Shipping Alkaline Batteries Overseas
If you sell and ship electronics that use batteries, or rechargeable lithium batteries in particular, then shipping them overseas can be a bit of a headache. These batteries are classified as dangerous goods and there are strict regulations to follow when shipping them.
The most important thing to remember when shipping these batteries is that they need to be packaged properly. This includes using packaging that meets UN specificationopens in new tab and ensuring that terminals are protected and separated by dividers.
Safety Measures
Many businesses rely on batteries, especially those who ship electronic products. If you sell e-commerce products that run on batteries, it’s important to follow shipping alkaline batteries internationally strict safety measures. That includes shipping these batteries with a courier that understands the specific guidelines and restrictions of the major air freight carriers.
All battery shipments are considered Dangerous Goods, so any package with lithium batteries needs to be correctly identified, classified, packaged, marked and labeled. You also need to complete a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods.
The DOT also requires lithium batteries to go through a series of tests that measure transportation impacts like heat, vibration and more. This is an attempt to prevent future airplane crashes like the one involving a Virgin Atlantic flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Boston after a power bank caught fire.
In addition, all batteries must be packed in packaging that meets the DOT’s standards. This packaging is usually made of rigid material that can’t easily be crushed. It also has to have a special insert to help keep the contents from getting jostled during transit. The best packaging to use for this type of cargo is UN specification packagingopens in new tab, which is designed to withstand drops and pressure changes. It’s available from several vendors who specialize in this kind of packaging.
Packaging
Whether batteries or battery cells are shipped standalone, contained within electrical products such as laptops and drones, or as part of a finished product such as an electric vehicle (EV), shipping them requires specific packaging and careful consideration. Choosing strong outer packaging that can withstand rough handling and impact is vital, along with protecting battery terminals from sparking or short circuiting during transport. The internal components of the batteries or cells should also be packaged and protected from metal objects and tools, as these can damage or cause them to activate.
Once the proper packaging is in place, a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) or equivalent form is required to accompany each shipment. This gives authorities essential information about the batteries, such as their UN number, class, packing group, and special handling instructions. It can also include a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS, which explains what the batteries are made of, their risks and hazards, and how to handle them safely.
Some regulations require that employees involved in the packing and preparation of batteries and cells take DOT Hazmat trainingopens in new tab to ensure they know how to safely handle them during shipping. In addition, companies must prepare a Packing Certificate, which shows that the package meets the requirements for shipping dangerous goods. This document can be especially important for companies that rely on a combination of carriers for air and ocean freight.
Labeling
If your business specializes in shipping electronics and batteries that run them, you know how important it is to take the proper precautions when packing, labeling, and documenting these hazardous goods. Since damaged batteries have been blamed for several unexplained aircraft crashes, it is imperative that you follow the regulations put forth by each carrier on lithium battery shipping.
In general, you should always select a rigid outer material that can’t easily be crushed. This should be placed inside of a box with non-conductive filler materials, and the batteries should be securely fastened in place using plenty of tape. Make sure to choose UN specification packagingopens in new tab, which has passed tests that ensure it can withstand drops and pressure changes during transit.
When you ship wet cell batteries, they must be vented and kept upright during transit to avoid leakage. You must also apply a Hazardous Goods Declaration to the package and include a contact phone number for emergency responders.
When you’re shipping lithium metal batteries, you’ll need to reference the appropriate IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and Packing Instructions. In particular, you’ll need to refer to Packing Instructions 968 for this type of battery. Once you’ve done this, you can then properly pack the battery and apply the required labels for shipping.
Carrier Restrictions
Many carrier companies have strict rules to enforce when it comes to shipping batteries, especially lithium systems. They will require them to be shipped in a special box that is thick enough to prevent a short circuit, and each battery must be padded with foam or other materials to protect it from heat or impact.
This is particularly important for lithium batteries because of their high energy density, which can cause them to overheat and ignite – especially forwarder agent in China during air transportation. This is what led to the FAA banning lithium batteries from passenger airplanes, and now they can only be shipped on cargo aircraft.
When it comes to other batteries, such as lead acid or nickel cadmium, most carriers will not restrict them as long as they are properly packaged and marked. However, they may have additional requirements to meet for shipping them through sea or ground transport. For example, they may require the batteries to be drained and covered in soda ash, which neutralizes acid, or that each battery is wrapped separately from others.
Any company that ships shipments of batteries or equipment with batteries installed needs to be aware of these rules and be prepared to follow them when doing so internationally. Otherwise, they could be in violation of DOT regulations and face heavy fines. By working with an experienced international courier that specializes in shipping dangerous goods like batteries, shippers can ensure they are in compliance and their shipments are delivered safely.