Shipping Batteries Overseas
Batteries are the power source for many of our favourite electronics including cell phones, toys and laptops. As such, batteries and battery-powered equipment are classified as dangerous goods and have unique shipping requirements to ensure their safe transport.
Strict adherence to regulations is required for a successful shipment and can reduce risks, minimize liabilities and protect your reputation as a shipper. Luckily, the shipping guidelines for lithium batteries and packs are relatively straightforward.
Safety Measures
Shipping batteries overseas requires special precautions because they are classified as dangerous goods. If they are mishandled or packaged improperly, they can cause fires and explosions during transport. The good news is that there are a number of safety measures that can be taken to prevent these hazards. These include ensuring that the packaging meets the necessary regulations, using sturdy packaging materials, and segmenting dangerous goods when shipping them.
Lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries are classed as Hazmat Class 9 dangerous goods, which means that they are subject to strict shipping standards. It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that they meet these standards, and that all relevant documents are attached to the shipment. To meet these standards, lithium batteries and cells must undergo a series of tests that measure transportation impacts like heat, altitude, vibration, impact, and external short circuit. These tests must be conducted by a manufacturer or distributor of the cells or batteries, and documented on the UN 38.3 test report.
Additionally, the shipment must be in a durable outer package that is consistent with the guidelines shipping batteries overseas laid out in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. These guidelines vary between airlines and mode of transport, so it’s important to check the individual carrier guidelines before shipping lithium batteries overseas. For example, power banks that contain lithium ion batteries can only be shipped by road, while other devices, such as electric screwdrivers, must have their batteries removed from the device to be eligible for air freight.
Labeling
Lithium batteries are a key component of modern life, powering everything from wristwatches to smoke detectors and even the electric vehicles we’ll all be driving someday. They are considered dangerous goods from a shipping perspective, and their transport requires specialised packaging and labeling along with strict compliance with carrier guidelines.
When it comes to shipping lithium batteries, the most important thing is to ensure that they are properly packaged in a sturdy container that can resist movement and prevent jostling during transit. This will help to reduce the risk of accidental activation, which can cause them to overheat or catch fire. Additionally, the package should be securely fastened to prevent shifting during transit.
Another important consideration is that all shipments of lithium batteries must be accompanied by a waybill. A waybill is a document that records details about the shipment, including its point of origin and destination. It also acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier through air or sea.
When it comes to shipping lithium batteries, there are two main methods: air freight and sea freight. Both have their pros and cons. Air freight is faster than sea freight and allows for more precise scheduling. However, it can be expensive due to the high cost of fuel and airline capacity. It’s also not ideal for bulk shipments of power banks and other rechargeable devices, such as laptops and mobile phones.
Packaging
Shipping lithium batteries overseas requires a deep understanding of regulations, packaging standards and other requirements. Working with a freight forwarder who has experience in this area ensures your packages are shipped safely to the destination. Super International Shipping takes the guesswork out of this process, handling all necessary documentation and ensuring that your batteries are packed correctly to withstand the rigors of transport.
When it comes to packing your batteries, it’s important that they are surrounded by enough cushioning material so that they don’t move around. They must also be sealed in a container that’s strong enough to withstand shocks and other impacts. You’ll also need to be sure that your packaging is sized properly and that it includes the correct labels.
Depending on the Watt-hour rating of your batteries or cells and whether they’re shipped stand alone, inside equipment, or as part of an electric vehicle, different packaging will be required. It’s essential that you follow the guidelines for your desired carrier and that you take into account any incompatibilities (e.g., you cannot ship lithium batteries with flammable liquids in the same package).
Strict adherence to the rules set by governing bodies for safety is essential when shipping EV or other batteries. Failing to do so can lead to shipment rejection, financial penalties, and possible blacklisting.
Documentation
As a shipper of lithium batteries, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all your shipment details match up. This includes the proper shipping name and UN number, hazard warning labels, and handling instructions. Additionally, you will need to label the carton or pallet indicating that it contains lithium batteries. These labels must meet specific size requirements to be visible and legible. It is also important to add a Cargo Aircraft Only (COA) label. This lets the carrier know that your battery shipment can only be transported on cargo planes, not passenger planes.
You must also prepare a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods that includes the international shipping forwarder shipper and recipient information as well as a detailed description of your shipment. This document must be presented along with any required documentation like a hazard declaration, test reports, and Material Safety Data Sheets.
With the increased use of lithium ion batteries in powering our smart phones, tablets, and electric vehicles, it’s essential that you and your shipping partners comply with regulations for the safe transport of these batteries. By working with a specialty packaging, shipping & crating company that is experienced in handling these delicate batteries and all the paperwork that goes with it, you can rest assured that your battery shipment will be handled correctly and safely. Epec Engineered Technologies stays up to date on all the latest changes in IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations to ensure our customers’ packages are always compliant.
