Battery Transportation Requirements

Managing the transportation of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs is essential to ensure safety during transport. There are several key things to consider when managing the transportation of these batteries, including proper packaging, labeling, documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Proper Packaging

Proper packaging is essential to ensure the safety of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs during transportation. These batteries should be packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage, short circuits, and other hazards. The packaging should be designed to prevent the movement of the batteries within the packaging during transportation.

There are very specific regulations that govern the proper packaging of lithium batteries for shipping. These regulations are in place to ensure the safe transportation of lithium batteries and to minimize the risk of fire or explosion during transport.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have developed regulations for the air transport of lithium batteries. Similarly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed regulations for the sea transport of lithium batteries.

These regulations specify the type of packaging that must be used, as well as the labeling, documentation, and handling requirements that must be followed. For example, lithium batteries must be packaged in a strong, rigid outer packaging that is resistant to damage during transport. The packages must also be marked with specific labels and markings to indicate the type of battery and the potential risks associated with it.

If you are planning to ship lithium batteries, Epec Engineered Technologies adheres to the relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure that you are in compliance with all the necessary requirements.

Labeling

Proper labeling is essential to ensure the safety of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs during transportation. These batteries should be labeled in accordance with the regulations that apply to the specific mode of transportation.

For example, in the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires specific labels to be used on packaging for hazardous materials. These labels indicate the hazard class, the UN identification number, and the proper shipping name. In addition to hazard labels, batteries may require special handling labels, such as "This side up" or "Do not stack."

Documentation

Proper documentation is essential to ensure the safe transportation of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs. This documentation includes the shipping papers, which provide information about the battery, its contents, and its destination.

Specifically, the regulations for shipping lithium batteries include requirements for documentation. These regulations are designed to ensure the safe transport of lithium batteries, as they are considered dangerous goods due to their potential to ignite and cause fires.

The specific regulations and documentation requirements can vary depending on the mode of transportation (air, sea, or ground) and the quantity and type of lithium batteries being shipped. However, some general documentation requirements for shipping lithium batteries include:

Proper shipping name and identification number: The lithium batteries must be identified by their proper shipping name and UN number, which can be found on the battery itself or its packaging.
Shipping papers: The shipper must prepare shipping papers that include information such as the name and address of the shipper and receiver, the number of packages, the weight of the shipment, and the proper shipping name and identification number.
Dangerous goods declaration: The shipper must declare that the shipment contains dangerous goods and provide information on the type and quantity of lithium batteries being shipped.
Marking and labeling: The lithium batteries and their packaging must be properly marked and labeled with the appropriate hazard warning labels and handling instructions.

It is important to note that the regulations and documentation requirements for shipping lithium batteries can be complex and can change over time. Epec Engineered Technologies stay up to date on all of the newest updates from regulatory agencies, such as IATA, IMO, or DOT, to ensure they we in compliance with current requirements.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with regulatory requirements is essential to ensure the safety of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs during transportation. There are several regulations that apply to the transportation of these batteries, including IATA, Dangerous Goods Regulations, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations.

These regulations establish requirements for packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling of hazardous materials, including batteries. Compliance with these regulations helps to ensure the safe transportation of these batteries.

Key Regulations

Managing the transportation of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium polymer cells and battery packs requires careful consideration of packaging, labeling, documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements. There are specific regulations and certification requirements for shipping lithium batteries. Depending on the type of lithium battery and the mode of transportation, different regulations may apply.

For example, if you are shipping lithium batteries by air, you must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which require specific packaging, labeling, and documentation. Additionally, shippers must complete specialized training and certification before handling or transporting lithium batteries by air.

Shipping lithium batteries (and even NiMH batteries require certain paperwork) is a very risky proposition if you don’t know all of the rules and regulations. Epec Engineered Technologies invests significantly every year to ensure that our customers will never be at risk if they trust their shipping to us.

Additional Resources

See our blog posts below for additional resources on the transportation requirements for shipping batteries and battery packs.

Ensure Safe Battery Transportation

Proper packaging, labeling, and compliance with regulations are crucial for safe lithium battery transport. Trust Epec’s expertise for a hassle-free, compliant solution.

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