Maersk has issued updated booking and acceptance requirements for vehicles transported in containers, following the introduction of dedicated UN numbers for battery-powered vehicles under IMDG Code Amendment 42-24.
The requirements apply to new, used and damaged vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, boats, forklifts, golf carts and aircraft.
Whether a vehicle must be declared as dangerous goods depends on its power source and condition when it is handed over for transportation.
Vehicle booking codes
Customers must use the commodity code corresponding to the condition of the vehicle:
| Commodity code | Description |
|---|---|
| 004607 | New vehicle, dangerous or non-dangerous goods |
| 004608 | Used vehicle, dangerous or non-dangerous goods |
| 004609 | Damaged vehicle, dangerous or non-dangerous goods |
Vehicles with unrepaired collision, structural, undercarriage or other material damage must be booked under commodity code 004609. Damaged electric vehicles may require an additional assessment before being accepted.
Dangerous goods classifications
The required UN number depends on the vehicle’s propulsion system:
| Vehicle type | Classification | Non-DG treatment under SP961 |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol, diesel or gas powered | UN 3166, Class 9 | Permitted if all conditions are met |
| Hybrid, including plug-in hybrid | UN 3166, Class 9 | Permitted if all conditions are met |
| Fuel cell powered | UN 3166, Class 9 | Permitted if all conditions are met |
| Lithium-ion battery powered | UN 3556, Class 9 | Must be declared as dangerous goods |
| Lithium metal battery powered | UN 3557, Class 9 | Must be declared as dangerous goods |
| Sodium-ion battery powered | UN 3558, Class 9 | Permitted if all conditions are met |
| Other battery types, including lead-acid | UN 3171, Class 9 | Permitted if all conditions are met |
A vehicle may only be booked as non-dangerous goods when it satisfies every condition under Special Provision 961 of the IMDG Code. This includes having its fuel tank empty as defined by the Code.
The forthcoming IMDG Code Amendment 43-26 will remove the current exemption available to hybrid vehicles. These vehicles will subsequently have to be declared as dangerous goods. The amendment may be applied voluntarily from January 2027 and will become mandatory in January 2028.
Vehicles excluded from acceptance
Maersk will not accept vehicles with damaged or defective batteries, flood or water damage, or signs or smells of leakage.
Loose or spare batteries cannot be packed with a vehicle, although batteries installed in the vehicle are permitted. Vehicles are also prohibited from active reefer and non-operating reefer containers.
Additionally, vehicles must not rest directly on or remain in contact with another vehicle inside the container.
Loading and securing requirements
The starter or auxiliary battery, normally the 12-volt battery, must be disconnected. Its terminals and cable ends must be insulated against short circuits.
Vehicles must be switched off and cannot remain connected to a charger. Climate control, camping, security and other systems must also be deactivated.
No cargo may be carried inside, on or attached to a vehicle. Standard equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a spare wheel, jack and tool kit, may remain inside.
Shippers are responsible for securing vehicles against movement in accordance with the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.
Maersk recommends that battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles be transported with a state of charge of no more than 30%. Vehicles declared as dangerous goods should carry only enough fuel to enter and leave the container.
The carrier also recommends placing dangerous goods placards on all four sides of containers carrying vehicles, as requirements currently vary between ports. The next IMDG amendment is expected to introduce a formal placarding requirement.
Non-compliant bookings or containers may be rejected or held, with any resulting expenses charged to the shipper. Goods discovered inside vehicles will be treated as undeclared cargo.
