Africa & Middle East Import & Logistics · 10 minute read
Shipping a Lithium-Battery Forklift Under IMDG 42-24
Prepare a lithium-battery forklift sea shipment with battery identity, UN 38.3, SDS, DG classification, isolation, documents and carrier acceptance.
- Published
- Last reviewed
- Author
- JIA CHENG
- Reviewed by
- JIA CHENG Export & Application Support
Editorial review confirms source traceability. Apply this material only after review by a qualified local safety, customs, tariff or logistics professional, as relevant.
Original buyer tool
Lithium forklift sea-shipment gate
JIA CHENG prepared the shipment table as a blank DG control record for battery identity, test evidence, equipment state and carrier acceptance.
This is an original JIA CHENG procurement worksheet supplied as a blank decision aid. It does not represent a customer case, test report or completed inspection record.
Key takeaways
- IMDG Amendment 42-24 became mandatory on 1 January 2026.
- Battery model, condition and relationship to the equipment drive the shipment assessment.
- UN 38.3 test evidence supports one document gate within the complete dangerous-goods process.
- Carrier acceptance and destination import checks should close before container loading.
Use the current code and exact battery identity
IMO states that the IMDG Code 2024 Edition incorporating Amendment 42-24 became mandatory on 1 January 2026. Start with the truck model and serial, battery manufacturer, model, chemistry, voltage, amp-hours, watt-hours, mass and physical condition. [1] [2]
| Shipment gate | Evidence | Decision owner |
|---|---|---|
| Battery identity | Model, chemistry, Wh, mass and condition | Battery technical channel |
| Test evidence | Model-specific UN 38.3 summary | DG professional and carrier |
| Equipment state | Installed or removed, isolation and protection | DG professional |
| Acceptance | UN entry, documents, booking and stowage | Carrier and shipper |
Build the dangerous-goods evidence pack
IATA’s 2026 battery guidance links lithium cell and battery transport testing to Part III, subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Link the test summary to the exact battery model and retain the SDS, specification, photographs, battery condition, BMS status and service statement required for the shipment review. [3]
- Record the responsible manufacturer, test laboratory, report and model references.
- Disclose damaged, defective, recalled, prototype or uncertain battery status immediately.
- Keep all DG classification decisions tied to the current code edition.
Close packing, documentation and carrier acceptance
A qualified dangerous-goods professional should determine the applicable UN entry, special provisions, state-of-charge conditions, electrical isolation, movement protection, marking, declaration, stowage and emergency information. Coordinate this with CTU packing, verified gross mass and destination import requirements. [4] [5] [1]
- Obtain written booking acceptance for the exact truck and battery condition.
- Photograph isolation, restraint, labels and container packing before closure.
- Retain declarations, packing records, VGM, carrier instructions and emergency contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Which IMDG edition applies to a 2026 forklift shipment?
IMO states that the 2024 Edition incorporating Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026. Confirm the voyage and carrier requirements.
Is a UN 38.3 summary enough to ship a lithium forklift?
The shipment also needs current classification, battery condition, equipment relationship, protection, marking, documentation, stowage and carrier acceptance decisions.
Can a damaged lithium-battery forklift be shipped normally?
Damaged, defective or recalled battery status changes the regulatory assessment. Disclose it immediately to a qualified DG professional and carrier.
Sources and verification references
- [1] International Maritime Organization: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
- [2] International Maritime Organization: Dangerous goods under the SOLAS and MARPOL conventions
- [3] International Air Transport Association: Battery Guidance Document, 2026
- [4] International Maritime Organization: IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units
- [5] International Maritime Organization: Verification of the gross mass of a packed container
Source review date: 2026-07-28. Requirements can vary by jurisdiction, truck configuration and manufacturer instructions.