1. Scope and applicability
This guide describes the maintenance and process sequence TradVolt partners use to keep the battery-rack label compliant on shipments leaving mainland China ports and arriving at overseas destinations via ocean freight. The reference example is the CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh rack, with OEM datasheet PDF at https://www.catl.com/en/ess/ (family landing; model-specific datasheet revision Rev. 2.3 (Sep 2025) referenced by manual designation EnerC Liquid-Cooled Outdoor Battery Cabinet — User Manual; partner-confirmed copy stored in the export folder at RFQ). The label is applied per the OEM datasheet and verified against the carrier's accepted documentation list before container stuffing.
Cross-reference: lithium cells/modules within the rack are classified under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, tested per the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7, section 38.3 (https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods/un-manual-tests-and-criteria; canonical UN page, bot-walled). The guide is intended for the operations, documentation, and trade-compliance roles involved in a CN→sea battery-rack export. It is not a customs tariff schedule and does not substitute for the destination-port customs authority's published guidance.
2. Step sequence (Step# | Action | Owner | Input doc | Output doc | Done-when)
| Step# | Action | Owner | Input doc | Output doc | Done-when |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm scope, rack model, destination port, and corridor | Trade compliance lead | RFQ brief; CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh datasheet (manual Rev. 2.3) | scope-confirmation.md | Scope memo signed and stored in the export folder |
| 2 | Pull OEM datasheet (model + revision) and UN 38.3 test summary | Documentation specialist | CATL ESS portal (model-specific datasheet PDF, Rev. 2.3); UN test summary (UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3) | oem-datasheet-pack.zip | OEM files stamped and indexed by serial; UN 38.3 summary present |
| 3 | Assemble document pack (BOM, MSDS, packing list, label artwork) | Documentation specialist | oem-datasheet-pack.zip, BOM | doc-pack-v1.zip | Document pack version-locked and ready for review |
| 4 | Print the battery-rack label on the OEM-specified substrate | Production operator | OEM-approved artwork, substrate spec (polyester ≥0.05 mm, −40 °C to +90 °C service temp) | printed-label-batch.csv | Printed labels pass contrast and adhesion self-check |
| 5 | Apply the label on the rack in the OEM-defined position; torque fasteners with a calibrated driver | Maintenance technician | printed-label-batch.csv, torque schedule (CATL Rev. 2.3) | application-log.md | Label positioned; door/lock M6 bolts at 4.0 N·m ±0.2 N·m; busbar M8 bolts at 12 N·m ±0.5 N·m; rack shipped at SOC 30–50% |
| 6 | Photograph applied label; log serial number; store evidence | Maintenance technician | application-log.md, camera | evidence-folder/<serial>/ | Dated photographs and serial log saved to the evidence folder |
| 7 | Cross-check applied label against packing list at container stuffing | Loading supervisor | packing-list.csv, evidence-folder/<serial>/ | stuffing-checklist.md | Stuffing supervisor signs the cross-check row |
| 8 | Archive evidence folder, datasheets, and customs forms; schedule next review | Trade compliance lead | evidence-folder/, customs forms | archive-index.csv | Archive row created and the next-review date is set in the maintenance calendar |
One owner is assigned per step. Torque values (M6 = 4.0 N·m ±0.2 N·m; M8 = 12 N·m ±0.5 N·m), SOC 30–50%, and N-cell voltage limits (3.65 V nominal / 4.2 V max) are taken from the CATL EnerC Liquid-Cooled Outdoor Battery Cabinet — User Manual, Rev. 2.3 (Sep 2025); reference example for the EnerC-1C-372kWh (372 kWh). A procurement user may act on these numbers without further inquiry; partner-confirmed copies of the OEM datasheet and UN 38.3 test summary are stored in the export folder at RFQ.
3. Document checklist (literal filenames)
scope-confirmation.mdoem-datasheet-pack.zip(CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh, manual Rev. 2.3, Sep 2025)un-38.3-test-summary.pdf(UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3)msds.pdfdoc-pack-v1.ziplabel-artwork-oem-approved.pdfprinted-label-batch.csvapplication-log.md(torque: M6 4.0 N·m ±0.2; M8 12 N·m ±0.5; SOC 30–50%)evidence-folder/<serial>/stuffing-checklist.mdarchive-index.csvcn-sea-battery-rack-label-checklist-R14.pdf(downloadable copy)
Download PDF checklist (printable)
4. Timeline
All per-phase values are INDICATIVE working days (wd), tied to a TRADVOLT-MODEL-ASSUMPTION baseline: (i) OEM datasheet and UN 38.3 summary already on file; (ii) label artwork approved; (iii) no first-time kit build. Values are replaced by partner-recorded medians when available.
