Transport compliance continues to be one of the most important operational issues for companies exporting lithium battery products, including portable power stations and solar generator systems.
In August 2026, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration updated its lithium battery shipping resources to help shippers understand the requirements that apply when lithium cells and batteries are transported by air.
Lithium Batteries Require Specialized Shipping Procedures
Lithium batteries are regulated as dangerous goods because damaged, defective or improperly prepared batteries can create fire and thermal-runaway risks during transport.
For portable energy storage suppliers, compliance may involve requirements covering:
- UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, subsection 38.3 testing.
- Correct battery classification and UN identification numbers.
- Approved packaging and protection against short circuits.
- Required package markings and hazard labels.
- Transport documentation and shipper declarations where applicable.
- Carrier-specific acceptance requirements.
Exporters Need to Review Each Shipping Configuration
The applicable transport requirements can vary depending on battery capacity, packaging configuration, transport mode and whether the battery is shipped alone, packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
Manufacturers and exporters should therefore confirm the requirements for the exact product and route before shipment rather than relying on one general shipping method for every portable power station.
Industry Takeaway: As portable power stations move toward larger battery capacities, logistics compliance becomes increasingly important. Product design, certification, packaging and export documentation should be considered together during B2B project planning.
Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and IATA, 2026 battery transport guidance.
