Lithium batteries

Safely transporting Lithium Batteries is essential to ensuring your shipment is delivered as intended.

What you need to know

  • Lithium Batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods
  • There are shipping regulations for Lithium Batteries
  • Defective, damaged and recalled batteries are not permitted
  • The Shipper is legally responsible for compliance and the safe transportation of Lithium Batteries
  • Not all types of Lithium Batteries are accepted in DHL Express
  • You must be a pre-approved DHL Express account holder to ship Lithium Batteries

Wide variety of electronic goods powered by Lithium Batteries fall under the Dangerous Goods Regulations, regardless of whether they are rechargeable (Lithium Ion) or non-rechargeable (Lithium Metal). The regulations apply when lithium batteries are:

  • Loose - Batteries shipped as individual items (loose/ bulk). Example: Portable battery charger
  • Packed with Equipment - Equipment and its batteries in the same package. Example: A camera with an additional battery
  • Contained in Equipment - Battery installed in the equipment. Example: Tablet with an integrated Lithium Battery
The safe transportation of such contents by air and the full compliance to ICAO/IATA regulations is the legal responsibility of the Shipper. IATA and DHL Express have produced guidance materials to help Shippers understand and comply with the regulations.

Allowed

  • Package with equipment containing less than 2 batteries or 4 cells are accepted for transport without the lithium battery mark.
Example: A package containing a notebook computer may have 1 lithium ion battery and 2 small lithium metal coin cells installed.

Not Allowed

  • Lithium Batteries that are known or suspected to be defective or damaged or recalled present a high safety risk to personnel and property, and are not permitted on aircraft under any circumstances.
  • When it is known or suspected that a defective or damaged or recalled Lithium Battery is enclosed within a laptop, mobile phone or other device, the battery must be removed before DHL Express can accept the shipment.

DHL Express requires pre-approval to ship Lithium Batteries to ensure that account holders are sufficiently trained, instructed and will prepare Lithium Batteries shipments according to the applicable regulations and DHL Express policies and procedures. Interested in becoming a DHL Express pre-approved account? Our knowledgeable experts are here to provide professional help and guidance. Contact our Dangerous Goods experts