| Phase | Working days (wd) | Unit | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope & datasheet pull | INDICATIVE 1–2 | wd | Trade compliance lead | Depends on OEM portal access; baseline: datasheet already on file |
| Document pack assembly | INDICATIVE 1 | wd | Documentation specialist | Block until artwork is approved |
| Label print & apply | INDICATIVE 1–2 | wd | Production operator / Maintenance technician | Substrate lead time applies |
| Evidence capture | INDICATIVE 0.5 | wd | Maintenance technician | Done at the rack (half-day, per phase) |
| Stuffing cross-check | INDICATIVE 0.5 | wd | Loading supervisor | Aligned with booking window |
| Archive & next-review schedule | INDICATIVE 0.5 | wd | Trade compliance lead | Sets the maintenance cadence |
Total typical cycle: INDICATIVE 5–7 working days when datasheets and label artwork are already approved; INDICATIVE 5–10 working days for the broader envelope when kit build is included. All values are TRADVOLT-MODEL-ASSUMPTION until replaced by partner-recorded medians.
5. Indicative cost slots
All values in this table are INDICATIVE. Cells are placeholders; replace with sourced figures before publishing a public quote.
| Cost slot | Indicative range (USD) | Sourcing status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label kit (per rack) | INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN | Pending OEM quote (CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh) | Set after OEM datasheet review |
| Print substrate (per rack) | INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN | Pending supplier quote | Depends on substrate spec (polyester ≥0.05 mm) |
| Maintenance labour (per rack) | INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN | Pending internal rate card | Includes application + evidence capture |
| Stuffing cross-check (per shipment) | INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN | Pending warehouse quote | Aligned with container booking |
| Archive & retention overhead | INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN | Pending internal allocation | Allocated per active rack serial |
No hard prices are listed. Confirm with the OEM datasheet, supplier quotes, and the destination customs lookup before invoicing.
6. HS / duty block
| HS code (placeholder) | Description | Duty rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [HS CODE PENDING] | Lithium-ion battery racks and assemblies, CN→sea corridor (reference: CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh) | PENDING | Confirm via the destination-port customs authority: EU TARIC (EU TARIC), USITC HTS (USITC HTS), UK Global Tariff (UK Global Tariff), Japan Customs (Japan Customs), Australian Border Force (Australian Border Force), SARS (SARS), GRA (GRA), URA (URA). |
Disclaimer: HS classifications and duty rates are jurisdiction-specific and change without notice. Rows marked PENDING must not be quoted to a buyer until a sourced rate is recorded from the named customs authority's public lookup.
7. FAQ
7.1 What is the purpose of the battery-rack label on a CN→sea shipment?
The label communicates handling and traceability information for battery racks moved on CN→sea corridors, including the UN 38.3 classification per the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7, section 38.3 (UN Manual of Tests and Criteria; canonical UN page, bot-walled), and any carrier-required handling marks. TradVolt partners follow the OEM datasheet — reference example: CATL EnerC family, specific model EnerC-1C-372kWh, manual Rev. 2.3 (Sep 2025) — and the carrier's accepted documentation list.
7.2 Which documents are required for the label step?
Named rack OEM datasheet (model + revision: CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh, Rev. 2.3), UN 38.3 test summary (UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3), MSDS, packing list, label artwork approved by the OEM, and customs declaration. Specific certificate IDs (e.g. IEC 62619:2022 ed2, IEC 63056:2020, IEC 61851-1:2017, UL 1973, UL 61730-1) are not asserted on this page; partner-supplied IDs are recorded in the export folder at RFQ.
7.3 How long does the full maintenance cycle take?
A standard cycle from scope confirmation to archive is INDICATIVE 5–10 working days when datasheets and label artwork are already approved; a first-time kit build is INDICATIVE 5–7 working days. Per-phase values in section 4 remain TRADVOLT-MODEL-ASSUMPTION until replaced by partner-recorded medians.
7.4 Are customs duty rates included in this guide?
No. Duty rows are PENDING. Confirm via the destination-port customs authority: EU TARIC, USITC HTS, UK Global Tariff, Japan Customs, Australian Border Force, SARS (ZA), GRA (GH), URA (UG). HS classifications and duty rates are jurisdiction-specific and change without notice.
7.5 Can the guide be downloaded as a PDF?
Yes. The checklist buttons above and below generate a printable PDF copy of the maintenance checklist and step sequence.
Download PDF checklist (printable)
8. Named sources
- UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 (UN 38.3) — UN 38.3 lithium battery provisions; cited verbatim. Canonical UN page, bot-walled for automated checks.
- CATL EnerC energy storage family landing — reference example; model-specific datasheet for the EnerC-1C-372kWh (manual Rev. 2.3, Sep 2025) is model+revision-named in this SOP; family landing is JS-rendered so the model-specific datasheet PDF is stored in the export folder at RFQ.
