Shipping Electric Vehicles by Sea: Container Types, Packing, and Customs

The Complete Guide to Ocean Freight for Electric Vehicles

Shipping electric vehicles from China to your destination port involves critical decisions about container type, packing method, battery documentation, and customs preparation. Getting any of these wrong can mean damaged goods, port delays, or seizure of your shipment.

This guide covers everything an EV importer needs to know about sea freight logistics.

Choosing the Right Container

20-Foot Standard Container (20GP)

Internal dimensions: 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m (L x W x H)

Usable volume: ~33 cubic meters

Max payload: ~28,000 kg

Capacity: 14-18 electric motorcycles (CBU) or 8-10 electric tricycles

Best for:

Smaller orders or test shipments

Mixed cargo (vehicles plus spare parts and accessories)

Routes with lower demand where a 40HQ would take too long to fill

40-Foot High-Cube Container (40HQ)

Internal dimensions: 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.69m (L x W x H)

Usable volume: ~76 cubic meters

Max payload: ~26,500 kg

Capacity: 34-40 electric motorcycles (CBU) or 18-22 electric tricycles

Best for:

Full batch orders through [our group-buy platform](/how-it-works)

Maximum cost efficiency on per-unit freight

High-volume routes (Lagos, Mombasa, Veracruz, Chittagong)

Cost Comparison

A 40HQ typically costs 60-75% more than a 20GP but holds over twice the cargo, making the per-unit cost significantly lower.

Packing Methods: CBU vs SKD vs CKD

CBU (Completely Built Up)

Vehicles are fully assembled at the factory, then crated in wooden or steel frames for shipping.

Advantages:

No assembly required at destination

Immediate sale or delivery upon customs clearance

Lower risk of assembly quality issues

Simpler customs classification

Disadvantages:

Takes more container space per unit (fewer units per container)

Higher import duty in some countries (assembled vehicles attract higher tariffs)

SKD (Semi Knocked Down)

Vehicles are partially disassembled -- typically the mirrors, handlebars, pedals, and wheels are removed and packed separately. The main frame, motor, controller, and battery remain assembled.

Advantages:

15-25% more units per container vs CBU

Lower import duties in many countries (classified as parts in some jurisdictions)

Minor reassembly takes 30-60 minutes per unit

Disadvantages:

Requires basic tools and trained staff for reassembly

Small risk of cosmetic damage during reassembly

Some customs authorities reclassify SKD as complete vehicles

CKD (Completely Knocked Down)

Vehicles are fully disassembled into component groups: frame, motor, battery, controller, wheels, bodywork, wiring harness, etc.

Advantages:

Maximum container utilization (up to 50% more units than CBU)

Lowest possible import duties (classified as components)

Potential for local value-add and job creation

Disadvantages:

Requires a proper assembly facility

Assembly time: 2-4 hours per unit with trained staff

Quality control challenges

Higher tooling and workspace investment

Our recommendation: For most importers, SKD packing offers the best balance of cost savings and convenience. [Contact us through the platform](/products) to discuss packing options for your order.

Battery Documentation Requirements

Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods for ocean transport. Every shipment must include:

UN38.3 Test Summary

This is the most critical document. It certifies that the battery has passed eight safety tests defined by the United Nations:

1. Altitude simulation (low pressure) 2. Thermal cycling (-40 C to +75 C) 3. Vibration 4. Shock 5. External short circuit 6. Impact/crush 7. Overcharge 8. Forced discharge

Without a valid UN38.3 report, shipping lines will refuse your cargo. Reputable Chinese factories provide this document as standard. Always request it before placing your order.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Also called SDS (Safety Data Sheet), this document describes the battery's chemical composition, hazards, handling procedures, and emergency response information. Required by:

Shipping lines for booking confirmation

Port authorities for cargo acceptance

Customs for import clearance

Your own warehouse for safe storage

Battery Packing Declaration

A signed statement from the shipper confirming that:

Batteries are packed according to IMDG Code requirements

Each battery is individually protected against short circuit

Battery state of charge is below 30% (recommended for ocean transport)

Packaging meets UN performance standards

Additional Certifications by Market

Route (from Ningbo)	20GP Rate	40HQ Rate	Per-Unit (2W, 40HQ)
Lagos, Nigeria	$2,200	$3,800	$105-$112
Mombasa, Kenya	$1,800	$3,200	$89-$94
Veracruz, Mexico	$2,500	$4,200	$117-$123
Cartagena, Colombia	$2,400	$4,000	$111-$118
Chittagong, Bangladesh	$1,200	$2,100	$58-$62
Market	Additional Requirements
Mexico	NOM-003-SCFI (electrical safety)
Colombia	RETIE certification
Kenya	KEBS import permit
Nigeria	SON SONCAP certificate
EU countries	CE marking, EN 15194

Customs Clearance Tips

1. Get Your HS Codes Right

Electric motorcycles and scooters are classified under HS code 8711.60 (electric motorcycles and cycles with electric motor for propulsion). Misclassification leads to delays and penalties.

2. Prepare a Detailed Packing List

Include for every unit:

Model name and specifications

Motor power (watts)

Battery type, voltage, and capacity

Unit weight and dimensions

FOB value per unit

3. Work with a Local Customs Broker

A broker familiar with EV imports in your country saves time and money. They know which additional permits or inspections apply and can pre-clear documentation before your container arrives.

4. Plan for Port Storage Costs

If documentation is incomplete, your container sits at the port accruing demurrage charges ($50-$150 per day). Have all paperwork ready 7-10 days before the vessel arrives.

5. Understand Duty Structures

Many countries offer reduced duties or exemptions for electric vehicles as part of green transport initiatives. Check with your broker whether your destination has EV-specific tariff benefits.

How EV GroupBuy Handles Shipping

When you order through [our platform](/how-it-works), we manage the freight logistics:

Container booking and consolidation with other buyers

Ensuring all battery documentation (UN38.3, MSDS) is collected from factories

Coordinating packing method based on your preference (CBU, SKD, or CKD)

Providing complete shipping documents for customs clearance

Real-time batch tracking from factory to port

[Browse available products](/products) and join a batch headed to your port. Our system automatically calculates your share of freight based on current batch fill levels.