Realogistics Completed Freight Forwarding Services for the Sea Transport Export of UN3556 Lithium-Ion Electric Motorcycles

I. Case Background

Realogistics recently handled a shipment of UN3556 lithium-ion electric motorcycles destined for Brazil. Classified as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods, the cargo was declared under IMDG 42-24 (mandatorily enforced 2026), using the UN3556 code for vehicle-integrated on-board batteries, which replaces the former UN3171. The cargo departed from Shenzhen Yantian Port in a 40HQ dedicated DG container under full container load (FCL) terms, on a FOB Shenzhen basis.

Given the unique nature of vehicles with integrated lithium-ion batteries, this cargo is exempt from the Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate , but it requires maritime filing (declaration), supervised loading, VGM certification, and standardized marking and labeling. The full operating procedure delivered by Realogistics is detailed below.

Route: Shenzhen Yantian (YANTIAN) → Santos, Brazil

Cargo: Lithium-ion battery-powered electric motorcycles (integrated on-board battery) · UN3556 · Class 9 Dangerous Goods

II. Full Operating Procedure

Step 1 — Document Pre-Review amp; Booking Preparation (10–14 days before departure)

Prior to booking, Realogistics collected and verified the complete set of compliance documents to ensure their validity:

• MSDS (16th edition, correctly stating UN3556 / Class 9 / complete vehicle)

• UN38.3 test report and summary

• Maritime transport condition appraisal report (complete vehicle, not cells)

• Battery specification sheet (Wh rating, voltage, capacity, model)

In parallel, the Realogistics team prepared the Dangerous Goods Application Form and the DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration) using the carrier's DG templates, strictly separating dangerous-goods data from general-cargo data and providing each separately. It also verified the carrier's acceptance policy, stowage category, segregation requirements, and DG declaration cut-off time.

Deliverables: Pre-review approved; booking instruction clearly marked DG / UN3556 / Class 9.

Step 2 — Carrier DG Approval amp; SO Release (approx. 5–7 working days)

Realogistics submitted the complete documentation to the carrier's dangerous goods department for review. Upon approval, it obtained the Shipping Order (SO) specifying the gate-in opening time, DG declaration cut-off, customs cut-off, VGM cut-off, sailing date, and the stowage requirements for the Yantian hazardous-cargo zone. It concurrently secured a trucking provider with the requisite hazardous-goods transport qualification.

Risk Control: Based on Realogistics' prior experience, some carriers do not accept Class 9 lithium-battery vehicles on the Brazil service. Carrier selection was therefore vetted and confirmed in advance to prevent booking delays.

Step 3 — Container Pickup → Supervised Loading → Photo Documentation → Packing Certificate (within 24 hours after gate opening)

After gate opening, the Realogistics on-site team picked up the dedicated dangerous-goods container and inspected it for soundness, damage, and leakage. Certified personnel supervised the entire loading process, carrying out proper vehicle securing and lashing. Mandatory markings were then applied:

• Class 9 dangerous-goods labels on both sides and both ends of the container

• UN3556 mark (minimum character height of 65mm, unobstructed)

A full set of photographs was taken covering the container condition, loading process, securing, labeling, door closing, and sealing. Realogistics then issued the Container Packing Certificate (CPC, a prerequisite for maritime declaration) and completed the VGM weight verification, ensuring no vessel loading without VGM.

Deliverables: Supervised-loading photos, CPC, VGM receipt.

Step 4 — Maritime Declaration →nbsp;Customs Declarationnbsp;(order strictly enforced)

The Realogistics team proceeded strictly in sequence to ensure compliance:

1. Maritime Dangerous-Goods Declaration (cut-off 48 hours before departure) — submitted via the single window: DGD, CPC, MSDS, appraisal report, SO, container number/seal number. Entry into port was permitted only after obtaining the maritime declaration receipt.

2. Customs Declaration — concurrently filed the customs declaration form, invoice, packing list, contract, customs authorization letter, and declaration elements, declaring the cargo as "lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles (electric motorcycles)" and noting UN3556 / Class 9.

Inspection Response: The Professional Realogistics team coordinated with customs/maritime inspections throughout, addressing key checks on product description, UN number, labeling, securing, and battery integration.

Deliverables: Maritime declaration receipt, customs release notice.

Step 5 — Loaded Container → Terminal DG Storage → Carrier Stowage

Armed with the maritime receipt, Realogistics delivered the loaded container to the Yantian hazardous-cargo dedicated yard, where it was received and stored pending the carrier's confirmation of stowage and the vessel-space plan.

Step 6 — Vessel Loading amp; Sailing → PA Issued → B/L Confirmation

Loading and sailing took place on the scheduled date. Immediately after departure, Realogistics issued the Pre-Arrival (PA) notice to the consignee. Within 1–2 working days, it verified the B/L details (product description, UN3556, Class 9, container number, seal number, gross weight/volume), confirmed charges, and issued the bill of lading (ocean B/L or telex release).

Step 7 — Wrap-Up amp; Destination Port Coordination

Realogistics provided the full set of customs clearance documents — B/L, invoice, packing list, MSDS, DGD, and CPC — and advised the consignee that Brazilian import requires ANATEL certification, customs filing, and dangerous-goods clearance. All documentation was then archived and retained for more than one year for future reference.

III. Realogistics Key Operational Strengths

1. Precise Classification: Strictly uses UN3556 for vehicles with integrated lithium-ion batteries, eliminating any risk of misusing UN3171.

2. Exemption Handled Without Oversight Gaps: Although exempt from the dangerous-goods packing certificate under the relevant Special Provisions, every mandatory step — including maritime declaration — is completed without omission.

3. Standardized Marking: Class 9 label + UN3556 mark applied to spec with compliant dimensions and no obstruction.

4. Zero Delay in Timing: Maritime declaration is strictly completed within the 48-hour pre-sailing window, with VGM and customs cut-off synchronized.

5. End-to-End Qualified Manpower: Trucking, supervised loading, and declaration personnel all hold hazardous-goods qualifications, ensuring certified operations throughout.

6. Clear FOB Accountability: Realogistics assumes full responsibility for booking, DG approval, supervised loading, maritime declaration, customs clearance, and vessel loading — protecting the shipper from risk.

Service Summary: Leveraging in-depth, end-to-end experience in Class 9 lithium-battery dangerous goods (UN3556) and its team of professional certified specialists, Realogistics offers clients exporting to Brazil on FOB terms a one-stop, closed-loop service — from document pre-review and DG approval and supervised loading through maritime declaration to stowage and sailing — ensuring that every hazardous shipment reaches its destination safely, compliantly, and on schedule.

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Realogistics International Group Co., Ltd. Established in 2012 in Hong Kong.