Understanding Lithium Battery Regulations
Lithium battery shipping presents a risk of fire, making it a recognized hazardous material. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have created regulations to manage the safe shipment of these items. Additionally, shipping carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and USPS impose special requirements on lithium battery shipments.
It’s important to follow all applicable regulations and shipping standards for cell phones. Not only does it increase the chances of your product arriving safely, it also protects you from legal liability. Fines for improper shipments can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
All lithium battery shipping must carry the UN3481 Lithium-Ion Handling Mark. This illustrated label indicates that the package contains a lithium-ion battery and should be handled and transported appropriately.
For air transport, the IATA lithium battery shipping regulation specifies that the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods must be filled out. This lists the sender, recipient, the air waybill number, any aircraft limitations, shipment type, nature and quantity of dangerous goods, handling instructions, and more.
Regardless of transport method, cell phones should be individually bubble-wrapped, turned off, and placed within a durable cardboard box.
Handling and Storage Guidelines
IATA recommends that phone lithium-ion batteries be discharged to below 30% prior to shipment. Cell phones must be properly packaged (turned off, individually wrapped, and placed in a secure box) before storage. Before shipment, review documentation and affix appropriate labels.
Be sure your staff is trained to extinguish a chemical fire in the event of battery ignition. Also, have personal protective equipment in your warehouse and shipping space.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Lithium batteries in cell phones pose significant hazards if improperly stored, handled, and shipped. Sound training is the key to minimizing the risks of fire, property loss, personal injury, and regulatory fines when shipping phones with lithium batteries.
Ensure your staff understands and follows all regulations on the handling and shipment of lithium batteries. Take special care to train on emergency procedures, such as what to do in the event of a chemical fire in the warehouse. Additionally, carry business insurance to cover instances of personal injury and property damage.
Best Practices for Shipping Bulk Phone With Lithium Battery
Implementing an Effective Compliance Strategy
In crafting your compliance strategy, begin with an assessment of current practices for the handling and shipment of devices. Are you currently meeting all controlling standards and regulations? Create a compliance plan to buff up your areas of weakness. Establish clear procedures and protocols down to individual roles in your business. What is the responsibility of your packers and shippers? How should warehouse workers be trained? Get everyone on the same page about the goals of the compliance program so they understand this is a business priority.
Training and Educating Staff on Lithium Battery Regulations
Train employees on safe handling, packing, labeling, and shipping of cell phones. Understand the unique needs of your business based on what shipping carrier you use, whether you ship internationally, and whether you use air transport. FedEx, UPS, and USPS have their own requirements for lithium battery shipments. International shipments are most commonly done by air transport. Shipping lithium batteries by air is subject to the rules of the IATA. Drill your staff on the relevant standards for your shipments and hold regular refresher sessions that cover how to respond to chemical fires.
Utilizing Technology for Tracking and Monitoring Shipments
One of the best ways to reduce risks in your shipping is to better know where your packages are in the transport process and get visibility into whether your packages are reaching the intended destination on time. This means improvements to package tracking are worthwhile investments.
Several technologies have emerged to better track packages. One solution is GPS tagging. Another alternative, especially well suited to warehouse management, is RFID (radio-frequency identification). No matter which solution you adopt, pair your tracking system with digital documentation for complete end-to-end trip management.
Ship Lithium Batteries Safely
By now, you understand the importance of regulatory compliance with lithium battery shipping standards, the variety of standards imposed by different shipping carriers, and the need to train your staff on battery safety and fire response protocols.
Once you’ve handled shipping, it’s time to look at other areas of your business. Are you ready to upgrade your sourcing of wholesale iPhones and Samsung devices? WeSellCellular has a well-earned reputation for meticulous grading and high-quality cell phones at competitive prices.
