Safety Precautions When Sending Batteries Overseas
Whether powering the smartwatch you wear or the electric car we’ll all be driving someday, batteries are classed as dangerous goods and require adherence to a long list of regulations. This is especially true for lithium batteries, which can overheat and catch fire.
Royal Mail only allows you to post lithium batteries on their own or within a device. These rules are based on the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2021.
Packaging
All electronic devices powered by lithium batteries, from cameras to smartwatches to electric cars, require a little extra care when shipping overseas. These batteries are considered dangerous goods (DG) and therefore must be shipped with specialized packaging that complies with a long list of government regulations and carrier requirements. It’s no wonder then that battery shipments are some of the most highly regulated in all of global logistics.
The first step in packaging your DG lithium batteries is to choose the right outer material. This should be rigid enough to withstand any potential drops or pressure changes that could occur during transport. For the inner packaging, look for UN specification packagingopens in new tab, which is designed to keep the batteries secure and prevent them from shifting during transit. This type of packaging is available for purchase from many vendors, and it’s critical to use it to ensure your batteries don’t suffer any damage during the shipment process.
Once you’ve chosen the proper outer packaging, it’s time to start packing your batteries. The most important aspect of this is preventing short circuits. Make sure your sending batteries overseas batteries are separated and insulated from one another, and that any conductive materials like wires or other battery cells are kept away from them. Using dividers, foam packing and bubble wrap is a good way to accomplish this.
Labeling
As a dangerous good, batteries pose many hazards in transportation and must be packed, shipped, and stored with the highest safety standards. That’s why they require specialized packaging and labeling to comply with the long list of government regulations and carrier requirements. If not followed, these rules can lead to rejected or halted shipments, large fines, and even potential liability claims.
Each battery type has a different UN number and corresponding packing instructions that dictate how they should be packaged, handled, and shipped. For example, lithium metal batteries must be shipped as a standalone shipment and marked with the appropriate UN number (UN3480) – but can also be packed with or contained within equipment, for which you would use a UN number of UN3091.
These labels must be applied securely to the outer surface of your package. Some international freight service carriers may require additional documentation, such as a declaration or packing list, depending on their policies.
If you have questions, contact your carrier directly to ensure your shipment is compliant. Remember, large fines or even rejected shipments can result from mislabeling. For this reason, it is important to always double-check the latest regulations and guidelines before shipping your lithium batteries.
Declarations
When shipping dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries, extra care must be taken to ensure that they are handled properly. There are strict regulations in place that must be followed when shipping lithium batteries internationally, especially by air. These are known as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). A legal declaration must be made to confirm that the batteries have been prepared, labeled and declared in accordance with the regulations.
Lithium batteries are prone to overheating and causing fires when mishandled. This is why they are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods and a special label must be applied to the package. This label must contain the correct UN number, battery type name, handling procedures and other important information. The package must also be marked with the lithium battery mark to ensure that it is properly identified.
It’s important to be aware of these regulations and follow them carefully when shipping lithium batteries, as non-compliance can cause costly delays and disruptions. To avoid these risks, work with an experienced logistics provider, such as Dimerco Express Group, who can advise you on how to safely and compliantly ship your batteries abroad.
Safety
When shipping products that run on lithium batteries, including electronics, small appliances and even cars, it’s essential to take safety precautions. It’s important to choose a freight forwarder that knows the regulations when sending these items overseas and has experience with this type of cargo. Otherwise, you could face shipment rejections and potential fines.
If you’re sending lithium batteries overseas by air, make sure the packaging is strong enough to prevent crushing and that the battery compartments are not exposed to moisture. The batteries should be packed separately, or if they are inside of devices such as laptops, phones and power tools, they should be enclosed in hard plastic cases that protect them from impact.
Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods, and it is mandatory that they be properly packaged and marked for transport. They must be identified by the proper UN number, a suitable shipping name and class or division. They must also undergo special tests to ensure that they can withstand heat and other transport conditions.
There have been many fires caused by lithium batteries, and these incidents should not be taken lightly. Despite the risk, most batteries are safe to ship internationally as long as they are correctly packed and declared. By following the tips above, you can avoid the common mistakes that can lead to shipment rejections and delays.