Shipping Lithium Batteries Overseas

There are strict guidelines when shipping lithium batteries – and non-compliance can have serious consequences. For example, charged battery shipments can overheat or ignite in cargo areas of planes and ships, potentially leading to injuries and even death.

This is why most couriers don’t accept shipments with lithium batteries. But if you’re a retailer who offers products with batteries installed, there are some ways to ship them safely.

Safety Measures

When shipping batteries overseas, there are regulations and standards that must be adhered to. These vary depending on the type of battery, whether it is lithium ion or lithium metal, and whether it is packed stand-alone or within equipment. The battery’s UN number – a four-digit number that identifies dangerous or hazardous substances and goods – is also important to check. Lithium batteries are classified as class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods, and the batteries must pass a series of tests set out in the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN38.3) to be eligible for transport. The manufacturer or distributor of the cells or batteries will usually take care of this for you.

Wet cell batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte and generate gases, must be packaged with an acid/alkali leakproof liner and vented. They must also be packaged in a UN-spec packaging and shipped upright to prevent them from short-circuiting during transit.

All batteries and battery-powered equipment should be tested, marked or labelled to make sure that they meet the relevant safety requirements. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in fires or other incidents that could be costly to shipping batteries overseas shippers and customers alike. This is why the Easyship team makes it a point to provide customers with best-practice advice on how to pack and ship batteries safely.

Documentation

If you’re importing and shipping batteries overseas, it’s important to understand that there are strict regulations surrounding how these items should be packed and shipped. For example, lithium battery packs must be properly labeled and kept at a lower charge (around 30%) when being shipped by air. Failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties from the governing bodies that enforce these rules.

This is especially true for larger rechargeable lithium ion batteries, such as those used in notebook computers or professional AV equipment. These large batteries must be shipped separately from the devices they power and have a specific hazmat class label that indicates their contents and states the state of charge. This is all based on the rules set out by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Lithium batteries, along with the devices they power, are often very valuable. This is why it’s critical to be aware of the regulations regarding their shipment, including domestic and international shipping laws. These regulations are outlined by the DOT and various other agencies, such as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The DOT’s regulations focus on the shipping of lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, with different stipulations for each type of battery. These requirements apply to loose batteries as well as those that are installed in, or packed with, the device they’re intended to power.

Packing

When shipping batteries, you need the right packing materials to ensure safety. The packaging needs to be sturdy and fully sealed to prevent leakage and short circuiting. The outer packaging should also be clearly marked with the UN number and the full shipment details. This is important to ensure that authorities are aware of the shipment and can take necessary precautions.

Depending on the type of battery you are shipping, you may need to have specific labels and markings to comply with regulations and ensure safety. For example, lithium batteries need to be labeled with a warning message to indicate that they can overheat or catch fire.

The packaging for lithium batteries must be fully enclosed in a container that can withstand rough handling and jostling during transport. This is because these batteries can activate if they are exposed to metal objects or conductive surfaces. The inner packaging should also be made of non-conductive material to prevent this from happening. Additionally, the terminals of the battery should be taped down or covered to avoid short-circuiting.

Lithium batteries are a critical component in many of our everyday devices, including electronic products like laptops and mobile phones. However, there are certain risks associated with shipping these batteries internationally. Unless properly packed and labeled, they can overheat or catch fire, which can lead to fires on planes, ships, and cars, resulting in injuries or death.

Transport

Most modern electronic devices and gadgets are powered by lithium batteries which make it easy for relocators to take these items with them when they move shipping batteries overseas abroad. However, it’s important that you know how to correctly ship these types of batteries and battery-powered equipment so they don’t overheat and cause fires which could threaten health and safety.

There are strict rules and regulations that must be followed when shipping batteries overseas via air or sea freight as they are considered hazardous materials. The regulations are always being updated so it’s best to check with your carrier regularly and ensure your shipment is compliant before sending.

To be sure your shipment complies with the regulations, it’s essential to use the correct packaging for these materials. Choose outer packaging made of sturdy material that can protect your batteries from damage as they move through the shipping process. Then, use inner packaging that is UN specification and has acid/alkali leakproof liners to protect the contents. Inner packaging should also be filled with plenty of filler material so the batteries don’t shift and become damaged during transit.

At Bookairfreight, we have an expert team who understands how to properly ship batteries across the globe and is here to help you! Contact us today to find out more about our services.