Follow Specific Rules and Regulations When Shipping Lithium Batteries Internationally

You must follow specific rules and regulations when shipping lithium batteries internationally. These guidelines are set by organizations for safety reasons.

Batteries are considered dangerous goods and can cause fires if they are not packed properly or shipped improperly. Several courier companies around the world have reliable safety guidelines that ensure your shipment will reach its destination safely.

Packaging

With the world moving towards greener economies, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will play a larger role in global supply chains. These are critical to reducing carbon emissions and enabling electric vehicles. As such, it is vital that shippers know how to properly package and transport these batteries internationally. To do so, they must comply with international shipping rules and regulations set by organizations for safety.

Lithium-ion batteries must be packaged in a way that prevents short circuits and prevents the battery or device from activating during transportation. Additionally, the packaging must be durable enough to ensure that it can withstand the pressure and vibrations of air or ocean freight.

The type of packaging used depends on the shipment’s destination. For example, if the batteries are going to be shipped by train, they must be packed in containers designed for this purpose. Similarly, if the batteries are being shipped by air or ocean, they must be packaged in containers that meet the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

In addition to the packing requirements, batteries that are to be transported overseas must be marked in accordance with the requirements of the IMDG manual. This includes a shipper’s declaration, shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally an air waybill, and appropriate labels. Labels must include the UN number, net quantity, and other relevant information.

Documentation

For a shipping item to meet strict international safety regulations, it must have specific documentation. This is especially true for lithium batteries and devices that contain them. These batteries have a wide range of uses in many products, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, power banks, and even e-bikes. Whether you are shipping these items to your customers or sending them from your business to your suppliers, it is important to follow proper packaging and documentation guidelines to ensure the shipment meets all necessary requirements.

When shipping lithium batteries, you will need a Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods and an Air Waybill. The Air Waybill is the contract of carriage between you and your carrier, which details the terms and conditions of your shipment. You must also include a Lithium Battery Handling Label and a CAUTION label, as outlined in the IATA’s shipping instructions. You must also adhere to the net quantity limits for lithium batteries as outlined in a table within the shipping regulation manual.

To qualify for air transport, lithium batteries and cells must pass a series of tests called UN38.3. These tests include a height simulation test, thermal test, impact test, and external short circuit test. This testing is often completed by the manufacturers or distributors of batteries and cells, and the results are made available to shippers.

Labels

Many relocators bring with them devices that use lithium batteries and require power during transportation. These include laptops, tablets, cellphones, and e-cigarettes. These lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable and present a safety risk during transit. It is important to properly pack these batteries and adhere to the latest dangerous goods shipping regulations.

When packing these batteries, they must be placed in a box or container with plenty of filler packaging. They must also be kept upright during transportation to prevent leakage. In addition, the battery terminals must be protected from contacting each other to avoid short circuits. The batteries must also be packed with specific thermal labels to protect them during transit.

These thermal labels are available at most shipping companies and must be clearly attached to the outer package. It is also a good idea to print a list of the contents of the shipment and the shipment destination. This information will help expedite customs clearance and delivery.

Lithium batteries can be shipped as air or ocean freight, but the shipping lithium-ion batteries internationally rules are strict and they change on a regular basis. Regulatory agencies also employ dog detection teams to locate and inspect shipments of these batteries. This is why it’s a good idea to get training for shipping these batteries so that you can keep up with the most recent changes and requirements.

Freight Forwarder

Shipping lithium batteries and battery-powered devices internationally can be tricky if you’re not aware of the requirements. Whether you’re selling products that contain these batteries or you’re simply sending them to a customer for repair or warranty purposes, it’s important to follow the right guidelines to ensure your shipment doesn’t cause harm to anyone in transit.

All shipments of lithium batteries must be properly declared, packed and marked to meet regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and IATA. You may also need to apply the hazmat symbol on the package to alert others that it contains dangerous goods. It’s the responsibility of the person or company identified as the Shipper on the air waybill to ensure 100% compliance with all IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Depending on the destination country, there are other rules that must be followed. For example, some countries have restrictions on the number of lithium batteries you can ship at one time. Others have rules requiring the batteries to be placed in hard plastic cases to protect them from short circuiting.

When shipping batteries abroad, it’s best to partner with a freight forwarder that understands the process and can help you meet all applicable regulations. Bookairfreight is a leading tier 1 forwarder that can handle your battery related shipments with ease, providing you with peace of mind and hassle-free delivery.