Drone Batteries (LiPo) → 🇺🇸 United States

Full details

Drone Batteries (LiPo) restricted; documentation or permits may apply. Quantity guidance for United States: Up to 100 Wh per battery in carry-on (FAA/TSA); 101-160 Wh requires airline approval — max 2 spare batteries; batteries over 160 Wh prohibited on commercial flights. Documentation: No special documents for ≤100 Wh batteries; Airline approval letter for 101-160 Wh batteries (obtain in advance). Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 300 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 19 USC § 1592 (fraudulent entry) (ordinary personal cases are handled as civil infringements). Restricted status means compliant carriage is achievable with the right paperwork and quantities; the practical risks are seizure, duty, and delay rather than criminal liability for a good-faith traveller. Arrival checks are carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving United States with drone batteries (lipo) is a separate question: allowed — Spare drone batteries may be taken out of United States freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.

Leaving United States with drone batteries (lipo)

Spare drone batteries face no customs export control from United States. IATA dangerous-goods rules require all spare lithium batteries to travel in cabin baggage with terminals protected; most consumer-drone batteries are under 100 Wh and travel freely, while 100-160 Wh packs need airline approval (max two). Batteries installed in the drone may travel in checked baggage with the device powered fully off, though cabin carriage is recommended.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-08-22