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Packed with equipment often UN3481

Batteries packed in the same outer packaging as the equipment, but not installed in the device.

Outer package holding a device and a separate battery in its own inner packaging.
Battery packed beside the device. Schematic: battery packed with equipment, not fitted. The battery sits in its own inner packaging next to the device. Commonly UN 3481 or UN 3091 (packed with equipment). Original schematic, not to scale.

In human terms

You ship a device and its battery together in one outer package, with the battery separate (not fitted). For lithium-ion this is commonly still UN3481 (packed with equipment) — distinct from batteries alone (UN3480) and from contained-in-equipment.

Examples

  • A tool kit with spare battery packs in the same carton (not inserted)
  • A device boxed with a detached battery beside it
  • Equipment plus matching cells packed together for retail or installation later

Why the distinction matters

Packing instructions, quantity limits, and airline/ocean acceptance can differ between “alone,” “in,” and “with.” Mis-classifying is a common cause of delays. If you are unsure, choose “Not sure” on the quote form.

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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.

Packed-with-equipment review

The detached battery must belong with the equipment.

This configuration is not a shortcut for shipping unrelated spare batteries. The pack plan should show the battery, the matching equipment and the protections between them.

  • Equipment and battery model match
  • Battery quantity is appropriate for the equipment
  • Terminals and inner packaging prevent short circuits
  • Battery cannot move freely or contact conductive material
  • Watt-hours, State of Charge and section are reviewed for air
  • Completed package meets the applicable performance requirements

Cargo screening

Battery configuration and condition

  1. Cells or batteries aloneUN 3480 (lithium-ion) · UN 3090 (lithium metal)
  2. Packed with equipmentUN 3481 · UN 3091 (packed with equipment)
  3. Contained in equipmentUN 3481 · UN 3091 (contained in equipment)
  1. New, tested
  2. Returned or used
  3. Damaged, defective or recalled
Does not replace formal dangerous-goods classification under the applicable dangerous-goods rules (IMDG Code for sea, IATA DGR for air). Cargo guide · Condition review

2026 air-planning note

State of Charge now needs earlier attention.

For lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment under PI 966, IATA's 2026 guidance introduces a 30% State of Charge limit for Section I and for Section II cells / batteries above 2.7 Wh, unless the applicable approval path is used.

This is different from batteries contained in equipment under PI 967, where reduced State of Charge is strongly recommended rather than stated as the same blanket requirement.

Read the air-freight planning guide

Packaging

Marks and labels on the outer package

Packaging

Where marks and labels usually go on the outer package

Outer carton with five numbered areas where marks and labels are usually placed12345
  1. Orientation arrowsWhen the packaging requires an upright position.
  2. Lithium battery mark areaWhen the applicable provisions call for the mark instead of a hazard label.
  3. Class 9 hazard label areaFor fully regulated consignments; the lithium battery variant where the rules specify it.
  4. UN number and proper shipping nameMatching the declaration and the transport documents.
  5. Shipper and consigneeNames and addresses as on the booking.
Original schematic of positions only; it does not reproduce the regulated mark and label designs. Which marks apply depends on the classification, the quantities and the transport mode.
A shrink-wrapped lithium-ion battery pack for a small electric vehicle
Warehouse with red racking and pallets of boxes
An electric scooter parked by a wall

Battery beside the device, not inside it?

Send the product-to-battery match, packing layout, Watt-hours, quantity and route.

Request a packed-with 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.
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