Have your electronic productsAir Transportationever encountered situations of being rejected or delayed? In fact, not all electronic products can pass through air transportation smoothly! From the rated energy limit of lithium - ion batteries to the strict requirements for special packaging, the regulations for air - transporting electronic products are numerous and complex. This article will reveal which products can be air - transported, which must be avoided, as well as the regulations and precautions to be followed during air transportation.

Ordinary Consumer - grade Electronic Products

1. Small - sized Electronic devices
   • Including: Mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones, etc.
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Lithium - ion Battery Capacity Limit: The rated energy of the built - in lithium - ion battery shall not exceed 100Wh.
     • Packaging Requirements: The battery needs to be fixed to prevent movement and short - circuit, and avoid contact between the positive and negative electrodes.
   • Example: A smartphone, with the battery capacity within the specified range, the battery fixed and well - packaged, can be shipped by air smoothly.
2. Digital Accessories
   • Including: Mobile phone chargers, data cables, power banks, etc.
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Power Bank: Rated energy ≤100Wh can be carried with you.For power banks with 100Wh < rated energy ≤ 160Wh approval from the airline is required, and each person is limited to two andcannot be checked in.
     • Packaging Requirements: Prevent short - circuit and accidental startup.
   • Example: A power bank with a capacity of 10,000mAh and a rated energy of 37Wh, which meets the regulations, can be shipped by air.
3. Consumer - grade Electronic Game Consoles and Accessories
   • Including: Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation controllers, etc.
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Battery Complies with Regulations: The rated energy of the built - in battery does not exceed 100Wh.
     • Stable Packaging: Ensure that the battery and the device are fixed to prevent movement.
   • Example: The Switch game console, with the Joy - Con controllers fixed and the battery safe, can be shipped by air.

Office Electronic Equipment

1. Tablet Computer
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Battery Complies with Regulations: The rated energy of the built - in battery does not exceed 100Wh.
     • Packaging Protection: Turn off the power supply, fix the battery, and use protective materials (such as foam, bubble wrap).
   • Example: An ordinary laptop computer with a battery capacity of 56Wh, properly packaged, can be transported by air.
2. Small printers, copiers
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • No strongly magnetic components: Does not affect the aircraft navigation and communication systems.
     • The packaging is sturdy.: Use a sturdy box and fill it with cushioning materials inside.
   • Example: A small household printer, with stable packaging and no safety hazards, can be transported by air.
3. Small fax machines
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • The size and weight meet the airline regulations..
     • Battery Complies with Regulations(If there is a battery).
     • Remove easily movable parts: Such as paper, ink cartridges, and package them separately.
   • Example: A small fax machine with a battery rated energy of 50Wh, properly packaged, can be transported by air.

Medical Electronic Equipment (Partially)

1. Small medical monitoring equipment
   • Including: Portable electronic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, etc.
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Battery Complies with Regulations: The rated energy does not exceed 100Wh.
     • Additional documents: Product manuals, medical certification documents.
     • Packaging protection: Prevent the movement of the equipment and the battery.
   • Example: An electronic blood pressure monitor with the battery fixed and accompanied by a manual can be transported by air.
2. Small medical imaging equipment
   • Including: Portable ultrasonic diagnostic instruments, small X - ray machines (without radioactive substances).
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Complies with safety standards: No radioactive substances or complies with radiation safety standards.
     • Battery Complies with Regulations(If any).
     • Stable Packaging: Shock - proof and pressure - proof.
   • Example: A portable ultrasonic instrument, properly packaged, can be transported by air.

Electronic products containing lithium - ion batteries that do not meet the regulations

1. The rated energy of the battery exceeds the limit
   • Limit: General Lithium batteries with a rated energy exceeding 160Wh Air transportation is prohibited.
   • Reason: High - energy lithium batteries have a high risk of fire and explosion.
   • Example: A professional video camera using a 200Wh lithium battery cannot be transported by air.
2. No short - circuit prevention measures taken
   • Changes in payment methods: The positive and negative poles of the battery are exposed, which may cause short - circuits and fires.
   • Example: Equipment with exposed and unpackaged batteries cannot be transported by air.

