Shipping Alkaline Batteries Internationally
If you are sending items containing batteries by air or sea freight, you will need to follow certain international shipping and packaging guidelines. These include ensuring that they do not contain loose batteries or packages.
In addition, you may need to follow special rules for lithium ion batteries and equipment that contains them. Read on to learn more about these shipping guidelines and how you can avoid any issues.
Safety Measures
The safe shipping of batteries and battery-powered devices – from smartphones to heavy machinery – is a complex affair, requiring compliance with a stack of government regulations and carrier requirements. Whether shipped alone or as part of larger devices, lithium cells and batteries are considered Class 9 Dangerous Goods and must be properly packaged for air shipment.
All lithium cells and batteries must be marked with their battery type (e.g., Li-ion, Ni-Cd) and UN number. A Material Safety Data Sheet must also be provided by the battery manufacturer and included with the package. These details allow shippers to identify the battery chemistry and other information that is required for proper transport under specific regulations (e.g., voltage V, capacity MAH).
Battery terminals are where batteries release their energy and can be susceptible to short circuiting if in contact with metal objects. To prevent this, batteries should be packed in packaging that is fully insulated and that keeps them from shifting during transit.
When stored at high temperatures or in high humidity conditions, battery performance deteriorates and electrolyte leakage can occur. For this reason, battery storage should be confined to areas with an average temperature of +10degC to +25degC and less than 95% relative humidity. This will reduce the risk of short circuiting and other damage during transportation and storage.
Packaging
The type of packaging you use depends on the types of batteries you’re shipping. Most battery-powered devices contain lithium ion or lithium metal batteries that hold a high concentration of energy and require specialized packaging and adherence to a long list of government regulations and carrier requirements.
Lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries are shipping batteries internationally considered dangerous goods (DG) in most modes of transportation and can be dangerous to ship if improperly packaged. A shipment containing these batteries can overheat, ignite or cause fires when improperly packed and handled, posing a risk to the environment and those who handle them along the way.
These batteries are usually shipped in their original packaging, but must be packaged in a strong outer box that is completely surrounded by packing material to prevent shifting during transit. They also must be placed in a container that can be easily sealed shut. The battery terminals must be isolated from each other and the outer container must bear the ORM-D Consumer Commodity or Limited Quantity marking, as well as a shipping description identifying the battery type, watt-hour rating and handling instructions.
While there are many options for shipping a package with these batteries, the best choice is to choose a 3PL or freight forwarder that has experience shipping lithium ion and lithium metal batteries. These companies can help ensure your packages meet all the appropriate requirements, avoiding costly delays, penalties and fines in addition to ensuring the safety of those who will handle them along the way.
Labeling
Alkaline batteries are commonly used to power day-to-day gadgets such as alarm clocks and electric shavers. They also provide a great deal of energy at an affordable price, making them popular with consumers. However, there are a few precautions to take when shipping them. For instance, they are prone to leaking potassium hydroxide, a caustic agent that can cause respiratory, eye, and skin irritation. Fortunately, the risk of this problem can be minimized by not mixing different types of batteries in the same device and by removing them from the devices they are powering when storing them for extended periods of time.
Additionally, the packaging used to ship them must meet certain requirements. China agent shipping For example, it should be strong enough to prevent the batteries from shifting or moving during transportation. It should also have clear, accurate labeling that specifies the package’s contents and identifies it as a hazardous material. It should also indicate the contact information of someone who can respond to emergencies arising during transportation.
For certain types of batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, additional precautions are required. In addition to choosing strong outer packaging, you may need to carefully protect battery terminals to avoid sparking or short circuit. You may also need to separate the individual batteries in your shipment by putting them into separate boxes or containers.
Shipping
Whether you’re shipping a single, naked battery or an entire container of lithium-ion batteries destined for an electric vehicle (EV), it’s essential that you classify the shipment properly. Both types have specific regulations and restrictions when it comes to shipping them, especially by air.
This is because they contain flammable electrolytes and have an incredibly high energy density that can cause them to overheat and ignite. As such, they must be shipped in accordance with the requirements of all relevant mode of transport regulations, including a legal declaration that the package has been prepared and packaged in compliance with these rules.
To prevent fires and explosions, shipments of lithium metal batteries and cells need to be kept in a container with a sealed lid and the correct markings. They must also be packed in a protective outer shell, and they must be surrounded by sufficient filler material to ensure they cannot move during transit.
Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert to ship batteries or battery-powered electronics internationally. Standard household AA, AAA, and C-size alkaline batteries are considered nonspillable and don’t have any shipping restrictions. But if you’re shipping lithium-ion or EV batteries, it pays to work with an experienced freight forwarder that can handle all the regulatory details for you. They can help you select sturdy packaging, correctly label packages, and comply with carrier guidelines for all modes of transport.