Industry News
New PSA classification and monitoring rules affect battery DG containers transhipping through Singapore
ONE Malaysia advises that PSA has reclassified selected battery dangerous-goods cargo from Group 3 to Group 2 for Singapore transhipment, with mandatory monitoring and revised surcharges for affected UN numbers.
Published 4 September 2026
Ocean Network Express (ONE) Malaysia has issued a new advisory on changes affecting battery-related dangerous-goods (DG) containers transhipping through Singapore.
What changed
According to ONE Malaysia, PSA has revised the classification of selected battery DG cargo from PSA Group 3 to Group 2. The change covers several UN numbers, including UN3090, UN3091, UN3171, UN3480, UN3481, UN3536, UN3551, UN3552, UN3556, UN3557 and UN3558, which are commonly associated with lithium batteries.
Mandatory monitoring and surcharges
ONE says selected battery DG shipments may also require mandatory monitoring, particularly where prolonged terminal dwell time creates a higher safety risk. Revised DG handling requirements and related surcharges apply to affected containers transhipping through Singapore.
What West Malaysia shippers and forwarders should do
For West Malaysia shippers and forwarders routing DG cargo through Singapore, shipment declarations and routing should be reviewed before booking. The advisory warns that inaccurate or late declarations could lead to penalties, delays or operational disruption. The change does not affect every Malaysia shipment or every battery cargo.