Shipping Lithium Batteries Internationally
Lithium batteries are the power behind everything from smart phones to electric vehicles. They’re considered dangerous goods, which means they require specialized packaging and strict compliance with regulations.
Shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally is not an easy task. They’re highly flammable, and their unique characteristics present specific requirements that must be met.
Sea freight
Lithium batteries are the power behind smart phones, tablets and the electric vehicles we’ll all be driving one day. These powerful little cells are considered dangerous goods (DG) from a shipping perspective and require specialized packaging, labeling and storage along with strict adherence to air carrier restrictions and government regulations. Not all 3PLs and freight forwarders have the experience required to handle lithium battery shipments, so you must be sure to select a provider who does before shipping these sensitive, high-liability goods.
While many well-known courier services do offer lithium battery shipping, it is important to research each of them for specific guidelines and restrictions before you choose one. Choosing the wrong courier could result in fines or delays. Moreover, it is best to use a specialised courier service such as Airsupply which has extensive expertise in handling lithium battery shipments.
When shipping lithium batteries overseas, there are different requirements for both air and ocean freight. For example, lithium batteries should be packed in a hard case and their watt-hour rating must be below 100 watts per hour. In addition, a legal declaration must be filled in and it must be truthful. Moreover, you must also ensure that the packing meets the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and its corresponding packing instructions. This will help prevent the shipment from being delayed at customs.
Air freight
If you’re shipping lithium batteries internationally via air freight, it’s important to understand the regulations governing their transportation. These dangerous goods must be carefully packaged, marked and labeled in order to comply with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. Failure to do so could result in the shipment being refused or fined. There are a number of different documents that must be included in the package, including the commercial invoice and bill of lading. These documents help authorities and carriers identify the package, what it contains, and how to handle it in case of any problems during transit.
In addition to identifying the correct UN code, you must also include a safety data sheet for the battery. This will ensure that all involved parties know what to do if the batteries are damaged or fire occurs during transport. Lastly, shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally it is crucial to choose packaging that will prevent the batteries from accidentally activating during handling and transportation.
It’s vital to work with a 3PL or freight forwarder that has experience shipping lithium batteries and other dangerous goods. Inexperienced providers will likely have trouble meeting carrier requirements and government regulations, which can cost you a lot of money in fines and delays. Additionally, they may not be able to handle the complexities of the documentation and packaging. This can cause your cargo to be rejected by the carrier, which will delay your supply chain and disappoint your customers.
Customs clearance
Lithium batteries are the powerhouses that keep our smart phones, tablets, and the electric vehicles we’ll be driving one day. While they are incredibly useful, these batteries are considered dangerous goods from a shipping perspective and require specialized packaging, labeling and adherence to a long list shipping agent in China of government regulations and carrier requirements. This can be a complex process, and if not done properly, it could result in supply chain delays, shipping problems and expensive fines.
If you’re considering shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally, it’s important to research and understand the regulations for the destination country and work with experienced freight forwarders to ensure that your shipment is compliant. Then, make sure you’ve prepared the proper documents, including commercial invoices, bills of lading and shipping manifests.
The specific requirements for shipping lithium batteries depend on the mode of transportation and the destination country. For instance, UPS restricts damaged or defective lithium batteries to ground transportation and requires them to be pre-approved by their customer service department before shipping. Air carriers have additional rules and regulations based on the type of battery, its size and capacity. You must also comply with packaging requirements to prevent the battery from leaking or exploding during transit.
When shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, you must submit a Shipper Declaration of Dangerous Goods (DGD). This document must be filled out accurately and truthfully and includes the specifics of the shipments you’re sending. This document will help the airlines and ground crews better understand your shipments and follow the appropriate safety protocols for them.
Packaging
It is important to have the proper packaging when shipping lithium batteries or devices that contain them. This will ensure that the batteries are not damaged or short circuited in transit. The packaging should be rigid and non-conductive. Also, it should be well-padded to prevent the batteries from shifting during transport. This could loosen the battery terminals and cause a short circuit.
Lithium batteries are a common power source for many different electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and EVs. They are also used in solar energy storage solutions and electric tools. However, they are susceptible to high temperatures and pose a fire hazard if not properly packed. For this reason, there are strict regulations when shipping these batteries internationally.
In order to ship lithium batteries, the manufacturer must offer a legal declaration that they are packing them according to IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Airlines will then accept this certificate as proof that the shipment is compliant.
It is also important to mark the outer packaging of a shipment to indicate its dangerous contents. This will help everyone involved in the shipment understand how to handle it. The markings must be clearly visible, and they should include the class 9 hazardous goods label and UN number. For air freight, the package must also be marked as “CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY.” This information will inform all parties of their responsibility for ensuring that the batteries are shipped safely.