How to ship batteries

1. Identify your dry battery

Dry batteries are sealed, nonvented batteries used in flashlights or small appliances. They contain zinc salts and other solids or may be packed in combination with other metals. These batteries include non-rechargeable alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries made with NiMh (nickel metal hydride) and NiCd (nickel cadmium). Some dry batteries are regulated battery shipments (Class 4 — Dangerous When Wet or Class 8 — Corrosive) and must be correctly identified, classified, packaged, marked and labeled.

2. Secure battery in a box

• Position multiple batteries or packages of batteries side by side, separated by dividers.

• Make sure batteries contained in an electronic device remain inside the device when shipping.

• Pack securely and fill void spaces to prevent shifting or movement in transit.

• Place contents in a sturdy outer container.

3. Seal and label the package

Using the H taping method, apply at least three strips of pressure-sensitive adhesive plastic tape that is at least 2" wide to both the top and bottom of the carton. Tape all seams or flaps. Place the shipping label on the top of the largest side. Ensure that all required outer markings, labelings and documentation appear.

Lithium batteries are commonly used in devices like mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, watches, cameras, and even children’s toys. Lithium battery shipments or shipments with items that contain charged batteries may overheat and ignite in certain conditions and, once ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. The two main types of lithium batteries are lithium metal (primary non-rechargeable) and lithium ion (rechargeable).

The Class 9 Lithium Battery label (IATA Figure 7.3.X) is required on all Section I, IA, and IB shipments. The phone number will be optional to include on the label effective 1/1/23. Note: No text is allowed on the bottom half of the label outside of the number “9.” Lithium-powered vehicles (such as Airwheel®, Solowheel®, Hoverboard®, Segway® mini, and balance wheels) cannot be classified as UN 3481. IATA offers a Small Vehicles Powered by Lithium Batteries – Cargo Provisions document that concludes the correct classification for these small vehicles is UN 3171, Battery Powered Vehicles. There is no exception for vehicles that contain lithium ion batteries that do not exceed 100 Wh.

*Airwheel is a registered trademark of Changzhou Airwheel Technology Co., Ltd. Solowheel is a registered trademark of Shane Chen. Segway is a registered trademark of Segway, Inc.

Some of the FedEx Express operator variations published in the current IATA regulations are specific to lithium batteries: FX-04 (f) and FX-05 (a)–(c).

• FX-04 (f) – Hoverboards or similar self-balancing vehicles will only be accepted from companies in new, original, unopened packaging. Used, refurbished balancing vehicles shipments from individuals, resellers, or third-party shipments will not be accepted. 

• Refer to the FedEx Express lithium battery flow chart for a prohibition on UN3090 and UN 3480 offered as Section II.

• FX-05 (a) – All batteries transported under Special Provision A88 and A99 must be pre-approved. Send an email to A88A99approvalrequest@fedex.com to begin the process.

• FX-05 (b) – All lithium batteries (Section I, IA, IB, and II) in all packing instructions must not be shipped in the same package as the following dangerous goods classes/divisions: 1.4, 2.1, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, and 8 and 2.2 with a Cargo Aircraft Only label. This includes All Packed in One, Overpacks, and combination All Packed in One/ Overpacks. Exception: If the only lithium batteries are those contained in temperature-control devices and the lithium batteries are Section II. The package must also not require the Lithium Battery Mark, and ELB (FedEx Express DG handling code for Section II lithium batteries) must not be selected in the FedEx automation device. 

• FX-05 (c) – Shippers sending any data loggers or data monitors (other than FedEx SenseAware) require pre-approval. Contact your Worldwide Account Manager (WAM) to initiate the process. If you do not have a WAM, you may contact your sales or account manager.
  Devices are approved by manufacturer and model number, and a shipper may request the approval. You may contact your WAM, Sales, or Account Manager to determine if your device is approved.

   

Section II IATA Lithium Battery Shipments

All packages containing lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. However, packages containing small amounts of lithium may be exempted from most of the IATA and ICAO requirements if they comply with the requirements in Section II IATA Packing Instructions (PI) 966 and 967 for lithium ion batteries and 969 and 970 for lithium metal batteries as appropriate.

