International Shipping Lithium Batteries

International shipping lithium batteries requires knowledge of the regulations, policies and best practices for this type of cargo. Without these, your shipments could be rejected by carriers, delaying the shipment and disappointing your customers.

Anyone listed as the shipper on a shipment’s waybill is responsible for ensuring 100% compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. JingSourcing can help you meet these requirements with specialized courier services and thermal labels.

Packaging

In order to ship lithium batteries, you need to use packaging that complies with regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Dangerous Goods Regulations. These regulations categorize lithium batteries as Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods. This means that they need to be shipped in a package with a maximum size of 35kg per shipment, and they should be packed so that the battery is not likely to cause injury or damage during transit.

The packing also needs to comply with the IATA DGR’s Packing Instructions, which specify limits on how many batteries a package can contain and how they should be packed. For example, it requires that the batteries are not touching each other or any conductive materials, and that they are firmly wrapped in non-flammable and insulating material. The package should also be labeled with a UN number and a dangerous goods description.

When you are ready to ship your batteries, you need to prepare a waybillopen_in_new, which is a bill of lading that acts as a contract of carriage through the air or sea. This document provides authorities with information about the shipment, including its point of origin, its route, and where it’s headed. It also includes important details about how the package is packed and labeled. It’s a good idea to work with a shipping company that is familiar with IATA and IMDG regulations when preparing your waybill.

Labeling

When shipping lithium batteries, it’s essential to follow regulations set by DOT and IATA regarding how these dangerous goods are packaged and labeled. These guidelines dictate the specific rules that need to be followed for each mode of transportation – whether it’s ground or air.

In addition to the required labels for your packaging, you’ll also need to provide certain documentation, such as a packing list, to show that the shipment meets all of the necessary requirements. Other documents may include a Dangerous Goods Declaration and material safety data sheets for international shipping lithium batteries the batteries themselves. Some carriers have additional requirements, such as requiring employees involved in preparing battery shipments to receive hazmat training.

Each type of battery has a unique UN number assigned to it, which determines the relevant packing instructions for each mode of transport. These packing instructions are detailed in IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which sets out the limits of what you can pack each package with, as well as how to pack it safely.

The package must also carry a Cargo Aircraft Only label when shipping lithium batteries by air, as they’re only allowed on cargo planes and not passenger aircraft. You’ll also need to ensure that your name and address as the Shipper are clearly marked on the waybill. The person, company or entity identified as the Shipper is legally responsible for ensuring 100% compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations when shipping lithium batteries — which is why it’s important to work with an experienced freight carrier like Dimerco.

Safety

With their high energy density, lithium batteries are an efficient power source in a variety of applications. However, agent shipping China their use is also accompanied by safety risks, such as thermal runaway, which can cause them to overheat and ignite, leading to fires or explosions. To minimize these hazards, you must take proper precautions when shipping lithium batteries to avoid accidental contact during transportation.

One of the most important things to do is to ensure that your packages are properly insulated and protected against shocks. This includes using insulating material for all the exposed areas of the batteries, such as the terminals and connectors. It is also crucial to protect the batteries from external impacts and crushes. Finally, all the connections should be properly sealed to prevent short circuits.

You must also follow the proper packaging guidelines set by freight organizations when shipping lithium batteries. The guidelines will vary depending on the type of batteries, whether they are standalone or packed within equipment, and the mode of transport. For example, stand-alone lithium batteries are prohibited on passenger airplanes unless they have a special permit. They must be shipped by cargo aircraft instead.

If you are planning to ship batteries internationally, it is essential that you obtain a UN38.3 test report from your manufacturer or distributor. This certification is necessary to prove that your batteries meet the required standards and requirements for safe transportation. The test includes altitude simulation tests, thermal testing, vibration testing, and impact/crush testing.

Compliance

Aside from proper packaging, there are additional safety protocols to follow when shipping lithium batteries. For example, they must be shipped in cartons or other containers with an air waybill and a shipment identification number on the label. This is important because any person, company or entity named on the air waybill is legally responsible for ensuring that your shipment meets all IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations requirements.

Additionally, the cartons must be protected with foam or other types of recommended protective packaging. Lastly, the batteries must be separated and kept away from conductive materials and each other. This is done to prevent short circuits and other potential hazards.

Lithium batteries are an essential part of today’s digital society, powering everything from laptops and smartphones to e-bikes and electric cars. However, because of their high energy levels and risks of overheating and fire if mishandled, they are considered to be dangerous goods that must be properly packaged when shipped internationally.

While most well-known courier services offer lithium battery shipping, it’s crucial to know their specific guidelines and restrictions before sending your shipment. Alternatively, working with a specialised freight forwarding firm that handles lithium battery shipping can streamline the process and ensure your shipment is delivered safely and compliantly.