UN3556, UN3557 and UN3558: a sea-freight vehicle booking check

“Electric vehicle” is a product description. A sea-freight booking needs more: what moves the vehicle, which battery chemistry it uses, whether that battery is installed, and how the vehicle will be presented for carriage.

Under IMDG 42-24, UN3556, UN3557 and UN3558 distinguish three battery chemistries. Start there, then check the vehicle definition and the applicable special provisions. Selecting a number is only the first part of the file.

Three entries, with the battery installed

The DGL lists these entries in class 9, with P912. Check all the special provisions in the relevant record; UN3558 has additional provisions that should not be assumed identical to the lithium entries. Confirm the chemistry from the manufacturer's technical information rather than the vehicle's marketing name.

Decide whether the item is a vehicle or equipment

SP388 draws the boundary using the function of the apparatus. It describes vehicles designed to carry people or goods and also gives examples of equipment. A scooter and a cleaning machine can both contain a lithium ion battery without following the same entry.

Example enquiry: the packing list says “battery-powered machine”. Ask for the model, product function, operating description and a photograph. Establish what the apparatus is designed to do before deciding between a vehicle entry and a battery-in-equipment entry. The UN3480 / UN3481 guide helps document the latter configuration.

Also ask about other power sources. A hybrid that contains an internal combustion engine needs the UN3166 boundaries in SP388, rather than classification from the traction battery alone. A containerised lithium battery system intended only to supply power externally needs the separate UN3536 / SP389 check.

Record removed and spare batteries separately

A photograph showing an installed traction battery is useful only if it reflects the configuration offered for transport. Ask the warehouse to confirm whether that battery will remain installed. A removed pack or separately shipped spare needs its own battery-entry assessment; do not carry the vehicle's UN number across to every item on the invoice.

A packing diagram can make the distinction clear: identify the vehicle, installed battery, any removed packs and the outer packages holding spares. Give that same diagram to the person preparing the transport information and to the carrier reviewing the booking.

Check SP961 against the actual carriage arrangement

SP961 is conditional. Its qualifying stowage arrangements and other conditions must be checked; a booking described as “ro-ro” is not enough evidence by itself. P912, SP388 and SP977 continue to apply when applicable under the wording of SP961. If SP961 is not met, examine SP962 and the other assigned provisions.

Ask the carrier to confirm the actual carriage arrangement before relying on a stowage-based condition. A vehicle in a freight container is a different booking fact from a vehicle carried in a designated vehicle space. Keep the basis for the claimed condition with the booking file.

Treat battery condition as a separate decision

SP388 addresses damaged or defective lithium batteries installed in vehicles. It requires removal and transport under SP376 unless the competent authority approves otherwise. A vehicle's ability to drive does not answer whether its battery is damaged or defective.

For an accident-damaged, recalled or repaired vehicle, request a condition statement that specifically covers the battery and explains the assessment. Resolve any uncertainty with the responsible shipper and the carrier before confirming the transport plan. Do not infer acceptance from the registration document, the brand or a previous shipment of another vehicle.

Five facts to settle before booking

1. Identity: model and evidence that the item meets the relevant vehicle definition.
2. Power: battery chemistry and any engine or fuel-cell system.
3. Configuration: battery installed, removed or packed separately, plus any spares.
4. Condition: battery condition and the applicable transport basis.
5. Carriage: packaging and stowage arrangement, any SP961 reliance, and carrier acceptance.

Keep those facts aligned across the packing list, booking request and transport information. This gives a reviewer something more useful than a UN number: a documented explanation of why the selected entry and conditions fit the goods being handed over.

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