What You Need to Know About Lithium Battery Pack Shipping Restrictions
Different types of lithium-ion batteries are found in many high-powered electronics, including cell phones and vehicles. Manufacturers design and ship the batteries themselves, either in the same package as the device or pre-installed inside the device.
Whether you’re shipping the batteries by delivery truck, ocean vessel, train or plane, you must follow national and international shipping restrictions. Learn the compliance and safety regulations you must follow to protect your employees and business.
Why Are Batteries Considered Dangerous Goods?
Transportation regulatory organizations classify lithium cells and batteries as hazardous. The materials are designed to provide high power levels and carry significant electrical energy. Each chemical makeup can easily become unstable and cause the cell to overheat.
If a short circuit occurs, the electrical connections may pose a risk of sparks or fires. For these reasons, shippers must follow specific safety guidelines to transport the goods.
Who Has Restrictions for Lithium Batteries?
Because lithium cells and batteries are considered hazardous, the materials fall under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to restrictions based on how they are shipped and the mode of transportation. Other battery shipping regulations come from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
National shipping companies such as FedEx, the United Parcel Service (UPS) and US Postal Service (USPS) have their own requirements and restrictions for batteries. You can check a carrier’s website to learn more about their standards.
Special Shipping Practices for Batteries
Here are some general practices for handling lithium cells and batteries:
- Any packages containing lithium or cells, shipped individually or with a device, must have labels identifying the presence of the battery and be marked as a hazardous material.
- Any batteries transported back to the manufacturer for recycling can only be shipped by air with approval from the airline or air travel authority.
- The batteries must be packaged to prevent short circuits from the electrical connections.
- Damaged or defective batteries must never be shipped under any circumstances.
- The batteries must follow annual weight limits set by the Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations (LBSR).
Ship Lithium Batteries With Confidence
Hazmat School offers an easy and convenient way to learn about safe shipping methods. We offer lithium battery shipping courses covering the packaging, labeling and shipping of hazardous materials. We stay up to date with DOT, IATA and IMDG regulations, ensuring you receive the most timely and relevant information possible. To get started, check out our course offerings and enroll in a program.
If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.
Manages Hazmat School’s E-Learning courses and blog. Kirstie has extensive experience in the online training and education industry. Kirstie has worked with courses that offer a variety of safety and environmental certifications that satisfy OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements.
