Mailing Lithium Batteries Overseas

Have you ever been stopped on a flight because you were carrying Lithium-ion batteries? If yes, then you know there are some standard regulations over the transportation of these batteries. At present, they are used in mobiles phones, electronic devices, and even electric vehicles. But the risks associated with them remains the same. Whether you are carrying rechargeable batteries or the un-rechargeable lithium batteries, you also need to follow these laws while you are taking or mailing these batteries overseas.

So, in this article, we are going to learn about the various mailing standards related to lithium battery. It is USPS that has determined and issued the new standards for the shipping and mailing. So, let’s explore.

Mailing Standards For Lithium Batteries:

Lithium batteries are used in a diverse range of products such as laptops, cell phones, cameras, and other consumer products. These batteries are designed to provide a high amount of power to various devices. But with high power, they also produce a substantial amount of heat energy which can short circuit anytime. Along with this, the chemical content of these batteries is also susceptible to fires if they get damaged somehow.

Therefore, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration have complied various standards for every business. So, if you have shipments that contain Lithium batteries and cells, then you are obliged to follow the standards for safe transportation of these batteries. Companies who don’t follow these rules have to face certain lawsuits or fines.

Previously, Lithium content in the device was used to determine whether the device is safe for shipment of not. And it is the cell and battery size which tells us about the lithium content. Under the new regulations laid in 2015, watt-hours are used for it. For example, an iPhone 5 battery has 5.45 watt-hours. For better knowledge, you have to keep one thing in mind that the Lithium batteries and Lithium-ion batteries lie under separate categories. Therefore, there are different shipping descriptions.

The shipments containing Lithium battery or cells must include the markings and documentation that specifies:

· The package contains lithium metal or lithium-ion battery and cells.

· The potential of flammability hazard in case the package is damaged during the shipment.

· Special procedures need to be followed if the package is damaged somehow.

· Contact number for additional information.

Whether the shipment has standalone batteries, packed with or installed in some device, these regulations must be followed. If any company fails to provide these documentations & markings, then the shipment won’t be processed.

Logistics Services To Deliver Lithium Batteries Worldwide:

If you want to take help of professional logistic service to deliver Lithium batteries worldwide, then you can certainly find one near you. There is a number of services in every country which specializes in the mailing & shipments of these batteries. As they are dangerous goods, the services have to follow strict guidelines imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other concerned authorities of every country.

It is obvious that you can’t send simple post or couriers of the lithium batteries; therefore, you will need expert help. To send the batteries overseas via water services or air services, you can take help from companies like Pack & Send in Australia, ParcelHero in the United Kingdom, or DHL which offers worldwide delivery of Lithium batteries.

How To Send lithium battery Safely In Line?

If you are wondering if it is possible to send Lithium battery in line safely, then the answer is yes. Whether it is the ground services, airlines, water services, or post, you can send the devices containing Lithium batteries. The electronics business does that every day. As there are some impending risks, so you will have to follow some rules like:

· You can’t send them as anonymous products through the domestic or international post.

· To send lithium batteries in the post, they must be contained in a device properly.

These are pretty basic regulations and when you are sending some, you need to follow the steps below:

· While the battery is shipped abroad, it must remain inside the device no matter what.

· With the package that contains the Lithium battery, a transport document must be associated along with handling label.

· The sender will be charged extra if they shipping the batteries via air.

· You can only send a maximum of 2 Lithium batteries in one package. More packages that need to be transported will require further permissions.

· You must take all precautions to prevent the device from overheating during the transfer. Turn off the device; seal the terminals with tape or insulating material carefully.

· Put the device in a plastic bag before you send it for shipping. This will serve as an extra barrier in case of fire and decrease the static interference risk.

· Never ever ship faulty or damaged Lithium battery.

· Check and verify the rules regarding Lithium batteries in the country you are sending them.

There have been incidents that lead to the concerned authorities design a specific set of rules for the transportation of Lithium batteries. And everything in the power of government is done to avoid great loss.

Keep one thing in mind that different types of Lithium batteries come under different regulation given as UNxxxx. So, you need to take the regulations into account prior to sending the batteries anywhere. You don’t need to worry that much about the transportation though. There are various services that will be pleased to help you with the process. So, whether you are gifting an electronic device such as camera, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, remote controls, etc. or you are buying something from an international distributor, you will have specialists working for you in order to avoid any risk. All shippers need to comply with the applicable regulation under all circumstances otherwise they will have to face serious allegations and charges. Stay safe and protected and gather as much information as you can.