Comprehensive guide to shipping mobile phones overseas

Shipping mobile phones internationally can be tricky due to varying customs regulations and restrictions. Understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring smooth international delivery, avoiding delays, and preventing unexpected costs.

This FAQ page provides essential information for businesses in Singapore looking to ship a phone internationally, presented in a handy table format for easy reference.

While this guide offers a snapshot of prevailing requirements for popular destinations, shippers should always double-check with official sources or consult with a customs clearance agent for the most up-to-date information.

Common FAQs when shipping phones internationally

My phone has a lithium battery. Are there any special shipping rules for that?

Yes, lithium batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods¹, and there are international regulations for shipping a phone internationally with them. Some general rules include:

• Defective, damaged and recalled batteries are not permitted for international shipping.
• The battery must be securely installed in the device.
• The package may need specific labeling indicating the presence of lithium batteries.
• There may be quantity restrictions on the number of batteries or devices containing batteries in a single package.
• You may need to provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the battery.

It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for shipping smartphones with lithium batteries internationally in order to ensure compliance and avoid delays or safety hazards. Find out how to ship lithium batteries internationally safely and within regulatory standards.

What documents do I need to ship a phone internationally?

When shipping a phone internationally, you'll typically need to include, at a minimum, a commercial invoice with accurate information such as:

• Value of the phone
• Model and brand
• Quantity
• Country of origin

Some countries may require additional documentation such as import permits or certificates from the local telecommunications agency. For example, when shipping phones to Taiwan, you may need to provide an "Affidavit form" from the National Communications Commission (NCC) for devices with wireless transmission capabilities. Country-specific requirements for popular destination countries are specified in the table below.

I'm shipping a mobile phone as a gift. Are the rules different?

Can you ship a phone internationally as a gift? Yes, absolutely. Moreover, you will still need to comply with customs regulations in the destination country. Be sure to declare the accurate value of the phone on the commercial invoice, as customs officials may assess duties and taxes based on this value. Our guide to shipping household goods and personal effects may also provide useful information.

Country-specific information for shipping phones internationally

Achieve seamless international shipping with DHL Express

Shipping mobile phones internationally requires careful consideration of customs regulations and restrictions. 

If you're looking to send mobile phones abroad, DHL Express offers reliable international shipping solutions and expert guidance to navigate the complexities of customs.

Our shipping logistics and supply chain logistics expertise, combined with our global network and advanced tracking capabilities, ensure your shipments reach their destination safely and efficiently. Resources such as this FAQ and the MyDHL+ platform also help you ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid delays or unexpected costs.

Have questions on how much it costs to ship a phone internationally? Contact the DHL Express team for a personalized quote on mobile phone shipping charges and to explore our global shipping solutions.