Shipping lithium batteries
Shipping lithium batteries
Here’s what you need to know
Lithium batteries are found in everything from phones and laptops to watches, cameras and toys. For shipping, all types of lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods — with special regulations for packing, labelling, documentation and handling.
FedEx adheres to IATA regulations for shipping lithium batteries by air and ADR regulations for shipping lithium batteries by road in Europe.
Know what you’re shipping
Regulations on how to ship lithium batteries vary depending on which type you are shipping.
Lithium metal batteries
Non-rechargeable
Typically found in watches and cameras, they contain metallic lithium and are also called primary lithium batteries.
Lithium ion batteries
Rechargeable
Typically found in mobile phones or laptops, they contain lithium polymer and are also called secondary lithium batteries.
How can I ship lithium batteries?
Please read our Dangerous Goods Restrictions and Limitations Guide to see which of the following services you may use when shipping lithium batteries.
Express services by air*
- FedEx International Priority® Express
- FedEx International Priority®
- FedEx International Priority® Freight
- FedEx International First®
- FedEx® International Connect Plus
- FedEx International Economy®
- FedEx International Economy® Freight
- TNT 9:00 Express
- TNT 10:00 Express
- TNT 12:00 Express
- TNT Express
* Lithium battery shipments exceeding 35kg need special transport arrangements. Please reach out to your Account Executive or our Customer Support team for details.
Economy services by road (Intra-Europe only)
- TNT 12:00 Economy Express
- TNT Economy Express
- FedEx and TNT domestic services (if available)
When preparing shipments containing lithium batteries, it is important to ensure the batteries are not in any way defective, damaged, or have the potential to produce a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit.
How to package lithium batteries for shipping
When packaging lithium batteries for shipment, strong rigid outer packaging must be used. Special labelling may also be required, depending on the type of lithium batteries.
Please review our guide to shipping lithium batteries with FedEx Express.
Shipping devices with lithium batteries? Learn more here.
NOTE: FedEx Paks cannot be used as outer packaging for lithium batteries. However, FedEx-branded boxes or tubes may be used as outer packaging for lithium batteries prepared under Section II of the relevant packing instructions of the IATA DG Regulations.
Why ship with FedEx?
Our dangerous goods capabilities are unrivalled. We distil decades of know-how into delivering thousands of shipments every single day.
Expertise
We implement special measures so your shipments containing lithium batteries are correctly handled from the moment we collect them to their final destination. FedEx has over 40 years’ experience shipping dangerous goods and is present in global dangerous goods regulatory associations.
Compliance
We want to ensure that you’re aware of all requirements and help you to overcome any challenges or obstacles you may face. As dangerous goods, lithium batteries must be correctly identified and classified. In some cases, they must be packaged, marked, labelled and accompanied by a "Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods".
FedEx complies with international regulations for carrying such items from: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).
Learn more about why to ship your dangerous goods with Fedex
Additional resources from FedEx
More information in these three pdf documents:
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Terms and conditions apply - visit fedex.com and tnt.com for full details on dangerous goods shipments. Please note that the content above is presented as a courtesy to be used only for informational purposes. FedEx attempts to ensure that the content is accurate, but not represents it to be error-free. In no event will FedEx be liable for any damages - whether direct, indirect, special, general, consequential, for alleged lost profits, or otherwise - that might result from any use of or reliance on these materials. The information contained herein may be revised from time to time, without any notice. The sender is responsible for identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labelling and completing documentation for dangerous goods shipments, in compliance with all applicable international treaties, laws and regulations. There are limitations for dangerous goods shipments to many destinations. If sender has questions regarding countries served, commodity restrictions by country or service availability, please contact our Customer Support team.