Sending Lithium Batteries Overseas
If you need to send items that contain lithium batteries overseas it’s important that you follow the rules and regulations for your shipment. These regulations are set out by different organisations for safety reasons.
Many courier services around the world take safety seriously and are happy to transport devices with lithium batteries as long as they comply with their guidelines.
Air Freight
If you are shipping lithium metal batteries (usually single-use) for devices like flashlights or cameras, they can be shipped by air freight as long as they are contained within the device they work in. You can also ship them in cargo planes as long as they are not charged and that the total net weight of the battery pack does not exceed 35 kilograms.
Depending on your carrier and mode of transport, you will need a completed Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods, packing list, and other documentation to ensure compliance and safety. It’s best to contact your preferred shipping service and discuss the guidelines with them before sending your shipment.
Another important document that you’ll need to complete when shipping lithium batteries is a waybill. A waybill is similar to a bill of lading and it contains all the information authorities need to know about your shipment, including its origin, destination, route, and other details. The person or company identified as the Shipper on a waybill is responsible for ensuring 100% compliance with all IATA Dangerous Goods regulations. If you don’t have the correct documents or packaging, your shipment may be delayed or turned away at the airport. At worst, your package could be destroyed or cause an accident that affects other shipments. You could be fined thousands of dollars or even blacklisted from shipping in the future if you don’t follow proper guidelines.
Sea Freight
When you’re moving overseas, it’s likely that you will need to ship some devices that have lithium batteries. These include lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries which are often found in devices like phones, cameras, power tools, security technology and laptops. The most common method of shipping is through air freight, but it’s possible to send lithium batteries via sea freight.
When sending lithium battery shipments, careful handling is required as they are classified as dangerous goods. This is due sending lithium batteries overseas to the increased risk of fires, explosions and chemical leakage if not properly handled or packed.
There are a number of regulations which apply to the transport of these batteries, and any shipment that fails to adhere to these guidelines may be rejected by customs. This could result in delays, costly fines or even worse, the loss of life.
To comply with the relevant shipping regulations, you’ll need to provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and a Dangerous Goods Contract when sending your lithium batteries. Your local PACK & SEND store will be able to assist you with this.
Road Freight
When sending devices that contain lithium batteries overseas by road freight, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines for shipping dangerous goods. These batteries are highly flammable, so they need to be securely packaged and protected against short circuiting and overheating. They also need to be properly labeled so that they can be easily identified by air and sea carriers.
Whether you’re an online retailer with a range of products that use lithium batteries or a manufacturer of these batteries, it’s essential to understand the current shipping regulations to avoid penalties and fines. The International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code set standards for the safe transportation of dangerous goods, including lithium batteries. These shipping rules dictate how shipments of lithium batteries must be declared, packed, and shipped.
To ship lithium batteries safely, you’ll need to pack them in a box or container that meets the size and weight restrictions of your freight carrier. You’ll also need to ensure that the battery packs and cells are completely enclosed in an insulated box or container. This protects the batteries from overheating during transport and prevents them from leaking and posing a fire hazard to other shipments. In addition, the package should be wrapped in an extra layer of cushioning and sealed with non-conductive tape to protect against short circuiting.
Courier Services
Today, many electronic devices are powered by lithium batteries. These include cameras, smartwatches and mobile phones. Because of the danger they pose, shipping batteries overseas requires strict compliance with international guidelines. If you don’t comply with the rules and regulations set by airlines and courier companies, your shipment could be rejected or even stopped mid-declaration at customs. This can result in huge fines and your business being blacklisted.
To avoid any problems, it’s best to get professional sending lithium batteries overseas advice before sending batteries overseas. A Dangerous Goods specialist can help you prepare your shipment and make sure it complies with the relevant rules and regulations. This will depend on your destination country, the type of batteries you’re sending, and how they’re packed (loose or in equipment). Some couriers will also require you to present a Material Safety Data Sheet or UN38.3 Certificate to prove that your batteries are compliant.
The correct packaging and labelling is essential for safe shipment of lithium batteries. The labels communicate the hazardous contents and indicate that special precautions must be taken when handling the package. The labels also contain the necessary United Nations specification markings to show that your shipment complies with IATA’s DG regulations. In addition to this, you’ll need a completed Shipper’s Declaration and a completed Airway Bill. One World Courier can provide all of these for you, including an Automated Airway Bill through our freight management system.
