safety information.

UN38.3 Test Report​​ – A newly added requirement proving compliance with ​​UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3​​.

​​Both documents are mandatory​​, and the information must ​​match exactly​​, especially the ​​battery model number​​.

​​Compliance Risks & Consequences​​

Failure to comply (missing documents, mismatched battery models, etc.) may result in:

Cargo rejection​​, leading to severe delays.

Vessel refusal​​, incurring additional costs.

Fines or penalties​​ from maritime authorities.

To mitigate risks, shippers and freight forwarders should:​​Prepare the UN38.3 test report in advance​​ and ensure battery models match.✔Allow sufficient time for document review​​ to avoid last-minute booking issues.Communicate with partners​​ to ensure the entire supply chain is aware of the new rules.

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Disclaimer:​​ This article is for reference only. Regulations are subject to change based on official announcements from relevant authorities. Information sourced from ONE’s official notice. Images are from the internet. For copyright or removal requests, please contact admin@mbs-gz.com.