Shipping Lithium Batteries Overseas

Shipping lithium batteries overseas can be a challenging task. If not properly handled, they can cause fires or pose risks to health and safety.

To avoid such risks, battery manufacturers must follow strict regulations for air and ocean freight. These include meticulous packaging and accurate documentation. This article will guide you through the steps to ship your batteries safely.

Comply with Dangerous Goods Regulations

Shipping batteries overseas involves complying with dangerous goods regulations that apply to lithium ion cells and batteries as well as those integrated into electronic devices. These regulations are set by the United Nations and ensure that all battery shipments meet the necessary safety standards for air, sea, or land freight transportation.

The dangerous goods classification of a shipment depends on the type and watt-hour rating of each battery. It also depends on the packaging and other factors, including how the batteries are secured. This is why choosing a courier service that follows these rules and has specialized knowledge of this complex area is so important.

These couriers are trained in the safe handling of lithium batteries and know the intricate rules that must be followed when sending them by road, rail, or air. They have staff that can answer questions about their operation and help you to comply with regulations.

Additionally, they can help you choose appropriate outer packaging to protect your lithium batteries during transit. This is especially important if you are shipping your batteries through air freight as these requirements are stricter than those for shipping by ground or sea. In particular, the outer packaging must be made of non-metallic material that fully encloses each battery and separates it from electrically conductive materials such as metal. The packaging must also be able to withstand mechanical handling and loading during transport.

Choose the Right Provider

When shipping lithium batteries overseas, it’s essential to choose the right courier. Some well-known couriers offer shipping services for lithium batteries, however, it is important to check their guidelines and restrictions before proceeding with a shipment. There are also specialised couriers that focus on shipping dangerous goods and have the expertise and knowledge needed to ensure safe and compliant transportation of lithium battery shipments.

It is also necessary to complete shipping batteries overseas the correct customs documentation when shipping lithium batteries overseas. This can be difficult, especially if you do not have an experienced freight forwarder or shipping agent to help you with the process.

The CDC, EPA, Consumer Product Safety Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration all have their own guidelines when it comes to shipping lithium batteries. However, the most important thing is to work with a specialty packaging, shipping & crating company that understands the unique characteristics of lithium batteries and their special handling requirements.

There are many benefits to choosing a specialist shipping company to handle your lithium battery shipment. At the very least, it will save you the time and expense of having your shipment rejected by airlines or customs officials due to improper documentation or packaging. At worst, it could result in expensive damage to your cargo and lost revenue for your business.

Packing

As you might expect, a lot of rules apply to shipping lithium batteries overseas. But they’re all for the best – the hazard these batteries pose is real, and even a minor accident could be fatal. The danger comes from the fact that they have a high energy density, meaning they can overheat and ignite when damaged or exposed to heat, especially during a long journey.

How you pack the batteries or devices that contain them makes a difference. The packaging must be rigid and able to withstand shocks and changes in pressure during transport. The exact packaging requirements depend on the type of shipment and the size of the batteries or device. For example, for air freight you need international shipping forwarder to use UN specification packagingopens in new tab that has passed tests that prove it’s able to withstand different environmental conditions.

For sea freight, you can use less-restrictive packaging. But you still need to label the package clearly and attach a Dangerous Goods Shipper’s Declaration.

When it comes to air and sea freight, you must also include an address air waybill (also known as a bill of lading). This is a document that contains all the information authorities need about your shipment and includes details such as the shipment’s destination, origin, and mode of transport. It also contains a unique tracking number so you can follow the progress of your package.

Labeling

If you’re shipping lithium batteries overseas, the correct labeling is key. The label must clearly indicate that they are dangerous goods and the class or division number of each battery pack should be shown on the lower half. In addition, the battery’s watt-hour rating and lithium content should be noted in the form of a UN number (UN 3090 for standalone lithium metal batteries, UN 3480 for lithium-ion batteries packed inside equipment, or UN 3481 for lithium batteries packed in power banks).

Some carriers have their own specific rules regarding lithium battery shipping regulations, so check with them to ensure you’re following the right guidelines. In most cases, a packing certificate will be required and emergency response information should also be provided.

The type of transport you use will also affect your shipping options. For example, air cargo has stricter limits due to the changes in pressure experienced by planes. For this reason, you may need to pack your lithium batteries in a more rugged case if you’re shipping them via air.

To make the process as smooth as possible, you can also enlist the help of a professional freight forwarder like Airsupply. They offer safe DG goods freight, seamless customs clearance within global shipping, and can guide you through what documents you’ll need to prepare for your shipment.