Introduction: The New Blue Ocean for Cambodia Lithium Battery Shipping Exports

In the global energy transition wave, lithium batteries, as the core carrier of the new energy revolution, are changing the world at an unprecedented speed. From consumer electronics to electric vehicles, from energy storage systems to renewable energy grid integration, the application scenarios of lithium batteries continue to expand, and the market size continues to grow explosively. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global lithium battery market size exceeded $1 trillion in 2025 and is expected to reach $3 trillion by 2030.

Southeast Asia, as an important destination for global manufacturing transfer, is becoming an emerging battlefield for the lithium battery industry. Cambodia, a country once dominated by agriculture and tourism, is gradually becoming a new focus of the lithium battery industry in the ASEAN region due to its unique geographical location, preferential investment policies and increasingly improved infrastructure.

In 2024, the Cambodian government released the “National Electric Vehicle Development Policy (2024-2030)”, which clearly set an ambitious goal of increasing the number of electric vehicles to 30,000, electric scooters to 720,000 and electric tricycles to 20,000 by 2030. The introduction of this policy not only points out the direction for the development of Cambodia’s new energy industry, but also provides new market opportunities for global lithium battery enterprises.

However, cross-border shipping of lithium batteries is not a smooth journey. As a dangerous good with potential safety risks, the shipping of lithium batteries is strictly regulated by international and national laws and regulations. As a member of ASEAN, Cambodia has unique policy requirements and regulatory systems for the import and shipping of lithium batteries. For enterprises that want to enter the Cambodian market, understanding and complying with these regulations is not only a basic requirement for compliant operation, but also the key to ensuring cargo safety, reducing operating costs and enhancing market competitiveness.

A Panoramic Interpretation of Cambodia’s Lithium Battery Policies

Tariff Dividends: Latest Tariff Adjustments in 2026 and Support Policies for the Electric Vehicle Industry

On January 1, 2026, the General Department of Customs of Cambodia officially implemented a series of new tariff adjustment policies, among which the preferential measures for lithium batteries and electric vehicle-related products are particularly noteworthy. According to the new policy, the special tax rate for electric vehicle batteries has been reduced from 10% to 5%. This adjustment directly reduces the import cost of lithium batteries and injects strong impetus into the development of Cambodia’s electric vehicle industry.

In addition, according to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), lithium battery products originating in China can enjoy a 0% tariff preference when entering the Cambodian market. This policy is undoubtedly a major benefit for Chinese lithium battery enterprises, helping to further enhance the competitiveness of Chinese lithium batteries in the Cambodian market. However, it should be noted that the premise of enjoying this preference is that the products must comply with the rules of origin and provide the corresponding certificate of origin.

Regulatory Framework: A Full-chain Requirement from Import License to Customs Clearance Process

Cambodia implements a strict regulatory system for the import of lithium batteries. According to Cambodia’s “Environmental Protection Law” and “Hazardous Materials Management Regulations”, lithium batteries are restricted import items, and importers must obtain an import license issued by the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia. In addition, all lithium batteries, regardless of their value and quantity, must go through formal customs clearance procedures, and the customs clearance cycle is usually 3-4 working days.

During the customs clearance process, importers need to provide a series of documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, UN38.3 test reports, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and so on. These documents are not only important basis for customs inspection, but also important vouchers for ensuring cargo safety and proving product quality.

Differences between Personal and Commercial Shipping: Restrictions on Parcel Mailing and Supervision of Bulk Cargo

It should be noted that Cambodia has strict restrictions on the mailing of lithium batteries in personal parcels. According to the regulations of the Cambodian postal department, only 2 lithium batteries (lithium-ion or lithium-metal) can be mailed in a single parcel, and the batteries must be installed in the device. For bulk commercial shipping of lithium batteries, it is necessary to declare and ship them in accordance with the relevant regulations for dangerous goods shipping.