Shipments of lithium metal batteries, lithium metal batteries packed with equipment, and lithium metal batteries contained in equipment may be packaged in accordance with Section II IATA (Section II ICAO) packaging requirements provided that the metal or alloy cell content does not exceed more than 1g, and the aggregate lithium content does not exceed 2g per cell.

Lithium ion cells and batteries meeting the requirements of Section II must meet the general requirements of the packaging instruction. For lithium ion or polymer cells, the watt-hour rating is not more than 20Wh and 100wh per battery.

For proper shipping names ending in “Packed with Equipment,” Packing Instructions 966 and 969 indicate that the number of cells or batteries in each package must not exceed the number required for the equipment’s operations plus two spare sets. A “set” of cells or batteries is the number of individual cells or batteries that are required to power each piece of equipment. Each of the proper shipping names defined in Section II IATA may have additional requirements related to types of approved outer packaging, weight limits, and package drop tests of 1.2 m.

When the Lithium Battery Mark (IATA Figure 7.1.C) is required and used for Section IB and permitted Section II lithium battery shipments, the UN number(s) must be added to the mark. The UN number indicated on the mark should be at least 12 mm high. Note: The Lithium Battery Mark cannot be folded or wrapped around multiple sides of the package.

UN 3480, Lithium Ion Batteries Sections IA and IB have a state of charge (SoC) maximum of 30% without competent authority approval from both the state of origin and the state of the operator. Per IATA Special Provision A213, lithium batteries conforming with IATA 3.9.2.6.1 (f) containing both primary lithium metal cells and rechargeable lithium ion cells must be assigned to UN 3090 or UN 3091 as appropriate. When offered as Section II, the content of all the lithium metal cells contained in the battery must not exceed 1.5 g, and the total capacity of all lithium ion cells contained in the battery must not exceed 10Wh.

Section II Lithium Battery Packaging Guidelines

To comply with Section II IATA shipping requirements, shipments containing lithium batteries and cells must comply with specific packaging guidelines.

• Ensure that lithium batteries are individually packaged in fully enclosed inner packaging such as a plastic blister wrap or pasteboard to provide protection for each battery.

• Shield and protect lithium batteries to prevent short circuits or contact with conductive materials within the packaging that could cause short circuits.

• Ensure that packaging is proven (i.e., tested) to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-Section 38.3.

• Make sure that lithium batteries are completely enclosed (such as in equipment or surrounded by plastic with void space filled to prevent movement), except when the proper shipping names end with “contained in equipment.”

• Place contents in a sturdy outer container.

• Provide correct labeling and documentation.

Certain fully regulated Section IA and Section I Packing Instructions require UN specification packaging that meets Packing Group II performance standards. Refer to the specific IATA Packing Instruction for complete packaging requirements.

Section IA IATA Lithium Battery Shipments

Lithium batteries, both lithium ion and lithium metal, are fully regulated dangerous goods when prepared under Section IA IATA regulations. These commodities must be correctly identified, classified, packaged, marked, and labeled. Additionally, the package must have the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods completed and signed by a trained shipper.

Section IB IATA Stand-Alone Lithium Battery Shipments

Section IB requirements apply to lithium metal cells with a lithium metal content not exceeding 1g and lithium metal batteries with a lithium metal content not exceeding 2g packed per Table 968-IB. Section IB requirements apply to lithium ion cells with a 20Wh and batteries of 100Wh or less per Table 965-IB. “IB” is required on the shipper’s declaration after Packing Instruction. See the applicable Packing Instruction for complete details. All IB shipments are required to have a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods completed and signed by a trained shipper, and “IB” must be indicated after Packing Instruction, either in the Packing Instruction section or in Authorization

When the Lithium Battery Mark (IATA Figure 7.1.C) is required and used for Section IB and permitted Section II lithium battery shipments, the UN number(s) must be added to the mark. The UN number indicated on the mark should be at least 12 mm high.

Note: The Lithium Battery Mark cannot be folded or wrapped around multiple sides of the package.