Shipping Batteries Overseas
Shipping batteries overseas can be tricky. They’re classified as Dangerous Goods (DG), so they must follow strict rules when shipped.
This includes the proper packaging and state of charge. To help, we’ve compiled this guide that covers how to ship lithium ion and regular lithium metal batteries. It also covers the varying guidelines for air freight and sea freight.
1. Lithium-ion batteries
Shipping lithium batteries overseas requires careful packaging to prevent short circuits or other physical damage. There are specific requirements depending on the battery type and how they’re packaged (whether loose or contained in a device). They also need to be properly labeled and declared as dangerous goods.
Whether you’re sending a single lithium battery or several, it’s important to follow IATA DGR guidelines when packing your shipment. You should use non-metallic inner packaging that completely encloses the cell or battery and separates it from electrically conductive materials like metal. Each package should also be packed to prevent shifting that could cause damage in transit. If you’re shipping EV batteries contained in a vehicle or equipment, this means the holder should be securely fastened to ensure it stays within the battery holder during transit.
If you’re shipping lithium batteries by air, there are additional restrictions. Each package must pass a series of tests to determine whether it can safely travel through extreme temperatures and conditions. You’ll need to provide the manufacturer or supplier of your batteries with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and complete a shipper declaration for dangerous goods.
While it can feel overwhelming to keep up with the complex and ever-changing dangerous goods regulations, by using expert freight forwarders and following proper packing procedures, you can rest assured that your batteries will arrive safely at their destination.
2. Lead-acid batteries
Invented in 1859, lead acid batteries remain the world’s most shipping batteries overseas commonly used rechargeable battery. They’re dependable and inexpensive on a cost-per-watt basis. They’re used in automobile starting, lighting and ignition (SLI), golf cars, forklifts and marine battery-operated equipment, as well as large backup power supplies for telephone and computer centres.
They’re also a favourite for off-grid household energy storage, and they can help with powering sump pumps in case of a flood. Unsealed, spillable lead-acid batteries are regulated as Class 8 dangerous goods under UN2794 and require special packaging and a licence to transport them by air. Spilled lead acid can damage skin and surrounding materials.
Most wet, non-spillable sealed lead-acid batteries grouped under UN 2800 are exempt from Class 8, as long as they’re packed correctly and terminals are not touching each other or anything else metal. Check international shipping forwarder your manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet to determine how your specific batteries are regulated.
For flooded batteries, electrolyte levels and specific gravity should be checked regularly, and topped up with pure water to prevent overcharging and sulfation. Sulfation is a chemical degradation that eats away at the positive plates, reducing their ability to hold a charge. There are no known ways to reverse sulfation, so prevention is key.
3. Alkaline batteries
Most household batteries used to power items around the house such as AA, AAA, C, and D cells are alkaline batteries. These are generally considered “dry cell” batteries and are not regulated as hazardous for air transport. However, they must be insulated to prevent them from activating devices during transit.
In general, these batteries are good for low-drain applications such as flashlights, alarm clocks, and remote controls. They are also useful in industrial applications such as smoke detectors, portable transmitters and scanners, digital voltmeters and door locks. Alkaline batteries are also often found in medical applications such as pulse oximeters, electronic thermometers and blood pressure monitors.
These batteries tend to leak potassium hydroxide (KOH) during discharging, a caustic substance that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat if inhaled. The KOH is generated from the chemical reaction of the electrolyte inside the battery. This can be prevented by ensuring that the batteries are fully discharged before shipping them or by keeping them in a dry environment for an extended period of time.
If you are shipping a product that requires the use of these types of batteries, make sure that it is allowed to be shipped to the country you’re sending to. If not, you may need to offer a different product or remove the batteries from the electrical item that they are in.
4. Other batteries
Lithium batteries power everything from smart phones to the electric cars we’ll all be driving in the future. And they are classified as dangerous goods (DG) from a shipping perspective, meaning that they require specialized packaging and labeling – along with strict compliance with government regulations and carrier requirements.
The risks associated with lithium batteries are primarily due to their high energy density. And as a result, lithium batteries can pose a fire risk if shipped as loose batteries outside of equipment, or if they are damaged during transit. Non-compliance with guidelines could lead to fines, discredit among peers and customers, as well as causing serious harm to the business.
Depending on the type of battery, how it’s packaged and its destination, shipping guidelines may vary. But in general, most couriers have similar rules around what types of lithium batteries can be shipped and how they must be packed.
The number of lithium batteries you can ship is usually limited to two or four cells per package, and you must ensure the battery’s state of charge is below 30%. You also need to pack your lithium batteries in strong, impact-resistant packaging. And you’ll need to include the proper hazmat markings and labels on your boxes and a Dangerous Goods Shipper’s Declaration. Additionally, any employees handling lithium batteries must complete DOT Hazardous Materials trainingopens in new tab.
