Shipping Lithium Batteries Internationally
Lithium batteries power smart phones, tablets and electric vehicles. They are considered dangerous goods from a shipping perspective and require specialized packaging and strict compliance with government regulations and carrier requirements.
The mode of transportation you choose for your lithium battery shipment will determine the packing requirements. Here are some options to consider: Air Freight, Sea Freight and Courier Service.
Air Freight
When shipping lithium batteries internationally, air freight is the most common method. However, there are some significant restrictions when it comes to packing them and declaring them. In addition, they must be fully encased in protective packaging that prevents shifting during transit and accidental activation. The packaging must be robust and crash-resistant, and the lid must be able to withstand high temperatures. Obexion provides a complete line of protective packaging that meets all the requirements for shipping lithium batteries.
Before leaving the factory, batteries must undergo rigorous testing to measure transportation impacts. Those results are reported using the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. This information is shipping batteries internationally used to determine their hazard classification, and it is also used to determine how they are packaged and labeled for transport.
Once the batteries are packed, they must be clearly marked with a unique label that indicates their hazard class and description. Detailed documentation must be prepared, including a customs declaration and commercial invoice. These documents are checked by airlines to ensure that the batteries are being shipped according to international regulations. In addition, the batteries must be completely encased in non-conductive wrapping or insulation and fastened securely. This will prevent them from moving during transit and accidentally causing a short circuit. This is important because a short circuit can cause a fire that could damage the plane and harm passengers.
Sea Freight
Lithium batteries are efficient power sources, but they come with inherent risks. For instance, they can develop thermal runaway, a state that causes them to overheat and produce fires or explosions. This risk is heightened during shipping. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, PHMSA, regulates the shipment of these hazardous materials. They have to pass tests assessing their ability to withstand transportation impacts like heat, altitude, vibration and more.
To ensure your lithium battery shipment is safe and secure, you need to follow certain guidelines for its packaging and labeling. The standards differ depending on whether your battery is a stand-alone unit or contained within equipment and the type of lithium chemistry (dry cell, wet cell, or LiFePO4). The rules also differ if you are sending the batteries by air or sea.
If you are shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, the International Air Transport Association, IATA, sets strict guidelines that must be followed. These requirements include a specific container, UN-Specific packaging, and an acid/alkali leakproof liner. Additionally, you must provide a commercial invoice and bill of lading for your shipment.
Although these regulations may seem overwhelming, it’s important to follow them. Ultimately, doing so will help you avoid dangerous accidents that can occur during transit. For this reason, it’s essential to partner with a freight forwarder that understands these shipping guidelines and is experienced in handling electronic products with batteries and other dangerous materials.
Courier Service
Shipping lithium batteries internationally requires proper packaging and compliance with strict rules and regulations. It is important to choose a courier service with experience shipping dangerous goods and a strong knowledge of the requirements for each mode of transport. In addition, you must also complete all the necessary documentation for importing and exporting lithium batteries. This includes the customs declaration, commercial invoice and bill of lading.
You should also ensure that the batteries are clearly labeled with their UN number, which helps to identify them as hazardous. The outer packaging must be made of a non-conductive material and should fully enclose the battery. It must also be segregated from other batteries and metallic components. Lithium batteries that ship inside their devices must be packaged to prevent short circuits and device activation during transport.
If you are shipping lithium batteries separately, they must be packed in a container that is approved for air transportation. These containers must be tested to meet the UN 38.3 specifications for class 9 dangerous goods. They must pass height simulation, thermal shock, vibration and impact tests, as well as internal and external short circuit testing.
When you’re shipping lithium batteries internationally, you must follow the appropriate packaging and marking standards for each mode of transport. These rules are designed to protect the safety of your package, as well as the people that handle it.
Packaging
Whether you’re shipping lithium batteries by air or sea, the right packaging is vital to keep them safe during transit. The regulations set by shipping organizations for safety dictate what kind of outer packaging you must use and how it must be packed. These rules include a complete list of tests that must be passed by the package before being accepted for transportation, such as a height simulation test, thermal tests, impact tests, and external short circuit tests. The manufacturer of the batteries or cells will usually take care of these tests, and you’ll need to offer them a certificate when booking cargo space and making a dangerous goods declaration for your shipment.
The inner packaging must be solid and fully sealed, as well as free of any conductive materials. This is to prevent battery terminals from sparking and short-circuiting during transit. The outer container must also be made from a non-conductive material, like plastic bags or blister packs, and it should protect the battery from physical damage during transport.
If you’re shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, you’ll need to follow specific guidelines for the type and number of batteries you can send per package. These requirements vary shipping batteries internationally by country, but the governing body will usually have information about them on their website. You’ll also need to have the necessary documentation, including a Bill of Lading.