Air freight of equipment with lithium batteries to Russia: what to check before dispatch
Lithium batteries inside equipment are split under IATA rules into several categories — this decides whether a lot can travel on a passenger flight or only on a cargo aircraft. Here is what to check and prepare before the lot reaches our warehouse.
In short
Smartphones, laptops, cordless power tools and other equipment with lithium batteries need a separate classification under IATA rules — the wrong code on the air waybill can get a lot turned away at the airport.
Batteries are split into categories by package weight and state of charge, which decides whether a lot can go on a passenger flight or only on a cargo aircraft.
Air freight of such equipment from Europe, the USA and Asia to Russia is possible with no weight limit, but it needs the battery paperwork in place before the lot reaches the warehouse.
How IATA splits battery cargo
Lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own are coded UN3480; batteries packed with the equipment or built into it are coded UN3481 — each has its own packing instruction.
Section IA covers high-capacity batteries: cargo-aircraft-only, a 35 kg net cap per package, state of charge no higher than 30%. Section IB covers smaller batteries, up to 100 Wh, up to 10 kg net per package, also cargo-aircraft-only.
Section II covers a small quantity of batteries per consignment, which is allowed on passenger flights too, but needs the 30% state-of-charge statement on the air waybill. The larger and more powerful the battery, the narrower the list of flights that will accept it.
What this means for air freight from Europe, the USA and Asia
You need a UN38.3 test summary for the battery before dispatch — most equipment manufacturers issue one on request, but for niche brands it sometimes has to be requested in advance, which can push the flight back by a few days.
There are almost no direct cargo flights to Russia, so this cargo mostly moves via transit through Istanbul or Dubai — it is worth checking with the carrier whether it accepts the specific battery section on that leg, as rules differ between airlines.
Equipment without a standalone battery — a device with a small built-in battery, for example — still needs checking against the list: ordinary cargo marking is sometimes enough, but in a mixed lot (some items with batteries, some without) it is simpler to pack them separately in advance so the whole lot is not held up at acceptance.
Air freight cost is calculated on chargeable (volumetric) weight (1 m³ = 167 kg), minimum service fee €200, transit time 2–8 days depending on flight load and whether the lot needs to transfer at a hub.
Sanctions screening comes first
We only handle goods that are not subject to EU, UK, Swiss or US sanctions. Before we quote, we check the HS code of every item and screen all parties to the deal; if a product or a party is restricted, we decline the order, whatever the route or the price.
How Tranzit3 helps
We check the battery classification under UN3480 or UN3481 and the right IATA section before the lot reaches our warehouse — this saves days that would otherwise go on paperwork fixes.
We arrange [air freight](/perevozki/avia) from Europe, the USA and Asia, choosing the flight and the transit through Istanbul or Dubai to suit the specific battery type, with no weight limit on the lot.
Send us a request — we will quote by chargeable weight and tell you which battery documents to request from your manufacturer.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?
UN3480 is for lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own; UN3481 is for batteries packed with or built into the equipment — each follows its own packing instruction.
Can battery cargo go on a passenger flight?
Only Section II quantities, with a state-of-charge statement on the air waybill; Sections IA and IB are cargo-aircraft-only.
Do I need a UN38.3 test summary for every shipment?
Yes, for the battery itself — most manufacturers can issue one on request, but it is worth asking early for less common brands.
Is there a weight limit for air freight to Russia?
No, air freight to Russia has no weight limit; cost is calculated on chargeable weight, with a minimum service fee of €200.
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