Now the world is discussing the impact of new energy batteries on the world. From the top ten rankings of global power battery installed capacity in 2021: CATL, LG New Energy, Panasonic, BYD, SK On, Samsung SDI, CALB, Gotion High -tech, Envision Group, SVOLT. The top three battery makers — CATL, LG and Panasonic — together account for 70 percent of the global EV battery manufacturing market, according to SNE Research. Regarding large battery carry by air, it is also a relatively cumbersome process. The following are GeePower’s recommended precautions for battery carry by Air, hoping to help you.Lithium batteries can be carried by air, however, they are dangerous items, and all applicable laws must be followed to ensure the safety of all staff, aircraft, and passengers. You will find all of the required steps and guidelines in IATA’s Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations manual.
1. The cell and battery types passed the relevant UN tests.
Any lithium-ion battery with a capacity greater than 100 watt-hours (Wh) is classified as Class 9 hazardous. Many smaller lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in cell phones or tablets, can be sent as “Excepted” (also known as Section II when shipped by air), however large format lithium-ion batteries must comply with all Class 9 standards. (There is a special exception for up to 300 Wh by ground exclusively in the United States.)
All dangerous materials that don’t belong in classes 1 through 8 are put in Class 9. Class 9 materials are defined in 49 CFR 173.140 as the following:
Any material with an anesthetic, toxic, or other comparable quality may be preventing them from doing their assigned responsibilities correctly.
Any material that meets the definition in 49 CFR 171.8 for an elevated temperature material, a hazardous substance, a hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.
If you are a manufacturer or subsequent distributor, you must keep test summaries for each type of battery you ship on file. A test summary is just documentation that confirms the batteries you’re distributing match the testing standards stated in UN Manual of Tests and Criteria
sub-section 38.3. A test summary isn’t a shipping document- It can be submitted for inspection when required
2. All terminals are protected against short circuits.
Batteries in transit are a dangerous item that requires professional management and real-time inspection. A good battery management system(BMS) will limit the battery to a stable state. If one of your larger format batteries has thermal runaway and creates a fire in a truck, warehouse, or cargo hold, and the shipment is discovered to be non-compliant, You will be liable for shipping damage. That is what all of these restrictions are meant to prevent.
Shipping teams require special training. This hazmat training must be updated every two years. For companies that only ship lithium batteries or products that package or contain lithium batteries, is it more appropriate to take the Lithium Batteries by Air course for a comprehensive understanding of how to transport lithium batteries and how to properly meet the requirements set out in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Because large-size lithium-ion batteries are fully regulated hazmat goods, anyone involved in preparing or handling them for transport must receive comprehensive hazmat training in all modes of transport. At the very least, they need to ship fully regulated and exceptional lithium batteries.
3. The inner and outer packaging is appropriate.
Shipping out of compliance large format lithium-ion batteries will harm your business. If a customs officer discovers that one of your shipments was incorrectly labeled, packaged, or documented, the shipment will be held or returned to you, and you may face a significant civil penalty. If a carrier discovers that one of your shipments is not compliant, they will refuse to deliver it. They may refuse to accept any additional hazardous materials shipments from you. If a carrier discovers that one of your shipments is not compliant, they will refuse to deliver it.
4. packages contain the necessary marks and labels
- Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)
- Class 9 lithium battery labels.
- Tray DG SHIPPING MARK
Note: NET WEIGHT declaration should not be too close. For example, 227.5kg can be 227KG. Some cases are that if the weight is smaller than the original declared weight after the airport weighing, it will not be able to be paid. It needs to be restated and then pasted and modified
5. The necessary documentation is complete.
Large lithium-ion batteries necessitate special documentation.
Shipping Papers must be completed for each of your shipments.
6. Packaging requirements for large battery packs
Required UN box: a single battery (less than 30%) is insulated and packed in UN box. Each box is limited to 30KG/CTN, and the empty position should be filled with foam to ensure no collapse when pressed vigorously;
If PI968 lithium metal (button battery, etc.) battery, limit 30/KG/CTN.
Note: The UN case should be purchased from a formal manufacturer with UN certification, which can provide proof of dangerous packaging
The above are the 6 major precautions for battery Carry. The policies of each country will be different. They are for reference only. If you have battery carry services, you can consult the local freight forwarder for further consultation.
Thanks to Chinese freight forwarder JieMeiDa for support: www.jmdchina.CN
Reference article: How to ship large format lithium batteries: 13 things every e-commerce shipper must know.
GeePower’s battery are mainly exported to Europe, America, Japan and other developed countries, 95% of sales are from global markets. GeePower with more than 10 years of lithium battery sale experience, If you want to buy wholesale LiFePO4 batteries for vehicle, please come to GeePower for any questions you may have about batteries.
