Shipping Lithium Batteries Internationally
Strict adherence to shipping guidelines for lithium batteries is essential. This includes completing the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, as well as packing and labeling your shipments properly.
Different rules apply for air and sea freight depending on the battery’s rated watt-hour and whether they are sent loose or contained inside equipment. Choosing the right courier service is also crucial.
Air Freight
If you’re shipping lithium batteries internationally by air, there are additional rules and restrictions that you must follow. Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods when shipped by air and must be packed according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Air carriers have strict safety requirements for shipping lithium-ion batteries, including the use of dog detection teams specifically trained to find them.
DGR regulations for lithium batteries require that the battery terminals are protected and separated from each other to avoid short circuiting. This is an important step to prevent thermal runaway, which occurs when a lithium battery enters uncontrollable self-heating mode and can cause fires. The outer packaging must also be insulated to protect against temperature fluctuations and physical damage during transport.
Choosing an experienced freight forwarder with deep knowledge of regulations and packaging standards is essential. Shipping dangerous goods like lithium-ion batteries is a different process than general cargo and can be challenging to manage without the right support. Incorrect documentation or packaging can lead to shipment rejection and costly penalties from carriers.
At Super International Shipping, we have the experience and expertise to manage all aspects of your shipment. We ensure compliance with shipping regulations, handle all necessary paperwork, and work closely with airlines and shipping companies to get your lithium-ion batteries safely from point A to B.
Sea Freight
Shipping lithium batteries internationally has its inherent risks, and the best way to mitigate those is through strict compliance with dangerous goods regulations and proper packaging procedures. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in shipments being rejected and could lead to financial penalties or even blacklisting as a shipper of lithium batteries. To ensure your shipment is safe and compliant, work with a freight forwarding company that is experienced in shipping lithium-ion batteries, has access to the latest cargo insurance policies and can negotiate pricing for you.
Whether you’re shipping lithium batteries by air or ocean, there are specific requirements that need to be met before your shipment can leave the factory. These include completing a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods form, providing a Transportation UPS battery service Appraisal Report and UN 38.3 test reports, as well as supplying the correct packing instructions for each type of battery.
The shipping requirements vary by mode of transport, and these guidelines extend to the entire supply chain – from first-mile truckers, warehousing storage companies, container freight stations and e-vehicle battery manufacturers. This means that the carriers you select, as well as your warehouses and distribution centers, must have the appropriate certifications and experience handling hazardous materials to handle your shipment. For EV batteries, the most popular method for importing is sea freight, which offers speedy delivery to global destinations.
Express Delivery
Whether they power electric vehicles or smartphones, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods from a international shipping service shipping perspective and require specialized packaging and adherence to a long list of government and carrier regulations. Those requirements can range from the mandatory use of hazmat-certified trucks to rigorous documentation and testing.
Shippers must be fully aware of these regulations to ensure a smooth, timely and cost-effective shipment process. This includes ensuring full compliance with IATA regulations, which require the completion of the Shipper Declaration for Dangerous Goods and the submission of UN 38.3 test reports and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). These guidelines will protect your products, help prevent in-transit accidents and keep your business in full compliance with all international shipping laws.
Additionally, IATA guidelines stipulate that battery products must be adequately protected and separated to ensure the safety of the cargo throughout transit. This means using insulating materials to separate and cushion your batteries, and enclosing all exposed terminals in non-conductive tape or other protective measures.
While sourcing your lithium batteries can be a complex and time-consuming process, an experienced freight forwarder or logistics provider will streamline the entire process. They can provide expert insight, negotiate better deals and ensure your shipments comply with all shipping protocols.
China Sourcing
When you’re shipping lithium batteries internationally, it’s important to understand the regulations and best practices that accompany this type of shipment. These batteries are classed as dangerous goods and require special attention during transportation to mitigate the risk of fire or explosions.
If you choose to ship your lithium batteries via air freight, there are a few additional requirements that you’ll need to meet. The first is to ensure that your package is fully compliant with international shipping regulations. This includes completing all necessary documentation and packing your batteries in the proper containers. You’ll also need a waybill, which is like a bill of lading that specifies the contents of your shipment and its intended destination.
The next requirement is to have the right labels for your package. This is essential as it alerts anyone that handles the battery that it’s a dangerous good and provides instructions on how to handle it. You’ll need to complete a shipper declaration for dangerous goods, provide a UN 38.3 test report, and have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your batteries.
If you’re preparing to ship lithium batteries internationally, be sure to consult with a knowledgeable logistics provider or freight forwarder. They can help you determine the best method of shipment based on your specific needs and regulatory requirements.