Shipping Lithium Batteries Overseas
Whether you’re sending lithium batteries as freight or within a device, it is important to adhere to shipping regulations. The safety guidelines established by DOT HMR, IATA DGR, and LMDG Code must be followed.
You can only ship DG goods (including Lithium Batteries) via air freight if the battery is packaged with their intended equipment or in a standalone packaging that doesn’t exceed 100 watt-hours.
Air Freight
As an alternative to sea freight, air freight is an efficient and cost-effective method for shipping lithium batteries overseas. However, there are several rules that you must follow to ensure the safety of your shipment. The first is to make sure that your batteries are properly packaged and labeled according to international regulations. The packaging must also be made from non-metallic material to prevent contact with electrically conductive materials or surfaces. Additionally, your packaging must be secure enough to prevent shifting during transit, which could cause damage.
There are two main types of lithium batteries: lithium metal and lithium-ion. Lithium metal batteries are the ones found in everyday non-rechargeable electronic devices like flashlights and cameras. While lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and used in devices such as laptops, power banks and e-bikes. Lithium-ion batteries must be shipped in hard cases, and if sending lithium batteries overseas they don’t have the watt-hour rating of 100Wh or less, you can only ship 2 battery cells or batteries per package.
As a freight forwarder with extensive experience in handling dangerous goods, Airsupply Logistics is well versed in the classification, packaging, labeling and documentation requirements of shipping lithium batteries. We regularly handle more than 50 DG packages every week, and always adhere to the highest international shipping standards to guarantee your parcels arrive safely at their destination.
Sea Freight
Lithium metal batteries power our wristwatches, smoke detectors and key fobs. They also power the rechargeable lithium ion batteries used in phones, laptops and portable power tools as well as electric vehicles (EVs). These are a bit more complicated to ship because they contain metallic lithium and have a flammable electrolyte that can overheat during a long shipping voyage. This is why shipping lithium ion batteries requires specialized packaging, labeling and adherence to an extensive list of government regulations and carrier requirements.
Shipping lithium battery cells and batteries by air requires compliance with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. This includes a declaration, packing instructions and a UN38.3 test certification that certifies that the cells or batteries can be safely transported and are not damaged in transit. This test consists of a height simulation test, thermal test, vibration and impact tests as well as an external short circuit test. The manufacturer or distributor of the cells or batteries will take care of obtaining the test results and affixing the certificate to the package.
Any person, company or entity identified as the “Shipper” on the air waybill is legally responsible for ensuring 100% compliance with IATA’s Dangerous goods regulations. For guidance on how to correctly ship lithium batteries and EV batteries, please contact Dimerco Express Group to arrange a discussion with one of our experienced team members.
Door-to-Door
Lithium batteries are becoming more popular due to their power density and rechargeable capabilities. They’re found in consumer electronics such as mobile phones and portable electronic devices and are used as the energy source for electric vehicles. Because of the high power density and flammable electrolyte, shipping lithium batteries requires special requirements to keep the items safe throughout the shipment process.
While some shipments can be shipped via air or ocean, others require door-to-door shipping. Door-to-door is a shipping method where the freight is collected at the sender’s door and delivered to the recipient’s door. This type of shipment requires special handling and packaging to ensure that the equipment is not damaged or destroyed while in transit.
The specific regulations for shipping lithium batteries are contained in Section 7 of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). There are several requirements that must be met to ship these hazardous materials, including:
Using non-conductive packaging. Ensure that the terminals are protected and not exposed to physical damage, which could loosen the terminal caps or reorient them and create short circuits. Providing a test summary from the manufacturer or distributor that shows the lithium cells or battery types have passed the required tests. Providing the lithium battery mark as specified in the DGR on the outer package, which must be black on white or a suitable contrasting background.
Customs Clearance
As the world shifts to more renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies, lithium batteries have become a popular power source. These batteries are lightweight, efficient and have enough power to power anything from electronic devices to electric cars. But like all power sources, they carry certain risks. They have a tendency to overheat and can even cause fires if not properly handled during the shipping process. In order to avoid these hazards, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed when shipping lithium batteries.
Lithium battery shipping overseas requires special packaging and a shipping declaration. This document must include all the necessary details about the batteries you’re sending, China shipping agent company including their size and watt-hour rating. This information is needed to ensure that your shipment is complying with IATA’s dangerous goods regulations and that you’re not violating any safety precautions during transportation.
During customs clearance, an inspection agency will examine the cargo and determine whether it meets IATA’s requirements. They will also check for any missing or illegible shipping labels. If any problems are discovered, the shipment will be detained until the proper paperwork is filed.
In addition to a shipping declaration, you will need a commercial invoice and bill of lading to ship lithium batteries. This documentation will help speed up the shipment process and ensure that your batteries arrive in good condition.