Electronic products with strong magnetism

• Impact: May interfere with the aircraft navigation and communication systems.
• Including: Large industrial electromagnets, large generators, large transformers, etc.
• Example: A large industrial electromagnet, without magnetic shielding treatment, cannot be transported by air.

electronic products that do not comply with the regulations of the destination country or region

• Regulatory Requirements: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency, restriction of hazardous substances, etc.
• Example: An uncertified radio walkie - talkie with a frequency not meeting the regulations of the destination country cannot be transported by air.

old or damaged electronic products with potential safety hazards

1. Old equipment
   • Changes in payment methods: The components are aged and may malfunction due to air pressure and vibration.
   • Example: An old device with a swollen capacitor cannot be transported by air.
2. Damaged electronic products
   • Changes in payment methods: Internal short - circuits, electric leakage, breakage, which may cause fires.
   • Example: Tablets with broken screens or exposed circuits are prohibited from air transportation.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Shipping Electronic products by Air

Packaging Requirements

1. Protective packaging
   • Inner packaging: Use cushioning materials such as foam and bubble wrap to fix the product.
     • Example: Precision instruments are fixed with customized foam grooves.
   • Outer packaging: Use sturdy cartons or wooden boxes that can withstand stacking pressure.
     • Labeling: Clearly mark product information (name, model, quantity, weight, dimensions).
2. Waterproof packaging
   • Measures: Place desiccants inside the packaging and wrap it with waterproof plastic film.
     • Example: For electronic watches, use sealed plastic bags and place desiccants.

Documents and Labels

1. Product documents
   • Provide: Detailed instruction manuals, including product components, functions, and battery information.
   • Special equipment: Medical electronic devices require the provision of medical certification documents and licenses.
2. Transportation markings
   • Necessary labels:
     • Fragile: Remind to handle with care.
     • This side up: Ensure the correct placement direction.
     • Lithium battery label: Indicate the battery type and capacity, and attach the UN38.3 test report (if required).
   • Regulatory compliance: Labels must comply with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Comply with the Regulations of the Destination Country or Region

• Understand regulations: Confirm that the product meets the requirements of EMC, radio frequency, and hazardous substance restrictions in the destination.
• Avoid risks: Non - compliant products may be seized, returned, or destroyed.

Comply with Transportation Regulations

1. Be familiar with air transportation regulations
   • IATA regulations: Understand the detailed regulations regarding the transportation of lithium batteries and electronic products.
   • Airlines policies: Different airlines may have additional requirements.
2. Lithium battery transportation requirements
   • Rated energy ≤100Wh: Can be carried on or checked, and short - circuit prevention is required.
   • For power banks with 100Wh < rated energy ≤ 160Wh: Requires airline approval, limited to two per person,Can only be carried onand cannot be checked.
   • Over 160Wh: Generally prohibited from air transportation.

Consult Freight Forwarding Companies

• Provide professional guidance on policies and industries related to the import and export of medical devices to ensure compliant operations.: Freight forwarders are familiar with the specific requirements of each airline and destination country.
• Case - by - case consultation: For special or high - value electronic products, consult in advance to obtain a customized solution.

IV. Conclusion

In the international air transportation of electronic products,complying with air transportation regulations and destination regulationsis of crucial importance. The shipper should ensure that the product and packaging meet the relevant requirements, provide the necessary documents and markings to ensure the safe and smooth arrival of the goods at the destination. Through careful preparation and professional consultation, transportation risks can be effectively reduced, and the smooth progress of trade can be guaranteed. If you still have doubts about the air transportation of electronic products, you are welcome to contact ourZhongShen International Tradeprofessional team. We will provide you with a customized solution to make your global trade unimpeded!