Drone Batteries (LiPo) → United States

Drone Batteries (LiPo) restricted; documentation or permits may apply

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.

Quantity limit

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 required

• No special documents for ≤100 Wh batteries
• Airline approval letter for 101-160 Wh batteries (obtain in advance)

Leaving with this item

Spare drone batteries may be taken out of United States freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.

Practical advice

Carry documentation. Declare at customs if required.

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov