Lithium Batteries

The safe transport of Lithium Batteries is essential to ensuring your shipment is delivered as intended.

What you need to know

  • Lithium Batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods
  • There are shipping regulations for Lithium Batteries
  • Defective, damaged and recalled batteries are not permitted
  • The Shipper is legally responsible for compliance when offering shipments containing Lithium Batteries for transportation
  • Not all types of Lithium Batteries are accepted in DHL Express
  • Only pre-approved DHL Express account holders can ship Lithium Batteries
A wide variety of electronic goods powered by Lithium Batteries fall under the Dangerous Goods Regulations, regardless if they are rechargeable (Lithium Ion) or non-rechargeable (Lithium Metal).
The regulations apply when lithium batteries are:
Dangerous Goods
Loose
Batteries shipped as individual items (loose/ bulk)
Example: Portable battery charger
 
Packed with Equipment
Equipment and its batteries in the same package.
Example: A camera with an additional battery
Contained in Equipment
Battery installed in the equipment.
Example: Tablet with an integrated Lithium Battery
The safe transportation of such contents by air and the full compliance to ICAO/IATA regulations is the legal responsibility of the Shipper. IATA and DHL have produced guidance materials to help Shippers understand and comply with the regulations.
Allowed
The following packages are accepted for transport when the lithium battery mark is not applicable:
  • Shipments with 2 packages or less where each package contains no more than 4 cells or 2 batteries installed in equipment
  • Packages containing only button cell batteries installed in equipment (including circuit boards)
Example: A shipment with 2 pieces with one piece containing a notebook and the other piece containing 2 mobile phones.
Not Allowed
  • Lithium Batteries that are known or suspected to be defective or damaged or recalled present a high safety risk to personnel and property and are not permitted on aircraft under any circumstances.
  • When it is known or suspected that a defective or damaged or recalled Lithium Battery is enclosed within a laptop, mobile phone or other device, the battery must be removed before DHL can accept the shipment.
DHL Express requires pre-approval to ship Lithium Batteries to ensure that account holders are sufficiently trained, instructed and will prepare Lithium Batteries shipments according to the applicable regulations and DHL’s policies and procedures.
Interested in becoming a DHL pre-approved account? Our knowledgeable experts are here to provide professional help and guidance. Contact our Dangerous Goods experts
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