How do you prepare a battery for shipping?

When preparing batteries for shipping, examine the Watt-hours rating, which indicates the battery energy capacity. Higher Watt-hour batteries require greater precautions. Check the State of Charge (SOC), which is the percentage of available power. IATA regulations say that for air transport, the SOC should never exceed 30%.

Are lithium batteries allowed in air transport?

Batteries identified as defective and in danger of failing in transport are forbidden. Lithium battery products for disposal are forbidden from air transport unless approved by the appropriate authorities. Class 9 has these added regulations to the above mentioned requirements. Anyone handling lithium-based batteries for transport must be trained.

Where can batteries be shipped?

Batteries can be shipped on all main modes of transportation used in logistics: air, ocean, road, and rail. However, there are some different regulations and requirements depending on the mode of transport. Below we cover general guidelines applicable to all transport modes, but check the following dangerous goods regulations for specific info:

Can lithium-ion batteries be shipped by air?

But there’s good news: Lithium-ion batteries can be shipped safely by air if shippers take proper precautions. As with all hazardous goods, safely shipping lithium-ion batteries by air requires having personnel with the appropriate expertise and training and complying with strict labeling and packaging requirements.

How do you dispose of a portable battery?

Portable batteries and batteries which cannot be removed from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) should be disposed of: via their distributor where they offer a take back scheme. When storing and disposing of waste batteries, they should be protected from damage and insulated to prevent short-circuits.

Can lithium metal batteries be shipped on cargo aircraft?

Effective 1 January 2015, lithium metal batteries will be restricted to cargo aircraft only. This only applies when shipping lithium metal batteries by themselves. Batteries packed with or contained in equipment can continue to be shipped on passenger aircraft. Cells and battery packs must be packed in a rigid outer packaging.