General Information
Most gadgets out in the market today use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that are used in many products such as electronics, toys, wireless headphones, handheld power tools, small and large appliances, electric vehicles, and electrical energy storage systems. If not properly managed, they can cause harm to human health or the environment.
Hence, we should handle them properly when shipping.
This guide will give you the necessary information to make shipping products with lithium batteries safer.
Which Products Have Lithium Batteries?
You may not realize it, but many of the products and devices you use every day have batteries that contain lithium. And, with people turning to online retail, these products are being shipped around the world. That’s why it's so important that these products and batteries are mailed carefully. Some consumer products that use these types of batteries include:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Mobile phones
- iPhones
- iPads
- Medical devices
- Power tools
- Measuring equipment
- Drones
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
These devices all contain batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and there are good reasons for this. Here are a few reasons why it’s important that your shipments comply with lithium battery shipping regulations:
- They’re highly flammable and can cause fires if wrongly packaged
- They react sensitively to environmental factors
- There’s a higher chance of their short-circuiting
With all this in mind, it’s crucial that retailers - and their chosen courier services - take the time to ensure that during shipping, these lithium batteries are correctly declared, packed, labeled, and stored appropriately.
How can I ship these types of items?
To reduce the chances of your lithium batteries exploding or being damaged while in transit, you should use a reputable courier that has guidelines in place for shipping these dangerous items. These include
We encourage you to see the guidelines provided by your courier. By clicking on the corresponding provider's name.
What are the Requirements to properly ship these items?
If you’re planning on shipping lithium batteries, there are certain regulations and requirements you’ll have to follow. Some of these include:
- Lithium batteries weighing more than 35kgs must be approved by the national authority before shipment
- Defective or damaged lithium batteries must not be transported
- Batteries should be packaged to prevent short-circuiting while in transit
- Waste lithium batteries meant for recycling shouldn’t be transported by air unless they’ve been approved by the national authority and airline
- Any package bearing a lithium battery shipping label should also be marked as dangerous goods and have the necessary documentation
- It may be necessary to use specialized packaging to ensure the safety