Can I Send Lithium Batteries Through UPS?

Yes, you can send lithium batteries through UPS, but strict regulations and packaging requirements must be followed to ensure safety and compliance. UPS categorizes lithium batteries as hazardous materials with specific rules based on battery type, watt-hour rating, packaging, labeling, and documentation, ensuring safe transport by ground or air.

What lithium batteries does UPS allow for shipping?

UPS permits shipping lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries if they meet specific size and watt-hour limits. Generally, lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh and lithium metal batteries up to 2 grams of lithium content are eligible. Larger batteries require special handling, packaging, and often cannot be shipped by air without prior approval.

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Lithium batteries shipped alone or packed with equipment must comply with these limits. UPS also restricts damaged or defective batteries due to fire risk and mandates that batteries be protected against short circuits and damage during transport.

What packaging and labeling requirements must be met for UPS shipments?

Packages containing lithium batteries must be packaged to prevent short circuits, damage, and accidental activation. Terminals should be covered, and batteries placed in inner packaging to avoid movement. Outer packaging must be strong and durable.

UPS requires clear labeling, including the lithium battery handling label, hazard class label, and UN number visible on the package exterior. A shipper declaration for dangerous goods is often required, detailing battery type, quantity, and watt-hour rating or lithium content.

How do UPS regulations differ for lithium batteries shipped by ground vs. air?

Ground shipments of lithium batteries through UPS are subject to less stringent regulations than air shipments due to lower fire risk. UPS allows some larger lithium-ion batteries to be shipped by ground but restricts air shipping based on size and quantity.

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Air transportation must comply with international standards (IATA DGR), including stricter packaging, labeling, quantity limits, and required documentation. UPS ensures these rules are met to maintain air safety, with some lithium batteries prohibited on passenger aircraft.

What documentation and training are required to ship lithium batteries with UPS?

Shippers must provide accurate documentation specifying battery type, watt-hour rating, quantity, and packaging method. When necessary, a Dangerous Goods Declaration form is mandatory.

UPS requires that employees involved in preparing lithium battery shipments receive proper hazardous materials training regularly to comply with federal and international regulations, emphasizing safety and legal adherence.

Are there any lithium batteries that UPS will not ship?

UPS prohibits shipping damaged, defective, recalled, or banned batteries that pose excessive fire risk. Also, certain high-capacity lithium batteries and bulk shipments may be restricted or require special permits.

Batteries exceeding size or quantity limits or those failing to meet packaging or documentation standards will be refused shipment. Customers should check the latest UPS lithium battery shipping guidelines carefully.

How do international shipping rules affect lithium battery shipments with UPS?

International shipments with UPS must comply with applicable regulations like the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air and the IMDG Code for ocean transport, as well as destination country import restrictions.

Shipping lithium batteries internationally often involves stricter controls, including documentation, packaging, and labeling, to meet diverse national and carrier requirements. UPS provides resources and consultation for compliance.

How can Redway Power assist in safely shipping lithium batteries?

Redway Power, with 13 years of OEM lithium battery manufacturing expertise, helps customers comply with stringent shipping standards by producing batteries designed for safe transport. Their integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) ensures consistent quality control, reliable battery design, and optimized packaging compatibility for UPS and other carriers.

By partnering with Redway Power, businesses benefit from certified battery packs equipped with protective features like advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) that reduce shipping hazards.

What are the risks of improperly shipping lithium batteries through UPS?

Improperly shipped lithium batteries pose risks of short circuits, fire, or explosion during transit, potentially causing injury, damage, or loss of shipment.

Violations of UPS regulations may lead to shipment refusal, fines, or legal consequences for the shipper. Proper adherence to UPS and international shipping standards mitigates these hazards, ensuring safety for handlers and recipients.

Chart: UPS Lithium Battery Shipping Overview

Redway Power Expert Views

“Shipping lithium batteries safely requires precision in both battery design and packaging,” says Dr. Li Wei, Chief Technology Officer at Redway Power. “Our MES-driven manufacturing ensures battery packs meet robust safety standards compatible with UPS shipping regulations. By integrating advanced BMS and quality assurance processes, Redway Power supports secure transport solutions that protect users and comply with global logistics policies.”

Conclusion

Sending lithium batteries through UPS is allowed but tightly regulated to ensure safety. Compliance with packaging, labeling, size, documentation, and training requirements—especially distinguishing ground versus air rules—is critical. Leveraging expertise from manufacturers like Redway Power, who design OEM lithium batteries for safe transport, can ease regulatory challenges and protect shipments.

FAQs

Can I send any lithium battery via UPS?
No, UPS restricts lithium battery shipments based on type, size, condition, and packaging compliance.

What packaging is required for lithium batteries?
Batteries must be insulated to prevent short circuits, securely packed, and labeled with hazard warnings.

Are there special rules for air shipments?
Yes, air shipments must meet stricter IATA regulations including quantity limits and additional documentation.

Does UPS require hazardous materials training for shipping lithium batteries?
Yes, employees involved in handling and preparing lithium battery shipments must be trained regularly.

How does Redway Power help with lithium battery shipping?
Redway Power produces certified, safe-to-ship lithium battery packs using MES and BMS technology to meet UPS and other carrier regulations.