Are lithium batteries safe to ship?

Improperly packaged lithium batteries can ignite, causing fires that are difficult to extinguish and pose a significant risk to the safety of transportation workers and the general public. Other battery types, such as alkaline or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), are generally considered safer to ship.

What types of batteries can I mail or ship internationally?

There are many types of batteries that have different requirements when you wish to mail or ship them internationally: Wet batteries, also known as flooded lead-acid batteries, are commonly found in vehicles and backup power systems.

How do I ship a lithium hydride battery?

Choose a strong, double-walled box or container to hold all the contents securely. Seal the outer box with plenty of strong tape, and attach the correct shipping label clearly to the outside. For dry and nickel-metal hydride batteries, this will typically be a standard shipping label.

Are wet batteries safe to ship internationally?

Like lithium batteries, there are strict regulations to follow when shipping wet batteries internationally. An IATA Dangerous Goods label must be attached, along with the correct UN number and shipping name for the particular type of batteries.

Are batteries allowed to be shipped?

However, they still require proper packaging and handling to avoid damage and potential short circuits. With regards to what batteries are not allowed to be shipped, damaged or defective batteries should never be shipped due to the increased risk of safety hazards.

Can I ship a faulty battery?

Shipping damaged or faulty batteries can be extremely dangerous, with the risk of fire, smoke and fumes. For this reason, any battery that is suspected or known to be defective (swelling, corroding or leaking, for example) is not permitted for shipping within the DHL Express network.