Lithium Battery Shipping from the UK: What You Can Forward
Lithium Battery Shipping from the UK: What You Can Forward
TL;DR: Devices with a lithium battery built in, such as laptops, phones, tablets and headphones, can be forwarded from our warehouse as restricted items, without cover against loss or damage. Standalone batteries, power banks and spare batteries packed in the same box as a device can't be forwarded at all. The 2026 IATA change makes a 30% charge limit mandatory for batteries packed with equipment; for batteries built into a device it remains a recommendation, so you don't need to discharge your laptop or phone.
Lithium batteries are in almost everything people buy from British retailers: laptops, smartphones, tablets, wireless headphones, electric toothbrushes, toys and cameras. They are also one of the most tightly regulated goods in air transport. This guide explains which battery items you can send through your Send2Hub address, which you can't, and what actually changed in 2026.
Why Lithium Batteries Are Regulated
A damaged or short-circuited lithium battery can overheat in a chain reaction known as thermal runaway, which can lead to fire. On an aircraft, that is a serious safety risk. For this reason, IATA, ICAO, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and other regulators set strict rules on how lithium batteries are packed, labelled and carried. The rules depend on one key question: is the battery on its own, built into a device, or packed in the same box as a device?
The Four UN Classifications
UN3480: lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own, including spare batteries, battery packs and power banks. This is the most restricted category and isn't accepted by standard consumer parcel services.
UN3481: lithium-ion batteries either contained in a device (a laptop or phone) or packed with a device (a spare battery in the same box). The device housing protects a built-in battery, so these face fewer restrictions.
UN3090: lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries shipped on their own.
UN3091: lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment.
What Send2Hub Can and Cannot Accept
Accepted as restricted items: devices with a built-in battery
Laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, electric toothbrushes and similar devices with the battery inside can be accepted and forwarded internationally. They are restricted items, which means they are not covered against loss or damage under any circumstances, so arrange independent insurance for anything valuable. When you add item details, describe the device clearly and note that it contains a lithium-ion battery.
Not accepted: standalone and spare batteries
Loose batteries, power banks and spare battery packs are prohibited and can't be forwarded. The same applies to spare batteries packed in the same box as a device, such as a camera kit with an extra battery or a drone sold with several battery packs. If a parcel like this reaches our warehouse, the device itself may still be forwarded, but the spare battery can't be shipped. Check the box contents before you order, and see our prohibited and restricted items page for the full list.
The 2026 IATA 30% Charge Rule, Explained
You may have read that all lithium batteries must now be shipped at 30% charge or less. That isn't quite right. Here is what the rules actually say:
Standalone batteries (UN3480): the 30% limit has applied for years. These can't be forwarded through Send2Hub anyway.
Batteries packed with a device (UN3481, packed with equipment): from 1 January 2026, the 30% limit became mandatory for batteries above 2.7 Wh. This is the real change in 2026, and it's one reason spare batteries in a device box can't be forwarded.
Batteries built into a device (UN3481, contained in equipment): IATA recommends shipping at 30% or less, but it isn't mandatory.
What this means for you: you don't need to discharge a laptop, phone or tablet before it's forwarded. New devices from British retailers usually arrive with a partial charge anyway.
Choosing a Carrier for Electronics
Carriers set their own limits on battery-powered devices, and these vary by service and destination. Royal Mail, Parcelforce, UPS, DHL, FedEx and DPD all carry devices with built-in batteries on many international routes, but not every service is available for every destination. Our shipping calculator shows the options for your shipment. For high-value electronics, a tracked express service is a sensible choice. If you're unsure about a specific device, contact us before it's delivered to our warehouse.
Can I Forward This Item?
| Item | Can it be forwarded? |
| Laptop | Yes, as a restricted item (UN3481, contained in equipment) |
| Smartphone | Yes, as a restricted item. See our guide to buying phones in Britain |
| Tablet or e-reader | Yes, as a restricted item |
| Wireless headphones or earbuds | Yes, as a restricted item |
| Camera with a spare battery in the box | Camera yes, spare battery no |
| Power bank | No, standalone battery (UN3480) |
| Spare laptop battery | No, standalone battery (UN3480) |
| Electronic toy | Usually yes, as a restricted item, if the battery is built in |
| E-scooter or e-bike battery | No, too large for parcel services |
Shipping toys to the USA? Children's products imported into the USA are subject to US consumer product safety filing rules from 8 July 2026. Check the requirements before you order. For other US import rules, see our USA forwarding guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a power bank through Send2Hub?
No. Power banks are standalone lithium batteries (UN3480) and are prohibited. If one arrives at our warehouse, the parcel will be held and you will be contacted before any further action.
Can I forward a laptop bought from a UK retailer?
Yes. Laptops are restricted items: they are accepted and forwarded internationally, but not covered against loss or damage. You don't need to discharge the battery first.
Does the 30% charge rule apply to my laptop or phone?
Not as a requirement. Since 1 January 2026, the 30% limit is mandatory for batteries packed with equipment, such as a spare battery in the box. For batteries built into a device, it is a recommendation.
What if my device comes with a spare battery in the box?
We don't accept spare batteries. If a kit like this arrives, the spare battery can't be shipped. Check the box contents before you order.
What happens if I send a prohibited battery item without declaring it?
The parcel will be held and you will be contacted. Depending on the circumstances, the item may need to be returned or disposed of, and any costs may be charged to your account. Check our prohibited items list first.
Which carriers can ship devices with lithium batteries?
All six of our carriers carry devices with built-in batteries on many international routes, but availability depends on the service and destination. The shipping calculator shows your options.