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💻 Knowledge Base • Electronics

Can I Ship Electronics Abroad?
Laptops, TVs, phones & the lithium battery rules

The short answer

Can electronics be shipped internationally?

Yes. Most electronics can be shipped, but lithium batteries are the critical restriction. Devices containing lithium batteries face strict air freight rules under IATA dangerous goods regulations, and the rules differ between devices with installed batteries versus loose or spare batteries.

TVs, monitors, desktop computers, printers, kitchen appliances and audio equipment without lithium batteries ship without battery restrictions. The considerations there are packing quality and customs duty at the destination.

The lithium battery rules

What IATA regulations mean for your shipment

Loose or spare lithium batteries: never in shipped luggage. Power banks, spare laptop batteries, spare camera batteries and loose phone batteries cannot travel in unaccompanied air freight under any circumstances. Carry them with you in hand luggage.

Installed batteries: case-by-case. A laptop with its battery installed, a phone, a tablet: these face restrictions in unaccompanied freight. Rules vary by airline and route. Call us before packing any battery-powered device.

No battery, no problem: TVs, monitors, desktop PCs (remove any UPS battery), printers, kitchen appliances, corded tools and hi-fi equipment ship freely. The focus becomes protective packing and accurate customs declaration.

Customs and duty

What you pay at the destination

Used personal electronics in a genuine personal effects shipment are duty-exempt or low-duty to many destinations, especially under Transfer of Residence schemes when relocating.

New electronics in retail packaging attract import duty and tax at most destinations. Customs treat sealed new items as imports regardless of your intentions. If shipping gifts, expect the recipient country to assess duty on the declared value.

Declare accurately. Undervaluing electronics is the most common customs mistake we see. Modern customs teams check declared values against market prices. An honest declaration with proof of purchase clears faster. See our TV shipping guide for large-screen specifics.

FAQs

Your questions answered

Can I ship a laptop in my luggage?
Laptops contain lithium batteries which face IATA air freight restrictions in unaccompanied baggage. Rules vary by route. Call 0800 096 38 39 before packing any laptop. The safest option is carrying laptops with you.
Can I ship a power bank?+
No. Power banks and loose lithium batteries are prohibited in unaccompanied air freight under all circumstances. Carry them in your hand luggage when you travel.
Can I ship a TV abroad?+
Yes. TVs contain no lithium battery and ship well with proper packing. Original box with foam inserts is ideal. Used personal TVs attract lower duty than new sealed ones. See our TV shipping guide for full details.
Will I pay customs duty on my electronics?+
Used personal electronics in genuine personal effects shipments are duty-exempt or low-duty to many destinations, especially under Transfer of Residence relief. New items in retail packaging attract duty at most destinations.
Can I ship kitchen appliances?+
Yes. Kettles, toasters, food processors, rice cookers and similar appliances without lithium batteries ship freely. Check voltage compatibility at your destination (UK is 230V) and pack in original boxes where possible.
Should I remove batteries before shipping devices?+
Remove all loose and removable batteries and carry them with you. For devices with sealed installed batteries, call 0800 096 38 39. Acceptability depends on the device, battery size and route.
Shipping Electronics • Excess Luggage Co. • 0800 096 38 39
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