How to Ship Lithium Batteries Safely in 2025: A Complete Guide

Other than that, there can also be differences based on the Watt-hour (Wh) rating for lithium-ion batteries and lithium in lithium metal batteries. That is where the start of what you will need to adhere to so that your shipment of lithium from Germany begins. You will probably find this information stamped on the battery or in the manual for the device.

Worldwide transport regulation over the carriage of hazardous products like lithium batteries usually comes through guidelines by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Regulation advances together with other safety features and emerging technologies. Carrier practice will differ, but assumptions don’t change.

In 2025, there will be greater emphasis on the following most important areas of shipping lithium batteries:

• Right Packaging: Batteries must be shielded from short circuits and shock. This generally means wrapping each battery separately in a non-conductive material (such as plastic bags or tape over exposed terminals) and then packaging them securely in the package with materials such as bubble wrap or foam.
  
• Provisions on Number and Size: There would be provisions more frequently involving an amount of batteries or Watt-hour rating/lithium content allowed per package, particularly in the air transport mode. These will differ based on whether batteries are being shipped as equipment (installed into equipment) or shipped separately.
• Specific Marking: Lithium battery packs have to be externally and legibly labeled with warning signs showing what the content of the lithium battery is. The extremely specific shape and other markings (for example, “Cargo Aircraft Only” for special shipments) are extremely important to adhere to.
• Accurate Documentation: You might have to fill in some declarations depending on the size of the shipment and the type of lithium battery, and submit accurate documentation on the type of battery, number, and special handling requirements.
• Defective or Damaged Batteries Ban: Transportation of defective, damaged, or recalled lithium batteries is usually prohibited since it has a greater risk of thermal runaway (heating and possible fire).

Proper packaging is not optional when exporting lithium from Germany. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

• Identify the Type and Specifications of the Battery: As described above, identify your battery’s chemistry (lithium metal or lithium ion) and Watt-hour rating or lithium content.
  
• Isolate Individual Batteries: Wrap the individual battery in a non-conductive material like a plastic bag or electrical tape over the terminal to avoid short circuits.
• Cushion Properly: Put the wrapped batteries in a hard outer casing with enough cushioning material so that they don’t shift around and get shocked while being transported,if any. Some examples are bubble wrap, foam inserts, or vermiculite.
• Pack Batteries Separately from the Device (If Necessary): If shipping lithium batteries (not in equipment), they must be packed separately from the electronic device. If the batteries are inside equipment, package the equipment so it won’t turn on by mistake.
• Use Proper Inner Packaging For isolating and insulating the batteries, inner boxes or dividers can also be used for large shipments or while shipping multiple lithium batteries.
• Select a Strong Outer Packaging: Select a hard and sturdy outer box that can tolerate international shipping.

Special care statements, e.g., “Lithium ion battery” or “Lithium metal battery.”

For certain shipments, especially those over certain levels of quantity or transported by air freight, you will also require a “Cargo Aircraft Only” mark. All the marks must be legible, securely affixed to the parcel, and not obscured by other labels.

Other than that, there can also be differences based on the Watt-hour (Wh) rating for lithium-ion batteries and lithium in lithium metal batteries. That is where the start of what you will need to adhere to so that your shipment of lithium from Germany begins. You will probably find this information stamped on the battery or in the manual for the device.

Other than that, there can also be differences based on the Watt-hour (Wh) rating for lithium-ion batteries and lithium in lithium metal batteries. That is where the start of what you will need to adhere to so that your shipment of lithium from Germany begins. You will probably find this information stamped on the battery or in the manual for the device.