Shipping Lithium Batteries Internationally

When shipping lithium batteries or battery packs abroad, it is important to adhere to the regulations set by IATA and the IMDG. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your shipment, fines, or even blacklisting.

To avoid this, entrust your international shipments to a freight forwarder with experience handling dangerous goods like batteries. They will understand the nuances of these types of cargo, as well as the documentation and packaging requirements to stay compliant.

Dangerous Goods Regulations

When shipping lithium batteries, you need to be sure that your shipment meets international dangerous goods regulations. These regulations vary depending on the mode of transport, so you’ll need to check with your freight carrier to see what their requirements are. For example, air cargo is often subject to additional restrictions due to safety concerns.

Generally speaking, you’ll need sturdy packaging that protects the battery from damage and prevents short circuits. You’ll also need to clearly mark the package as containing lithium batteries. This way, anyone handling the battery knows not to touch it and will be aware of the potential hazards.

You’ll need to ensure that the battery’s state of charge is below 30% of its rated capacity. This is because any battery that is over this amount can pose a fire risk. You’ll also need to pack the battery in accordance with its UN number, which is a four-digit number that identifies the batteries and their classification.

You’ll also need to make a legal declaration that you’ve prepared the batteries in compliance with the relevant IATA regulations. These include a complete set of packing instructions, a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods, and a test report and Material Safety Data Sheets. The airline will then accept the declaration as proof that the batteries have been packed and declared correctly.

Dangerous Goods Declaration

The dangerous goods declaration is the legal document you need to prepare for shipping lithium batteries or battery powered IoT devices via air transport. This form helps airline freight handlers understand the contents of each package and follow proper safety protocols during handling and transit. It includes shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally a variety of information, including the name of the shipment, the nature and quantity of the dangerous goods (including their class), packing instructions, authorizations, any relevant handling information, and a signature and date. The DGD form also needs to specify that the dangerous goods are in accordance with the regulations set out in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

This includes having the correct inner packaging that securely encases each battery or pack, while preventing shifting during transit. It should also include any additional protective measures, like wrapping the packs in non-conductive material and covering any exposed terminals to prevent fires. It’s important to work with a packaging supplier that has experience in designing and creating custom trays and cartons for safe packaging of lithium batteries and packs.

In addition to preparing the shipment for transport, it’s vital that you take the time to fill out all of the proper paperwork. Failure to do so could result in shipping agent in China delays for your shipments, or even large fines. This is why it’s important to work with a logistics company that is familiar with the regulations and requirements for shipping lithium batteries internationally.

Waybills

These days lithium batteries power many of the electronics you use daily, from wristwatches and smoke detectors to laptops and portable power tools — not to mention EVs. But they’re also considered dangerous goods from a shipping perspective and require specialized packaging, labeling and storage, as well as adherence to a long list of government and carrier regulations.

For that reason, it’s important to choose a 3PL or freight forwarder with extensive experience handling lithium battery shipments. Inexperienced providers can miss critical steps or make errors, potentially exposing you to everything from supply chain delays and government fines to high-liability accidents.

Waybills are a crucial part of the overall shipment documentation for lithium batteries, and you’ll need to provide a complete set in order to ship them internationally. The person, company or entity identified as the Shipper on the waybill is legally responsible for ensuring 100% compliance with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations.

UPS restricts damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries to ground transportation, but the service does allow shipments of lithium metal batteries packed with equipment or shipped standalone (with certain limits). For domestic expedited and international air shipping, DHL allows “Contained in,” “Packed with,” or “Standalone” shipments of lithium metal batteries (up to four cells/batteries or two packages per consignment), as long as the shipment meets specific packing and labeling requirements.

Labels

Lithium batteries are dangerous and require special handling when shipping. Using the right labels helps to relay that information to everyone who comes in contact with them throughout the transportation process. Having these labels on the package is crucial as large fines and rejected shipments can result from not having them.

The labels used for lithium battery shipments must be compliant with international regulations and clearly state the type of battery and its packaging method. They also need to include the battery’s UN number and the CHEMTREC emergency contact number. These labels must be applied to the package with proper adhesion and size.

There are a few courier services that specialize in shipping hazardous materials, including lithium batteries. These companies offer streamlined shipping management, cost optimization and international shipping expertise. They also help with customs clearance and other documentation needed to ship internationally.

It is important to check with your chosen courier service to find out their specific requirements and restrictions when it comes to shipping lithium batteries. Then, make sure that your packaging is ready to meet those requirements. It must be strong, durable and well-sealed to prevent any movement or jostling during the long shipping journey. This can cause the batteries to activate and overheat, which is a major safety concern. The right packaging will also prevent any physical damage to the package and its contents that could occur during transit.