Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations: Proper Packaging Makes The Difference

IATA's New Lithium battery shipping regulations help keep air shipping safeThe world is an increasingly mobile place - and lithium batteries are literally powering the revolution. From smart phones and tablets to laptops and hand-held games, the devices your customers rely on more and more are powered by these batteries.

Lithium batteries offer high charge density in a disposable package that appeals to customers. But it comes at a cost. Lithium batteries can rupture and even explode when short-circuited, a serious liability that has triggered tight restrictions on their air transport.

How can businesses take advantage of the high domestic and international demand for this product while adhering to increasingly strict lithium battery shipping regulations?

The International Air Transport Association has detailed many rules on lithium battery transport. But a basic solution to the shipping question is literally as simple as one, two three: Identifying the right materials, paying extra detail to packaging procedures and thoroughly reviewing the parcel before it’s sent.

Following these steps can ensure you remain within the rules without sacrificing your bottom line.

Lithium Battery Shipping: What’s the Risk?


It might surprise consumers to learn something so commonly used could be dangerous. But hazmat transport experts know how quickly an everyday-item can become a threat. In fact, combusting lithium power packs have been blamed for at least two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006.

The danger arises when lithium battery terminals come into contact with other batteries, metal objects or conductive surfaces. This contact can cause a short circuit that leads to ruptures and explosions. The result can be lost product, liabilities and even fatalities. It’s clear to see that having the right packaging material and technique is crucial when shipping lithium batteries.

Step 1: Finding the Right Shipping Materials


IATA rules specify that batteries be shipped in a way that prevents their movement and minimizes short circuit risks. Key to safely shipping lithium batteries are materials that can protect the batteries from risks both external and internal.

Externally: Batteries that are not contained in equipment (ie. inside a laptop) should be transported in a strong, sturdy container that has little risk of rupture. Examples might include double-walled, fiberboard boxes. Adding specialized shipping labels can provide an extra layer of security. Taking these extra steps can minimize potential liabilities.

Internally: Again, it’s vital that lithium batteries remain stable during transport to avoid rupture or explosion. Heavy duty bubble wrap is ideal to reduce movement during transport; placing batteries in individual, non-conductive containers (such as plastic bags) further reinforces safety.

Step 2: Proper Packaging Technique


[caption id="attachment_83" align="aligncenter" width="381"]How to properly package for lithium batteries shipping regulations Image courtesy of http://www.costha.com/docs/IATA2012Lithium-Battery-Guidance-2013-V1.1.pdf[/caption]

You’ve gathered your materials and it’s time to shift your attention to technique. The focus here is to ensure that the batteries have minimal movement from transport to arrival. For that reason, we suggest you alternate a divider, a layer of bubble wrap or another cushion material such as foam packing, and an individual plastic bag or blister pack for each of the batteries. Ensuring that each battery is surrounded on the top and the bottom by dividers, cushioning and an encasement is the ideal way to prevent mishaps.

Step 3: Review


Once your batteries have been properly cushioned, layered and placed in a strong, protective container, it’s time for a basic review. Give your package a vigorous shake - do you feel or hear movement? If the package is very large, examine each side of the box to ensure it is secure and unlikely to be easily penetrated. If you are using shipping labels, make sure they are easily visible from all sides of the package. These steps may seem fairly obvious, but small mistakes can lead to big mishaps.

Don’t take chances when it comes to transporting lithium batteries. Find the right materials, follow the right packaging technique and take time to review your package. In the end, your product will arrive safely and your customer will be happy.

Finding all these new regulations confusing and hard to follow, we want to make your job a little easier.  Click here to download our easy to use checklists for shipping lithium batteries by air!

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