Shipping Lithium Batteries with PACK & SEND: Understanding Our Limited Service
Shipping items containing lithium batteries can be complex due to safety regulations. Lithium batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods, and many courier companies avoid transporting them altogether. PACK & SEND offers limited options for shipping items containing these batteries, primarily via sea freight, and subject to strict conditions. This page clarifies our service capabilities and explains why these restrictions exist.
Why are Lithium Batteries Considered Dangerous?
Lithium batteries, particularly Lithium-ion Polymer batteries (LiPo), store high energy in a small package. However, they can overheat and ignite under certain conditions, posing significant fire and safety risks. These risks include:
- Overheating and Ignition: Internal shorts, damage, or improper charging can lead to thermal runaway, causing fires and explosions. Several serious fire incidents during transport have highlighted this danger.
- Difficult-to-Extinguish Fires: Lithium battery fires are intense and challenging to extinguish due to the reactive materials involved.
- Toxic Fumes: Burning lithium batteries release harmful and potentially dangerous fumes.
These hazards have led to stringent international regulations, particularly within the aviation industry, which has significantly tightened restrictions on shipping dangerous goods, including lithium batteries.
PACK & SEND's Limited Service:
PACK & SEND offers limited sea freight options for shipping items containing lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours (Wh). Air freight for items containing lithium batteries is generally not available. Even sea freight is subject to numerous restrictions and requires careful adherence to regulations.
Understanding Watt-Hours and Limits:
Watt-hours (Wh) measure electrical energy. They are calculated by multiplying the battery's voltage by its capacity (mAh) and dividing by 1000. We may be able to ship items with batteries over 100Wh in certain circumstances, but this is rare and requires special arrangements. Contact your local PACK & SEND store for details. Domestically, we have limited options for overnight freight of higher Wh items.
What We Can Ship (with restrictions):
- Items containing lithium batteries under 100Wh may be shipped via sea freight, subject to packaging and documentation requirements. Common examples include laptops, mobile phones, and digital cameras (though power banks are no longer accepted). Always check with your local PACK & SEND store to confirm.
What We Cannot Ship (generally):
- Lithium batteries on their own. We may be able to ship them within the device they power.
- Items containing lithium batteries via air freight (generally).
- Items containing lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh (generally). Contact your local store for exceptions.
- Devices with high watt-hour batteries, such as extended-life laptops, large power tools, drones, e-bikes (though we may be able to ship the ebike without the battery), hoverboards, Segways, and similar personal transportation devices.
Determining Your Device's Watt-Hours:
To calculate watt-hours:
- Find the voltage (V) and capacity (mAh) printed on the battery.
- Multiply the voltage by the capacity (V x mAh).
- Divide the result by 1000.
What Devices Contain Lithium Batteries?
Lithium batteries can be found in many consumer electronic devices. Some items which contain lithium batteries include:
- iPhones and mobile phones
- iPads & tablet devices
- Cameras
- Portable Power Banks
- MP3 players
- Portable DVD players
- Laptop computers
- Camcorders
- Power tools
- GPS navigation systems
- Watches
- Clocks
- Calculators
- Some electronic toys
- Remote car keys
- Bicycle lights
- Cordless electric shavers
Packaging and Documentation:
Professional packaging is essential for all shipments containing lithium batteries. PACK & SEND prefers to handle the packaging ourselves to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Detailed documentation, including battery specifications and safety data sheets, is also required.
Consult with PACK & SEND:
Because regulations are complex and constantly evolving, it is crucial to contact your local PACK & SEND service centre before preparing any shipment containing lithium batteries. Do not bring your items to a PACK & SEND store without prior consultation. Our team can:
- Assess your specific battery type and watt-hour rating.
- Advise on packaging requirements and necessary documentation.
- Confirm destination restrictions and applicable regulations.
- Provide a quote for the limited sea freight service (if available).
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations are subject to change. Contact your local PACK & SEND service centre for the most up-to-date information and to determine if your specific shipment can be accommodated. You can find your local store here or call us on 0508 722 548.