Shipping Lithium Batteries Overseas
Lithium batteries are found in everyday items such as mobile phones and calculators but can pose fire hazards both on ground and in-flight. They are therefore classified as dangerous goods and subject to strict shipping regulations.
You will need completed documentation and appropriate marking and labels when sending lithium batteries overseas. Failure to do so will result in delayed shipments and large fines.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation for time-sensitive shipments. It is typically four to five times faster than ground transit and 12 to 16 times faster than ocean shipping. For highly sensitive products that need strict controls and a shorter transit time, air freight may be the only realistic option.
Many businesses choose to ship their smaller shipments by air for speed and reliability. They lease cargo space on the passenger planes that fly every day, which makes it convenient to get their goods in and out of countries quickly. These flights are designed to carry cargo, so the shipments will have minimal movement during flight, which reduces the risk of damage.
At the destination airport, your load will go through a second round of inspections before being cleared to make its final delivery. This is a crucial step to ensure that your shipment is safe for travel and meets all requirements for entry into the country. Once cleared for flight, your provider will arrange transportation to bring the load to the airplane and get it loaded onto the plane.
While air freight is the quickest and most reliable method of transporting goods, it is also the most expensive. To help mitigate these costs, a trusted air freight broker can act as a knowledgeable guide and negotiate on your behalf. They will work with multiple airlines to provide you with the capacity and pricing options that fit your needs.
Sea Freight
Whether you are shipping stand-alone lithium batteries or electric vehicle (EV) battery products, it is essential to follow the correct packaging and labeling guidelines for each mode of international shipment. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties from freight carriers and regulatory agencies.
Air Freight
The most efficient way to ship lithium batteries overseas is via specialized air freight services that are designed for transporting dangerous goods, including lithium batteries. These services operate with specialized cargo aircraft on weekly scheduled flights to select destinations across the globe.
When using an air freight service for shipping lithium batteries, ensure that sending lithium batteries overseas your factory or shipping agent adheres to strict rules outlined in the carrier’s DG shipping regulations. This includes proper inner packaging China shipping agent company – such as the use of non-conductive materials to fully insulate the exposed terminals – and outer packaging that meets specific size requirements for visibility and legibility. In addition, the DG shipment must be properly marked with an international DG marking and a full Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SGD).
Some well-known couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL do offer lithium battery shipping services but they also have certain guidelines and restrictions that you should be aware of. It’s best to work with a shipping company that has experience handling hazardous materials and can provide you with the guidance you need to ensure your shipments are shipped safely.
Road Freight
Lithium batteries, like all Class 9 dangerous goods, require special care and handling during shipment to mitigate any potential risks and ensure their safe delivery. This includes properly packing them into specialised secondary packaging to prevent short circuits, and ensuring that the packages meet UN specifications in order to pass drop and stacking tests.
For shipping lithium batteries overseas, the right type of packaging is key. Foam, bubble wrap or other insulating material is needed to protect the batteries from damage and ensure that they are not crushed during transport. This type of packaging must also be strong enough to prevent the batteries from being damaged by mechanical contact with other items in the package.
In addition to the correct type of packaging, all lithium battery shipments must be properly marked and labeled. This means that the batteries must be labelled with a hazardous goods warning and a Dangerous Goods Declaration must be completed truthfully. It is important to work with a freight forwarder that has a deep understanding of the complex regulations and packaging standards for shipping lithium batteries overseas, and can handle the necessary paperwork to ensure compliance.
For sourcing lithium batteries that meet these requirements, there are several options available. These include B2B websites such as Alibaba, trade fairs like the Canton Fair and engaging a sourcing company that can locate suppliers for you.
Rail Freight
Shipping lithium batteries, and battery-powered equipment, overseas is a process that requires specific packaging and adherence to strict regulations and carrier requirements. It is also a complex process that can be hampered by a variety of factors, such as the fact that batteries are considered dangerous goods. For this reason, it is important to select a 3PL or freight forwarder with experience handling and shipping dangerous goods like lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries and batteries powered devices are a critical component of our daily lives, powering everything from smart phones to electric vehicles. However, because of their nature, they are considered dangerous goods from a shipping perspective and require specialized packaging and adherence to a long list of government and carrier regulations.
As such, shipping lithium batteries overseas can be a complex process, and if not done correctly, it could result in delays or even a loss of your shipment. A reliable freight forwarder can help you navigate this process by providing a range of shipping services, including air, sea, and rail freight options.
To ensure that your shipment complies with international shipping standards, it is essential to provide the correct information on your waybill. This includes accurate identification of the product and ensuring that it meets the requirements set out in IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. In addition, your shipper’s declaration must be completed truthfully and the required documents must be provided.
