How To Safely Send Lithium Batteries Overseas?
TL;DR
- Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods due to the risk of overheating and igniting.
- Safest shipping options include road and sea transport, while air transport is limited to devices with smaller battery capacities.
- Proper packaging is crucial: keep batteries inside devices, secure buttons, and use original packaging when possible.
- Always check with the courier for regulations and possible extra fees before shipping.
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How can you ship lithium batteries internationally?
In the modern era, our lives are intricately linked with electronic devices – from the cameras that capture our favorite moments, to the smartwatches that track our health, and the mobile phones that keep us all connected, no matter the distance. At the heart of these devices are lithium batteries, a powerhouse of energy in a compact form.
However, when it comes to transporting and shipping all these gadgets, especially across international borders, the presence of lithium batteries adds a layer of complexity. At Eurosender, we’re here to demystify the process of shipping lithium batteries internationally. In this article we have gathered all the information about shipping batteries internationally by road, sea and air.
Why are lithium batteries considered dangerous?
Lithium batteries are categorized as dangerous goods due to their potential to overheat and ignite. This risk places them in the same category as other hazardous materials like gasoline or propane, because, once the fire is on, it is difficult to put it out, producing toxic gas along with the flame. On a more positive note, accidents of this kind have not been so common lately.
With the growing popularity of these devices, electronics manufacturers and courier companies around the world have already determined reliable safety guidelines and have highly trained personnel to deal with any situation. Just make sure to pack your lithium batteries for shipping appropriately, and you are good to go!
What is the safest way to ship lithium batteries internationally?
Before diving into ways, you can ship lithium batteries internationally it is important to highlight one more time that lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods and before you decide to send them overseas all the applicable regulations must be complied with to ensure the safety of all involved personnel and craft, which will be transporting your goods.
Shipping lithium batteries internationally isn’t one-size-fits-all; it requires careful consideration of the available shipping options. When shipping lithium batteries internationally, the safest option is to use a ground service such as transport by road. Shipping lithium batteries by sea follows closely, offering a secure environment with its static pressure levels, though demanding robust packaging to withstand the long transit times. Air freight presents a viable alternative for electronics with lower battery capacities, introducing a balance between speed and safety.
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What kind of lithium batteries can be shipped internationally via air freight?
According to IATA regulations, air transport accommodates devices with up to two single-cell batteries under 20Wh each or four multi-cell batteries not exceeding 100Wh. This regulation underscores the importance of understanding your device’s specifications to ensure compliance and safety.
Before you decide to ship your electronic equipment, we strongly recommend checking the product’s information sheet to verify its details. Devices with higher capacities should be transported by road or sea instead.
Before sending lithium batteries overseas, make sure your item is within limits to avoid any unwanted issues. We prepared a short list of electronic equipment that contains lithium batteries that are quite popular among shippers:
Specific mobile phones from Samsung or powerful drones may not be allowed for air transport. If you are unsure whether your device is allowed or not, do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail or chat and we will be glad to help you send items powered by lithium batteries by courier.
How to pack lithium batteries before sending them overseas?
The safety of any shipment starts with proper packing. When shipping electronic equipment containing lithium batteries by road or air, it is important to have it appropriately packed. Here are some guidelines to ensure your lithium battery-powered devices are prepared for their journey:
- Do not remove batteries from electronic devices.
- Send the equipment in its original case for its custom-fit protection, whenever possible.
- Secure any buttons to prevent the device from activating in transit.
- If the equipment has separate parts and cables, make sure to add cushioning material between them to avoid scratching and static energy.
- It is not recommended to have your device fully charged – up to 30% is optimal.
- Transporting detached lithium batteries is not recommended but can sometimes be organised if they are secured in appropriate anti-static bags.
- Especially for larger quantities, the presence of lithium batteries should be clearly indicated in the outer packaging with appropriate handling labels.
How much does it cost to send lithium batteries overseas?
Several courier companies worldwide allow shippers to send lithium batteries overseas if the items are within their guidelines and regulations. However, some couriers may charge additional fees for handling these items, given their hazardous nature. For detailed insights into any extra charges or restrictions that are connected to sending lithium batteries overseas, our team at Eurosender is always ready to assist.
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Choosing the best service when shipping lithium batteries internationally by courier
Whenever booking a shipping service, you can request to have it shipped using a specific type of transport. Although road transport often emerges as the most cost-effective solution, certain geographical constraints, like island destinations or remote locations, may necessitate air or sea freight.
Let’s take for an example a parcel being shipped internationally to the United Kingdom or Ireland. Courier companies might opt for air freight since it is an island and a long distance. However, it is also entirely possible to transport your parcel containing lithium batteries by road or sea to these destinations.
If you are sending a shipping lithium battery internationally by courier, make sure to inform our logistics experts during the booking process, and they will request that the shipping is done by ground instead, whenever possible.
How can Eurosender help you ship lithium batteries internationally?
In a world increasingly dependent on electronic devices, understanding the increased need for shipping lithium batteries internationally is essential. As you have seen now, shipping electronic devices containing lithium batteries internationally is something that is possible but might require some extra care, but it is most certainly possible if you follow our recommendations.
At Eurosender, we work with renowned global couriers to provide you with reliable services for shipping laptops, phones and other electronic devices containing lithium batteries in the safest way possible.
As you can see now, shipping electronics containing lithium batteries is something that might require some extra care, but it is most certainly possible if you follow our recommendations.
Please note that some logistics providers don’t handle shipments containing batteries. If you plan on booking a service for shipping any batteries, we highly recommend checking with us first. We will inform you about the possibility of sending it on the chosen route. You can get immediate assistance through live chat or via e-mail.
This article was written in collaboration with Fernanda Spolaor and Sara Todorović.
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About the author
Marcel Nahtigal is Head of Marketing at Eurosender, specializing in digital strategies to enhance customer connections in logistics.
