Singapore Introduces Surcharges On Dangerous Goods Battery Shipments

Singapore Introduces Surcharges On Dangerous Goods Battery Shipments

In response to a recent rise in fire-related incidents involving lithium batteries in Singapore, the country’s port authority has introduced a new surcharge for batteries.

According to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), the measure is intended to mitigate safety risks associated with handling batteries during air transport, sea transport, and yard storage.

Effective from 1 May 2026, PSA will apply a monitoring service fee of between USD 1,200 and USD 1,500 per shipment for all dangerous goods battery consignments covered under the below UN codes.

Singapore is the world’s largest transhipment hub, facilitating container movements across the globe, and the new monitoring service fee is understood to also apply to cargo transiting through Singapore to connect with another vessel.

Incidents involving lithium batteries have increasingly troubled the logistics industry in recent years, with the British International Freight Association (BIFA) describing them as a significant threat to transport safety.

While these batteries are generally safe for consumers when installed in electronic devices such as mobile phones and power tools, they can ignite or even explode if damaged. The risk becomes significantly greater when they are handled or stored in bulk.

The PSA also issued a reminder of their fees associated with the misdeclaration of dangerous goods, which range between USD 1,000 and USD 10,000 per container.

Evolution Forwarding specialise in dangerous goods movements, by air, ocean and road. We provide complete solutions for packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products, including lithium batteries. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.