Lithium Battery Safety Certification: A Passport to Cambodia

UN38.3 Test: Core Content of 12 Safety Tests and Global Recognition

UN38.3 is a special test standard for lithium batteries in the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria for the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and it is also one of the most recognized lithium battery safety test standards in the world. This standard includes 12 test items, covering altitude simulation, temperature cycling, vibration, shock, external short circuit, crush, heavy impact, thermal abuse, overcharge, forced discharge and other aspects, comprehensively inspecting the safety of lithium batteries under various extreme conditions.

Passing the UN38.3 test is one of the basic requirements for lithium batteries to enter the Cambodian market. Importers must provide a UN38.3 test report issued by a third-party laboratory recognized by ILAC/CNAS to prove that the batteries meet the relevant safety standards.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): 16 Essential Information and Compliance Writing Points

MSDS is a comprehensive document about the physical and chemical properties, hazardous characteristics, safe use methods, emergency response measures and other information of chemicals. For lithium batteries, MSDS is an important document for ensuring shipping safety and guiding correct use.

A compliant MSDS should include 16 items, including chemical and enterprise identification, composition/information on ingredients, hazard identification, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, and other information. Importers should ensure that the content of MSDS is accurate and complete, and complies with the relevant regulations of Cambodia.

Shipping Appraisal Report: Differences between IATA and IMDG Standards and Application Scenarios

The shipping appraisal report is a document that evaluates the shipping safety of lithium batteries according to the requirements of different shipping methods. Common shipping appraisal reports include IATA DGR (International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations) appraisal reports and IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) appraisal reports.

The IATA DGR appraisal report is applicable to air shipping, mainly evaluating the safety of lithium batteries during air shipping, including the type, rated energy, packaging method of the batteries, etc. The IMDG appraisal report is applicable to sea shipping, mainly evaluating the safety of lithium batteries during sea shipping, including the hazard class, packaging grade, shipping name of the batteries, etc.

Importers should choose the corresponding shipping appraisal report according to the different shipping methods, and ensure that the content of the report meets the relevant standards and requirements.

Case Analysis: Consequences of Cargo Detention and Return Due to Lack of Certification

In 2025, a Chinese lithium battery enterprise exported a batch of lithium battery products to Cambodia. Due to the failure to provide complete UN38.3 test reports and MSDS documents, the cargo was detained by the Cambodian customs. After multiple communications and supplementary documents, the cargo was finally released, but the enterprise was delayed in delivery, not only facing claims from customers, but also affecting its reputation in the Cambodian market.

This case fully illustrates the importance of certification documents. For lithium battery enterprises, preparing all necessary certification documents in advance and ensuring that the content of the documents is accurate and complete is the key to avoiding risks such as cargo detention and return.

Packaging Art: A Safety Line for Lithium Battery Shipping

Hazardous Goods Classification: Marking and UN Number Rules for Class 9 Hazardous Goods

Lithium batteries belong to Class 9 hazardous goods, i.e., miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles. According to the United Nations Dangerous Goods Shipping Regulations, lithium batteries are divided into two types: lithium-ion batteries (UN3480) and lithium-metal batteries (UN3090). During shipping, the corresponding UN number and hazardous goods marking must be correctly marked on the packaging.

Three-level Packaging System: Differentiated Packaging Solutions for Built-in Batteries, Matching Batteries and Pure Batteries

According to the form and assembly method of lithium batteries, they can be divided into three types: built-in battery products, matching battery products and pure battery products. Different types of lithium batteries require different packaging solutions.

• Built-in battery products: Refers to devices with non-detachable batteries, such as smartphones, laptops, etc. For such products, the device should be turned off to avoid accidental startup during shipping. At the same time, sturdy packaging materials should be used to prevent the device from being collided and damaged during shipping.
• Matching battery products: Refers to products where the battery and the device are shipped separately but in the same batch, such as spare batteries for power tools. For such products, the battery should be individually insulated, and insulating tape should be pasted on the electrode parts to prevent battery short circuit. At the same time, the battery and the device should be packaged separately to avoid mutual collision.
• Pure battery products: Refers to bare batteries not installed in the device, such as power banks, battery cells, etc. For such products, UN-certified special packaging materials should be used to ensure that the batteries are not affected by extrusion, collision, etc. during shipping. At the same time, obvious hazardous goods marking should be pasted on the packaging to remind shipping personnel to pay attention.

