What you need before you start
- Device name, model, quantity and condition
- Battery chemistry, rating and whether it is installed, packed separately or loose
- Confirmation that no battery is damaged, swollen, defective or recalled
- Invoice or other customs document with truthful value and country of origin
- Carrier acceptance for this exact shipment and service
Start with the battery, not the box
DHL distinguishes lithium-ion from lithium-metal batteries and separates batteries installed in equipment from batteries packed with it or shipped alone. Those details change the applicable acceptance and packing requirements. DHL says lithium-battery shipments require pre-approval; do not assume that approval for one configuration covers another.
Do not offer a damaged, swollen, defective or recalled battery for an air shipment. PHMSA identifies these batteries as a greater fire risk, and DHL does not accept batteries known or suspected to be defective or damaged.
- Phone or laptop: identify the installed battery and any spare
- Camera: list the body, battery and any separate cells
- Power bank: declare it separately; do not hide it among accessories
- Drone: send the exact model and every battery configuration for a separate acceptance check
Pack only after acceptance is confirmed
Protect the device from movement and accidental activation. Use a sturdy outer carton with cushioning that keeps the item away from the box walls. Protect exposed battery terminals against short circuit where relevant. The final method, marks and labels depend on the carrier-approved battery classification; do not improvise them.
Give US customs a useful description
Describe the actual goods rather than writing only “electronics” or “gift”. For example: “one used laptop, make and model, lithium-ion battery installed”. Provide quantity, condition, a supportable value and the manufacturing country of origin. Where known, include the serial number for identification. The country where you bought the device is not necessarily its country of origin.
CBP suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at or below US$800 from all countries effective 29 August 2025. That does not mean every item has the same duty rate. Classification, origin, value and entry method determine the assessment, so obtain a current shipment-specific answer before promising the receiver a landed cost.
What to send us for a useful answer
Send a photo of the device label, model, battery specification, condition, quantity, intended US delivery address and proof of value. We can then check the proposed carrier service before collection. Carrier acceptance and the final customs assessment remain shipment-specific.
Battery and customs decision sheet
| Question | What to record before booking |
|---|---|
| Device | Make, model, quantity, condition and serial number if available |
| Battery | Chemistry, Wh or lithium content, installed/packed/loose, condition |
| US entry | Accurate description, origin, value and receiver details |
| Approval | Written carrier acceptance for the exact configuration |
Official sources to verify
We use primary government, customs, chamber and carrier sources where available. See our shipping-content review policy.