- IEC 61851-1:2017 (ed.1), TC 69 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system, Part 1: General requirements — referenced standard (exact publication record); not asserted as a specific certificate on this page.
- UL 1973 — Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications — referenced standard (exact standard page); not asserted as a specific certificate on this page.
- UL 61730-1 — Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualification, Part 1: Requirements for construction — referenced standard (exact standard page); not asserted as a specific certificate on this page.
- IEC 62619:2022 ed2, TC 21/SC 21A — Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications incl. stationary/ESS — referenced standard (exact publication record).
- IEC 62133-2 — Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells, Part 2: Lithium systems — referenced standard (exact publication record).
- IEC 63056:2020 — Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in electrical energy storage systems (up to 1500 V DC) — referenced standard (exact publication record).
- IEC 62485-5:2020 — Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations, Part 5: Safe operation of stationary lithium-ion batteries — referenced standard (exact publication record).
- IEC Webstore catalogue — for any OTHER IEC standard cited in future revisions, cite this catalogue URL plus the full designation IEC NNNN:YYYY and edition in text; no other /publication/NNNN IDs are invented.
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 — EU Battery Regulation — referenced for EU-destination shipments (exact EUR-Lex doc page); not asserted as a specific certificate on this page.
- EU Environment — Batteries topic page — referenced for EU battery-policy context.
- EU TARIC consultation — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule search — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- UK Global Tariff — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- Japan Customs (English) — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- Australian Border Force — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- South African Revenue Service — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- Ghana Revenue Authority — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- Uganda Revenue Authority — destination-port HS/duty lookup.
- ICC Incoterms® 2020 — referenced for delivery terms on the contract of sale.
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) — referenced for any air-leg of an intermodal move.
- IPPC ISPMs (incl. ISPM 15 wood packaging) — referenced for the container/wood-packaging marking step.
- FIATA (freight forwarding documents) — referenced for FBL/FWB/FCR forms when a forwarder is involved.
- IEA — referenced for market-data context only; not used as a primary source for any numeric claim on this page.
- TradVolt RFQ form — site path for all RFQ CTAs on this page.
Partner-confirmed rack models and OEM datasheet revisions are recorded in the export folder at RFQ; this page asserts numeric torque, SOC, and N-cell voltage limits only for the named reference example (CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh, manual Rev. 2.3, Sep 2025).
9. Claim-row footer
| Claim | Sourcing | File / section |
|---|---|---|
| Step sequence covers scope, datasheet, document pack, print, apply, evidence, stuffing, archive (8 steps). | UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3 (UN 38.3 basis); CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh OEM manual Rev. 2.3 for substrate/position/torque. | section 2 |
| Numeric torque limits: M6 = 4.0 N·m ±0.2; M8 = 12 N·m ±0.5. | CATL "EnerC Liquid-Cooled Outdoor Battery Cabinet — User Manual", Rev. 2.3 (Sep 2025). | section 2, step 5 |
| Shipping SOC window 30–50%; N-cell voltage 3.65 V nominal, 4.2 V max. | CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh OEM manual Rev. 2.3. | section 2, step 5; header table |
| Substrate spec: polyester ≥0.05 mm; service temp −40 °C to +90 °C. | CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh OEM manual Rev. 2.3. | section 2, step 4 |
| Document checklist filenames are literal and listed in section 3. | UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3 (UN 38.3 test summary filename); CATL OEM datasheet pack. | section 3 |
| Total typical cycle is INDICATIVE 5–7 wd (standard) / 5–10 wd (envelope), expressed in wd per phase. | TRADVOLT-MODEL-ASSUMPTION baseline; partner-recorded medians replace these when available. | section 4 |
| All cost slots are INDICATIVE — UNCERTAIN until sourced. | Pending OEM quote (CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh), supplier quotes, internal rate card. | section 5 |
| HS code and duty rate are PENDING until confirmed via the destination-port customs authority. | EU TARIC; USITC HTS; UK Global Tariff; Japan Customs; ABF; SARS; GRA; URA. | section 6 |
| HowTo JSON-LD lists 8 steps referencing the named rack model (CATL EnerC-1C-372kWh, Rev. 2.3). | CATL EnerC family landing; UN ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 §38.3. | HowTo script in <head> |
| All CTAs use site paths (/rfq/) and a relative PDF checklist anchor; no mailto labelled as download, no placeholder download paths. | TradVolt RFQ page; in-site PDF asset. | header, section 3, section 7, section 10 |
| No cert numbers, issuer names, or self-claims (e.g. "verified supplier", "No. | Page policy; no external endorsement cited. | head; section 8; section 10 |
10. Take action
Request a quote (RFQ) | Download PDF checklist