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New Mandatory Document Submission for DG Lithium Batteries - Ningbo Port

Advisory

PDF version available here

 

New Mandatory Document Submission for DG Lithium Batteries 

Ningbo Port (China)

Please be advised of a critical update to the documentation required by the Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) for the transport of Class 9 Dangerous Goods (Lithium Batteries) through the Port of Ningbo, China.

While the submission of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has been a mandatory requirement for some time, the MSA has now added the UN 38.3 Test Report to the list of documents that must be submitted for all applicable bookings.

Please ensure adherence to the reinforced requirements below to maintain compliance and prevent severe delays, penalties, or cargo refusal at the terminal.

1. Scope of the New Requirements

This rule applies to all lithium battery shipments classified as Dangerous Goods Class 9 with the following UN Numbers:

  • UN 3090 (Lithium metal batteries)
  • UN 3091 (Lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment)
  • UN 3480 (Lithium ion batteries)
  • UN 3481 (Lithium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment)
  • UN 3536 (Lithium batteries installed in a cargo transport unit)

Applicability:

The new documentation rule applies to all movements involving Ningbo Port, including Load (Export), Discharge (Import), Transshipment, and Transit.

2. Mandatory Documentation for Booking

For all applicable DG Lithium Battery bookings, the following two documents must be uploaded to our booking system (OPUS) at the time of booking:

Required Document

Status

Key Action
  1. UN 38.3 Test Report

NEWLY MANDATORY (effective immediately)

Must be provided for the specific battery model being shipped.
  1. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

EXISTING MANDATORY Requirement

Must be provided (This has been a standing requirement).

Crucial Compliance Alert:

  • The UN 38.3 Test Report is the new critical requirement. This report must clearly show that the battery model meets the safety requirements stipulated in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3.
  • Missing documents or document discrepancies (e.g., mismatched model numbers) will result in penalties/fines and may lead to the rejection of your shipment or vessel berthing refusal.
     

3. Effective Date
These requirements are effective immediately.

Please prioritize the immediate preparation and submission of both the UN 38.3 Test Report and the SDS at the time of your DG booking to ensure uninterrupted operations through Ningbo Port.

Thank you for your continued support and for choosing Ocean Network Express (ONE) to cater to your needs. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your ONE representative.



Sincerely, 

Ocean Network Express (North America) Inc.