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More products than ever before are using lithium batteries as a power source. However, in the booming eCommerce and shipping industries, lithium batteries are considered a hazardous product and must be packed and shipped safely.
If your business is responsible for distributing products containing these dangerous goods, you must understand how to ship lithium batteries safely.
Find Out the Different Classes of Hazardous MaterialsBut first, here are three things you should know about lithium batteries:
- Lithium batteries are used in many consumer goods due to their long life and high energy density.
- Lithium batteries are explosive and, therefore, considered dangerous goods that must comply with specific shipping regulations.
- Because these batteries pose a safety risk, it’s essential to follow proper packaging safety guidelines to avoid accidental fires or explosions.
What Are Lithium Batteries and How Are They Used?
Lithium batteries, also known as lithium-ion batteries, are used to power many electronic devices consumers use daily. These devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, medical devices and more. What makes lithium batteries a popular choice for these electronics is their long life, high charge density and low weight.
Shipping Lithium Batteries? You’ll Need Hazmat Shipping LabelsA review of advanced and practical lithium battery materials demonstrates that lithium battery technology is ever-evolving, with battery sizes decreasing and power output rising. The industry is only expected to grow, especially as electric vehicles become more mainstream.
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Why Lithium Batteries Are Considered Dangerous Goods
While these batteries are widely used in many consumer products and the growing industry of electric-charging vehicles, what’s less known about lithium batteries is that they fall under classes of hazardous materials. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations, they are classified as “Class 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials.”
If not packed, labeled and stored correctly, they can pose a safety risk due to their highly volatile nature. If a lithium battery’s separator fails and the anode and cathode touch, the battery can overheat and short-circuit, leading to an unwanted fire or explosion.
Given its potential dangers, there are strict regulations and guidelines on how to ship lithium batteries to ensure the highest safety level.
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How to Ship Lithium Batteries Safely
By understanding and following the requirements and precautions, you can safely ship lithium batteries.
Couriers, such as FedEx, USPS, UPS or DHL, are all creditable couriers with set guidelines and trained staff knowledgeable in shipping dangerous goods like lithium batteries. When sending a product containing these batteries, it’s always best practice to use a reputable shipping company you can trust.
- Understand Shipping Requirements
Familiarize yourself with shipping requirements around lithium batteries, including the following general requirements:
- Lithium batteries weighing more than 35kgs must be approved by the appropriate national authority before shipping.
- If you know a battery is damaged or malfunctioning before being packaged, it should not be transported.
- All lithium batteries must be appropriately packaged to avoid potential short-circuiting during delivery.
- Without approval by the appropriate national authority or airline, lithium batteries intended for recycling should not be shipped.
- All packages containing lithium batteries must have the proper hazmat shipping labels and documentation denoting dangerous goods.
- Comply with Shipping Regulations
Along with general shipping requirements for lithium batteries, there are several federal, state and courier regulations your business may be required to comply with when shipping products containing lithium batteries. Understand these checks may need additional time, and you should account for this in your shipping timeline.
- Be prepared to have the appropriate authority or shipping company approve the shipment of your product.
- Make sure the package contains the proper shipping label specifying it’s a dangerous good.
- Ensure the packaging adheres to the appropriate requirements and guidelines, including box type and insulation.
- Understand your battery shipment may be required to be packed by a professional with hazmat certification.
- Be prepared to provide documentation and certification, such as a dangerous goods contract, material safety data sheet or other certificates.
- Follow Safety Tips
In addition to adhering to the applicable regulations and requirements, there are some general tips you can follow to ensure you’re shipping lithium batteries as safely as possible.
- Use special lithium battery shipping boxes to ensure safe and compliant shipping.
- Make sure the batteries and their terminals are protected to avoid any chance of them short-circuiting.
- Properly insulate the battery’s terminals with non-conductive materials to ensure the utmost protection and always enclose each battery in its own packaging.
- Do not stack other weighty items on the battery packages while in transit to avoid possible damage.
- Ensure the batteries are stored away from other metal objects that could cause them to short-circuit.
- Do not turn on any device with a lithium battery while it’s in transit and use additional protective coverings and padding to avoid the devices turning on during shipment.
- Always use the appropriate label to denote that the package contains dangerous goods.
The Bottom Line
Lithium batteries are an increasingly popular choice in many consumer goods but can be dangerous if mishandled. If you are in the business of shipping electronics, such as smartphones, tablets or other devices that use lithium batteries, you must follow all regulations and guidelines to ensure safe shipments.