Anti-static and Short-circuit Prevention Technology: Details Control from Packaging Materials to Operation Processes

Lithium batteries are very sensitive to static electricity and short circuits. Once electrostatic discharge or short circuit occurs, it may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or even explode. Therefore, effective anti-static and short-circuit prevention measures must be taken during the shipping of lithium batteries.

In terms of packaging materials, anti-static packaging materials, such as anti-static plastic bags, anti-static foam, etc., should be used to prevent static accumulation. In terms of operation processes, operators should wear anti-static clothing, anti-static gloves and other protective equipment to avoid direct contact with the battery electrodes. At the same time, operations should be avoided in high-temperature, humid and other environments to prevent the battery from getting damp or overheating.

Compliance Label Guide: Specifications for Class 9 Hazardous Goods Labels, Anti-inversion Marks and Chinese Warning Words

On the lithium battery packaging, labels and markings that meet the regulations should be pasted, including Class 9 hazardous goods labels, anti-inversion marks, Chinese warning words, etc. These labels and markings are not only important signs to remind shipping personnel to pay attention, but also important vouchers to prove that the products meet the relevant regulations.

The Class 9 hazardous goods label should be pasted in a prominent position on the packaging, and the label size should not be less than 10×10 cm. The anti-inversion mark should be pasted on the top of the packaging to remind shipping personnel to pay attention to the placement direction of the packaging. The Chinese warning words should be clear and eye-catching, reminding users to use and handle the lithium batteries correctly.

Shipping Method Selection: A Balance between Timeliness, Cost and Safety

Air Shipping Special Line: Dangerous Goods Shipping Process under IATA DGR Standards

Air shipping is an important way for lithium battery shipping, with the characteristics of fast timeliness and high safety. However, because lithium batteries are dangerous goods, air shipping is strictly regulated by IATA DGR standards.

When choosing an air shipping special line, importers should choose airlines and freight forwarders with dangerous goods shipping qualifications, and ensure that the cargo meets the requirements of IATA DGR standards. During shipping, it is necessary to declare and package the goods in accordance with the regulations, and provide the corresponding shipping appraisal report and dangerous goods shipping declaration.

Sea Shipping LCL: Operation Differences between FCL and LCL and Restrictions on State of Charge

Sea shipping is another important way for lithium battery shipping, with the characteristics of low cost and large shipping volume. For large batches of lithium battery products, sea shipping LCL is a more economical choice.

During sea shipping LCL, importers need to pay attention to the restrictions on the state of charge of lithium batteries. According to IMDG rules, the state of charge of lithium batteries during sea shipping should not exceed 30%. In addition, lithium batteries should be stacked separately from other goods to avoid mutual influence.

Land Shipping Channel: Timeliness Advantages and Risk Points of Cross-border Shipping between China, Vietnam and Cambodia

Land shipping is one of the important shipping channels connecting China and Cambodia, with the characteristics of moderate timeliness and low cost. Through cross-border land shipping between China, Vietnam and Cambodia, goods can be transported from China to Cambodia in 7-12 days.

However, it should be noted that there may be some risks during land shipping, such as border inspection, poor road conditions, weather changes, etc. Therefore, when choosing a land shipping channel, importers should choose freight forwarders with rich experience and purchase corresponding shipping insurance to reduce shipping risks.

Multi-modal Transport: Customized Solutions and Full-process Visual Management

For some complex shipping needs, multi-modal transport is an ideal choice. Multi-modal transport refers to combining two or more shipping methods to provide customized shipping solutions for customers.

