Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Drone Batteries (LiPo) → Vietnam
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Drone Batteries (LiPo) may require documentation or declaration
Details
LiPo drone batteries above 100 Wh require airline approval and those above 160 Wh are generally prohibited on passenger aircraft entirely. Most popular drone batteries from DJI's mid-range and professional lines exceed the 100 Wh threshold. Spare LiP. Enforcement in Vietnam carries fines from VND 1,000,000 to VND 100,000,000 under Customs Law 2014; Government Decree 128/2020; Criminal Code Art. 188 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).
Quantity limit
≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval; CAAV follows IATA DGR
Documentation required
- Airline approval for 101-160 Wh batteries
- Ministry of Defence permit for drone operations in Vietnam
Leaving with this item
Spare drone batteries may be taken out of Vietnam freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.
IATA dangerous goods
Drone Batteries (LiPo) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.
Practical advice
Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.
Customs authority
General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) · https://www.customs.gov.vn