Lithium batteries power much of our modern world, from mobile phones and laptops to electric vehicles, power tools and industrial equipment. But when it comes to shipping them, there is a catch: these everyday products can become a serious transport safety issue if they are not packed, declared and handled correctly.
The subject has been attracting renewed attention across the transport industry. Recent articles have highlighted the risks lithium batteries present to maritime transport, while Standards Australia has published new guidance concerning the safe handling of end-of-life batteries by road and rail. Qantas Freight has also reminded customers that battery shipments must meet strict requirements before being accepted for airfreight.
So, what does this mean for Australian importers and exporters?
Why Are Lithium Batteries Different?
Lithium batteries store considerable energy in a relatively small space. If a battery is damaged, defective, improperly packed or exposed to excessive heat, it can overheat and catch fire. In some circumstances, the fire can be difficult to extinguish and may spread rapidly.
On a ship, aircraft or truck, an incident involving one battery can put other cargo, equipment and people at risk. This is why transport authorities and carriers apply specific rules to lithium batteries rather than treating them as ordinary merchandise.
The important point is that you do not necessarily have to be shipping batteries on their own to face these requirements. Batteries packed with equipment, or already installed inside products such as laptops, tablets, tracking devices and other electronic goods, may also be subject to transport rules.
Sea Freight, Airfreight and Road Transport: What Should You Know?
The requirements depend on the type of battery, its condition, how it is packed and the transport method being used.
For airfreight, the rules are particularly important because an incident at altitude presents challenges that do not arise in the same way on the ground. Batteries may need specific packaging, markings, labels and documentation, depending on their classification and the applicable packing instructions.
Qantas Freight has specifically warned that shipments with missing, incorrect or conflicting declarations and labels may be delayed, rejected or placed on hold. Even where a shipment appears straightforward, the paperwork and package markings must agree.
Sea freight has its own requirements. Carriers need to know what is being transported so they can assess the cargo, apply the correct handling procedures and meet relevant dangerous goods regulations. Incorrect declarations can lead to delays, additional costs and the possibility that a shipment will not be accepted.
Road and rail transport also require careful attention, particularly when dealing with damaged batteries, used batteries and batteries intended for recycling or disposal. Australia’s developing end-of-life battery supply chain makes safe handling increasingly important as more batteries reach the end of their useful lives.
What Can Importers and Exporters Do to Avoid Problems?
The best advice is simple: check the requirements before booking your shipment, not when the cargo is ready to leave.
Start by confirming exactly what the goods contain. Ask your supplier for reliable information about the battery type, specifications and condition. A general description such as “electrical equipment” may not provide enough information to determine the correct transport arrangements.
Next, establish whether the batteries are being shipped separately, packed with equipment or installed inside it. This distinction can affect the applicable requirements.
Make sure the supplier understands the need for appropriate packaging, markings, labels and shipping documentation. Old or conflicting labels should be removed or corrected, and the documents must accurately describe the cargo.
Finally, tell your freight forwarder about the batteries at the quotation stage. This allows time to check the relevant requirements, confirm carrier acceptance and identify any additional costs or preparation needed.
Never assume that because a supplier has shipped similar goods previously, the same arrangements will automatically be suitable for your consignment.
Let Colless Young Help You Get It Right
Dangerous goods regulations can appear complicated, with technical terminology and procedures that vary according to the shipment. You do not need to become an expert in every regulation yourself, but you do need the right advice before your cargo moves.
At Colless Young, our staff are trained in dangerous goods requirements and can help you understand the practical steps involved in transporting lithium batteries by air or sea. We can discuss your particular goods in plain English, help establish what documentation and handling arrangements are required, and work with you to find an appropriate transport solution.
Also see this article from our archives: The Hazards of Shipping Lithium Batteries
Before you ship, talk to Colless Young. A little preparation can save considerable time, expense and frustration later. Call Andrew at Colless Young
📞 +61 7 3890 0800 📧 enq@collessyoung.com.au