During multi-modal transport, freight forwarders can choose the appropriate shipping method and route according to the characteristics of the goods, shipping requirements and customer needs, and provide full-process visual management services, allowing customers to understand the shipping status of the goods in real time.

Customs Clearance Practice: A Full-process Guide from Declaration to Release

Document Preparation List: Standard Requirements for Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists and Certificates of Origin

During the customs clearance process, document preparation is a crucial link. Importers need to provide a series of documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, UN38.3 test reports, MSDS and so on.

The commercial invoice should contain detailed information about the goods, such as name, quantity, unit price, total price, etc., and indicate the origin and HS code of the goods. The packing list should detail the packaging method, weight, volume and other information of the goods, facilitating customs inspection. The certificate of origin is an important document to prove the origin of the goods and a necessary voucher for enjoying tariff preferences.

Key Points of Customs Inspection: Consistency Verification between UN38.3 Report and Actual Goods

Customs inspection is an important link in the customs clearance process. During the inspection, customs officers will focus on verifying the consistency between the UN38.3 test report and the actual goods, including the model, capacity, appearance and other aspects of the battery. If inconsistency is found between the report and the actual goods, the customs may detain the goods and require the importer to provide further supporting documents.

Therefore, when preparing the UN38.3 test report, importers should ensure that the content of the report is completely consistent with the actual goods, and keep the relevant test records and original data for customs inspection.

Tax Planning: VAT Deduction and Strategies for Maximizing Tariff Preferences

In Cambodia, imported lithium batteries are subject to a 10% value-added tax (VAT). Importers can reduce tax costs through reasonable tax planning. For example, importers can use Cambodia’s VAT deduction system to deduct the VAT paid at the import link in the subsequent sales link.

In addition, importers can also reduce tariff costs by making reasonable use of tariff preference policies. For example, importers can ensure that the products comply with the rules of origin of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and enjoy the 0% tariff preference.

Handling of Special Cases: Solutions for Commodity Inspection Registration and Energy Efficiency Certification

In some cases, imported lithium batteries may need to go through commodity inspection registration or energy efficiency certification. For example, for some high-capacity lithium batteries, the Cambodian customs may require the importer to provide a commodity inspection registration certificate. For some lithium batteries used in electric vehicles, energy efficiency certification may be required.

Importers should understand the relevant requirements in advance and prepare the corresponding supporting documents. If special cases are encountered, they should communicate with the customs or relevant departments in a timely manner to seek solutions.

Risk Prevention and Control: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Lithium Battery Shipping

Common Compliance Risks: Consequences of Under-declaration of Value, Non-compliant Packaging and Lack of Certification

During the shipping of lithium batteries, common compliance risks include under-declaration of value, non-compliant packaging, lack of certification and so on. These risks may not only lead to cargo detention and return, but also face fines, criminal penalties and other consequences.

• Under-declaration of value: If the importer under-declares the value of the goods, the customs may require the importer to pay the back taxes and impose a fine. In serious cases, criminal penalties may be faced.
• Non-compliant packaging: If the packaging does not comply with the relevant regulations for dangerous goods shipping, the customs may refuse to release the goods and require the importer to repackage them. This will not only delay the delivery time, but also increase the shipping cost.
• Lack of certification: If the importer fails to provide the necessary certification documents, such as UN38.3 test report, MSDS, etc., the customs may detain the goods and require the importer to provide the relevant documents.

Insurance Scheme Design: Special Insurance for Lithium Battery Characteristics and Compensation Ratio

Due to the certain risks in lithium battery shipping, importers should purchase corresponding shipping insurance to reduce risk losses. According to the characteristics of lithium batteries, there are some special insurance products in the market, such as lithium battery shipping insurance, dangerous goods shipping insurance and so on.

