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 ProtectionTurn off the power supply, fix the battery, and use protective materials (such as foam, bubble wrap).
   • ExampleAn 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 componentsDoes not affect the aircraft navigation and communication systems.
     • The packaging is sturdy.Use a sturdy box and fill it with cushioning materials inside.
   • ExampleA 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 partsSuch as paper, ink cartridges, and package them separately.
   • ExampleA 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
   • IncludingPortable electronic blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, etc.
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Battery Complies with RegulationsThe rated energy does not exceed 100Wh.
     • Additional documentsProduct manuals, medical certification documents.
     • Packaging protectionPrevent the movement of the equipment and the battery.
   • ExampleAn electronic blood pressure monitor with the battery fixed and accompanied by a manual can be transported by air.
2. Small medical imaging equipment
   • IncludingPortable ultrasonic diagnostic instruments, small X - ray machines (without radioactive substances).
   • Transportation Requirements:
     • Complies with safety standardsNo radioactive substances or complies with radiation safety standards.
     • Battery Complies with Regulations(If any).
     • Stable PackagingShock - proof and pressure - proof.
   • ExampleA 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
   • LimitGeneral Lithium batteries with a rated energy exceeding 160Wh Air transportation is prohibited.
   • ReasonHigh - energy lithium batteries have a high risk of fire and explosion.
   • ExampleA professional video camera using a 200Wh lithium battery cannot be transported by air.
2. No short - circuit prevention measures taken
   • Changes in payment methodsThe positive and negative poles of the battery are exposed, which may cause short - circuits and fires.
   • ExampleEquipment with exposed and unpackaged batteries cannot be transported by air.

Electronic products with strong magnetism

• ImpactMay interfere with the aircraft navigation and communication systems.
• IncludingLarge industrial electromagnets, large generators, large transformers, etc.
• ExampleA 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 RequirementsElectromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency, restriction of hazardous substances, etc.
• ExampleAn 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 methodsThe components are aged and may malfunction due to air pressure and vibration.
   • ExampleAn old device with a swollen capacitor cannot be transported by air.
2. Damaged electronic products
   • Changes in payment methodsInternal short - circuits, electric leakage, breakage, which may cause fires.
   • ExampleTablets 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 packagingUse cushioning materials such as foam and bubble wrap to fix the product.
     • ExamplePrecision instruments are fixed with customized foam grooves.
   • Outer packagingUse sturdy cartons or wooden boxes that can withstand stacking pressure.
     • LabelingClearly mark product information (name, model, quantity, weight, dimensions).
2. Waterproof packaging
   • MeasuresPlace desiccants inside the packaging and wrap it with waterproof plastic film.
     • ExampleFor electronic watches, use sealed plastic bags and place desiccants.

Documents and Labels

1. Product documents
   • ProvideDetailed instruction manuals, including product components, functions, and battery information.
   • Special equipmentMedical electronic devices require the provision of medical certification documents and licenses.
2. Transportation markings
   • Necessary labels:
     • FragileRemind to handle with care.
     • This side upEnsure the correct placement direction.
     • Lithium battery labelIndicate the battery type and capacity, and attach the UN38.3 test report (if required).
   • Regulatory complianceLabels must comply with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Comply with the Regulations of the Destination Country or Region

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

Comply with Transportation Regulations

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