Contained in equipment often UN3481

Batteries installed inside the device they power — still regulated, but under different packing instructions than batteries alone.

Battery installed in the device. Schematic: battery contained in equipment. The device is protected against accidental activation and cushioned in the outer package. Commonly UN 3481 or UN 3091 (contained in equipment). Original schematic, not to scale.

In human terms

The battery is already fitted in the product. For lithium-ion, this is commonly UN3481 (contained in equipment). Rules still apply — “in equipment” does not mean unrestricted.

Examples

Laptops, tablets, and phones with built-in batteries
Cordless power tools with batteries installed
Medical or industrial instruments with internal lithium batteries
Cameras, scanners, and similar devices

Practical tips

Prevent accidental activation during transport
Protect against short circuit and damage
Declare accurately — do not describe as general cargo if DG rules apply

Request a Quote All cargo types

Disclaimer: Final acceptance depends on cargo specs, packing, route, carrier and destination requirements. We assist with review and DG declaration support; we do not guarantee carrier approval.

Contained-in-equipment review

The device provides part of the protection—but not the whole answer.

The battery still needs to be identified and matched to the equipment, and the package must protect the product throughout transport.

Product and battery model relationship
Battery chemistry, Watt-hours and quantity per device
Protection against accidental activation
Device and battery secured against movement and damage
Spare batteries identified separately
Customer-supplied test summary and SDS references

Watch for mixed configurations

One carton can contain more than “equipment with battery.”

Installed only

Every battery is fitted in the device it powers. Start from contained-in-equipment requirements.

Installed plus spares

Extra detached batteries must be counted and reviewed rather than treated as invisible accessories.

Power bank included

Power banks are standalone batteries for transport and can change the package and mode assessment.

Documents

Files to send with the enquiry

Documents

Standard document file

Standard file

Commercial invoice
Packing list
UN 38.3 test summary
Safety data sheet (SDS)
Battery data
Packaging and label photos
DG declaration details
Importer details

Download the checklist (PDF, 1 page) Documents guidance

Anxin reviews documents supplied by the shipper and manufacturer; it does not issue UN 38.3 reports or SDS.

A cordless drill with its battery pack attached

An electric bicycle with its battery mounted on the frame

Shipping products with batteries installed?

Share the product, battery model, quantity, packing and any spare-battery content.

Request an equipment review

Condition is separate from configuration. Damaged, defective, recalled or untested batteries need a special-case review — they are not marketed as routine freight for this configuration. Open Battery Condition & Special-Case Review.