When choosing insurance products, importers should pay attention to the compensation ratio and insurance coverage of the insurance. Generally speaking, the insurance compensation ratio should not be less than 110% of the cargo value to ensure that sufficient compensation can be obtained when the goods are damaged.

Emergency Response Mechanism: Response Strategies for Anomaly Alerts and Customs Clearance Delays

During the shipping of lithium batteries, various abnormal situations may be encountered, such as flight delays, customs inspection, cargo damage and so on. Importers should establish a sound emergency response mechanism to deal with various abnormal situations in a timely manner.

For example, in the event of a flight delay, the importer should communicate with the freight forwarder in a timely manner to understand the cause of the delay and the estimated arrival time, and notify the customer in a timely manner. In the event of customs inspection, the importer should actively cooperate with the customs officers and provide the necessary documents and information. In the event of cargo damage, the importer should report the case to the insurance company in a timely manner and apply for compensation.

Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges for Cambodia’s New Energy Industry

Policy Dividends: Long-term Impact of the “National Electric Vehicle Development Policy (2024-2030)”

The introduction of Cambodia’s “National Electric Vehicle Development Policy (2024-2030)” provides strong policy support for the development of Cambodia’s new energy industry. This policy not only clarifies the development goals and key tasks of the electric vehicle industry, but also proposes a series of preferential measures, such as reducing tariffs, providing subsidies, building charging infrastructure, etc.

These policy measures will help attract more domestic and foreign investors to participate in the development of Cambodia’s new energy industry, and promote the rapid development of related industries such as lithium batteries and electric vehicles. It is expected that in the next few years, Cambodia’s new energy industry will experience explosive growth.

Industrial Layout: Investment Trends of Enterprises such as BYD in Cambodia and Industrial Chain Integration

With the rapid development of Cambodia’s new energy industry, more and more domestic and foreign enterprises have begun to layout in the Cambodian market. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has established an assembly plant in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, and the plant is expected to have an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles, making Cambodia a potential center for electric vehicle production in the ASEAN region.

In addition, some lithium battery material suppliers, charging equipment manufacturers and other enterprises have also begun to enter the Cambodian market, promoting the integration and improvement of Cambodia’s new energy industrial chain.

Green Transition: Construction of Charging Infrastructure and Synergistic Development of Renewable Energy

Charging infrastructure is an important support for the development of the electric vehicle industry. The Cambodian government plans to vigorously build charging infrastructure in the next few years, and it is expected to deploy 4,000 charging points by 2030. At the same time, Cambodia is also actively promoting the development of renewable energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, etc., to provide clean and sustainable energy supply for electric vehicles.

The synergistic development of charging infrastructure construction and renewable energy will help achieve Cambodia’s green transition goals and promote the sustainable development of the economy and society.

Trend Prediction: Standardization Process of Lithium Battery Shipping under the ASEAN Unified Market

With the continuous advancement of the ASEAN integration process, the construction of the ASEAN unified market is also accelerating. In this context, the standardization process of lithium battery shipping will become the future development trend.

ASEAN countries may formulate unified lithium battery shipping standards and specifications, simplify cross-border shipping processes, and reduce shipping costs. This will help promote the development of the lithium battery industry in the ASEAN region and enhance the competitiveness of ASEAN in the global lithium battery market.

Conclusion: Compliance Escort, Towards a New Energy Era

The Cambodia lithium battery shipping market is full of opportunities, but also faces many challenges. For enterprises that want to enter the Cambodian market, understanding and complying with the relevant regulations, strengthening safety management, and improving compliance levels are the keys to ensuring cargo safety, reducing operating costs and enhancing market competitiveness.

At the same time, enterprises should also actively pay attention to the development trends of Cambodia’s new energy industry, grasp policy opportunities, strengthen local cooperation, and promote industrial chain integration. Only in this way can they remain invincible in the competition of the Cambodian new energy market and achieve sustainable development.

Let us work together, with compliance as the escort and innovation as the driving force, to jointly open a better future for Cambodia’s new energy industry!