Vehicle Classification and Booking Requirements for Container Shipping

19 Oct 2026

Whether a vehicle ships as dangerous goods depends on how it is powered and on its condition when it is handed over to us. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 introduced dedicated UN numbers for battery-powered vehicles, making correct classification more important than ever. This advisory sets out what we need from you at booking, so your vehicle is accepted and moves without delay.

This applies to all vehicles shipped in containers, new, used or damaged, including cars, motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, boats, forklifts, golf carts and aircraft.

Booking and classification

Book under the commodity code that matches the vehicle's condition and declare the UN number that matches how it is powered.

Commodity code	Description
004607	New vehicle, DG or non-DG
004608	Used vehicle, DG or non-DG
004609	Damaged vehicle, DG or non-DG *

* Damaged vehicles: A vehicle with known unrepaired collision, structural, undercarriage or other material damage must be booked using commodity code 004609. Damaged electric-vehicle bookings may be subject to additional review before acceptance.

Vehicle type	UN number	Non-DG under SP961?
Petrol, diesel or gas powered	UN 3166, Class 9	Yes, if all conditions are met
Hybrid of any type, including plug-in hybrids (PHEV)	UN 3166, Class 9	Yes, if all conditions are met*
Fuel cell powered	UN 3166, Class 9	Yes, if all conditions are met
Lithium-ion battery powered only	UN 3556, Class 9	No, must be declared as DG
Lithium metal battery powered only	UN 3557, Class 9	No, must be declared as DG
Sodium-ion battery powered only	UN 3558, Class 9	Yes, if all conditions are met
Other battery types, e.g. lead-acid	UN 3171, Class 9	Yes, if all conditions are met

* The next amendment of the IMDG Code (43-26) will remove this exemption for hybrid vehicles, which must then be declared as dangerous goods. The amendment is voluntary from January 2027 and mandatory from January 2028.

Shipping as non-dangerous goods: A vehicle can only be booked as non-DG if it meets all the conditions of Special Provision 961 of the IMDG Code, including fuel tanks being empty as defined in the Code. If any condition is not met, the vehicle must be declared under the UN number above.

Conditions for acceptance We will not accept:

• Vehicles with damaged or defective batteries
• Vehicles that have been flooded or have water damage
• Vehicles showing any sign or smell of leakage
• Spare or loose batteries packed with the vehicle. Batteries installed in the vehicle are accepted.
• Vehicles loaded in an active reefer or a non-operating reefer (NOR)
• Vehicles resting directly on, or in contact with, another vehicle

All vehicle bookings must meet these requirements:

• Auxiliary battery: Only the starter or auxiliary battery (usually 12V) needs to be disconnected, with terminals and cable ends insulated to protect against short circuit.
• Switched off: All vehicles must be switched off, not connected to a charger, and with no systems left active, such as climate control, camping or security modes.
• Empty: The vehicle must be shipped empty. No goods of any kind may be placed inside, on or attached to the vehicle. Standard manufacturer equipment such as the spare wheel, jack and tool kit may stay in the vehicle.
• Securing: Vehicles must be secured against movement in line with the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). The shipper is responsible for the loading and securing method used.

Recommendations

• State of charge: Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles should be shipped at a state of charge of 30% or less.
• Fuel: Vehicles booked as dangerous goods should carry only the minimum fuel needed to drive them into and out of the container.
• Placarding: The next amendment of the IMDG Code is expected to require placarding on containers carrying vehicles. Port requirements currently vary, so we recommend placarding containers on all four sides now to avoid delays at gate-in or transshipment.

Bookings or containers that do not meet these requirements may be rejected or held, with any resulting costs for the shipper's account. Goods found inside vehicles will be handled as undeclared cargo. By booking vehicles with Maersk, you confirm that you have read and meet the requirements in this advisory.

If you have questions or require support, please contact your local Customer Service representative – our teams are standing by and ready to assist.