I. Packaging Format: Primarily Wooden Crates and Pallets
Due to the significant weight and dimensions of individual energy storage liquid cooling plates, export shipping typically employs a “pallet plus wooden crate” combination: a wooden pallet at the base facilitates forklift loading and unloading, while the surrounding wooden crate protects against collisions and crushing. For single units or small batches, partitioned packaging with internal cushioning is used.
As liquid cooling plates are precision metal components—where the flatness of flow channel surfaces and heat exchange surfaces directly impacts system performance—the packaging design must prevent direct pressure on the plate surface, deformation due to stress, or mutual impact between plates.
II.
ISPM 15 Compliance for Wooden Packaging
Wooden packaging (crates, pallets, dunnage, etc.) destined for markets such as the EU, the US, and Japan must comply with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15).
Under ISPM 15, packaging materials made from raw wood must undergo approved treatments—commonly heat treatment (HT: core wood temperature reaching at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes) or methyl bromide (MB) fumigation—and bear the IPPC mark authorized by the national plant protection organization (comprising a specific symbol, country code, producer/treatment provider code, and treatment method code).
Unmarked wooden packaging may be detained, fumigated, destroyed, or returned upon arrival at the destination port.
Industry Note: Engineered wood products—such as plywood, particleboard, and OSB—as well as thin wood with a thickness of 6 mm or less, fall outside the scope of ISPM 15 regulations and can serve as alternatives to solid wood packaging to simplify compliance procedures.
III. Rust Prevention, Moisture Protection, and Surface Preservation
After undergoing processes such as brazing and cleaning, the aluminum and copper surfaces of liquid cooling plates are susceptible to oxidation and corrosion when exposed to the high humidity and salt spray typical of maritime transport.
Standard industry protective measures include: applying protective film or interleaving paper to the plate surfaces to prevent scratches and oxidation; placing VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) materials and desiccants inside the packaging to control internal humidity; applying temporary anti-rust sealing to critical mating surfaces; and, when necessary, using vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-purged anti-rust bags.
For shipping routes passing through humid regions, moisture-proof liners should be used, and “Keep Dry” labels must be clearly displayed.
IV.
Cushioning, Securing, and Labeling
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as well as jolts and vibrations, are inevitable inside containers during sea transport. Packaging for liquid cooling plates must ensure: the use of cushioning materials (such as EPE foam) with adequate clearance to prevent shifting or collisions during transit; secure fastening within wooden crates to maintain a stable center of gravity; and the application of export shipping marks (consignee, port of destination, case number, gross weight, and volume) in accordance with contract and logistics requirements. Fragile or precision components must bear warning labels such as “Fragile,” “Keep Dry,” and “This Side Up.”
Pallet loading height and weight must comply with shipping line and port limits to avoid refusal of shipment or additional surcharges due to overweight issues.
V.
Documentation and Inspection Preparation
For export and destination customs clearance, appropriate documentation must accompany the shipment if wooden packaging is used: exporters must retain records for heat-treated or fumigated wooden packaging materials and provide fumigation or heat-treatment certificates if required by the destination country.
As liquid cooling plates are typically made of aluminum alloy or copper, they must be classified and declared according to their actual material composition. If coolant or pressure-testing media are included with the shipment, it is essential to verify whether a dangerous goods declaration is required to avoid inspection delays caused by failure to declare such items.
Conclusion
Packaging requirements for the export of liquid cooling plates for energy storage systems can be summarized by four key elements: wood compliance (ISPM 15), rust and moisture protection, cushioning and securing, and complete documentation.
Aligning the packaging strategy with the quarantine requirements of the destination country can effectively reduce the rate of cargo damage and customs clearance risks, ensuring the timely delivery of precision components to overseas energy storage projects.
