Shipping Batteries Safely:What FedEx Wants You to Know

05/0624617

For more information call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339, option 81 or go to

our Web site at fedex.com.

FedEx will refuse to accept packages not meetingFedEx, Government or IATA requirements.

This brochure is in no way intended to replace thetraining requirement mandated by 49CFR and IATA. This is for information purposes only. Refer to thecurrent FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditionsand limitations applicable to FedEx Express®

delivery services.

Dry Cell Batteries:

These are the sealed, non-vented batteriesused in flashlights or small appliances.They contain zinc salts and other solids or may be packed in combination with other metals.

Fig. 8Sample Packaging:Dry Cell Batteries• Cushioning• Divider

Fig. 9Improper Packaging:Loose batteries can cause dangerous short-circuit

When electronics are transported with batteries, the batteries should remain within the device.

Additional Requirements:• Devices must be left in the

off position.

• Items must be properly cushioned to prevent movement.

• Contents must be placed in a sturdy outer container

Fig. 6Improper Packaging:• Missing Protective Covers• Missing Non-Conductive Divider• Missing Cushioning

Fig. 7Example of a typical battery incident

Battery Short-CircuitBatteries may overheat and become a fire or explosion hazard if the terminals are short-circuited. Protect terminalsfrom foreign objects and freight to avoid conductivity.

Packaging Requirements:For transport by air: Each cell, or battery and cell, must havea safety vent or contain cap posts in order to prevent short-circuiting, as well as a violent rupture, under typical airtransport conditions. To further protect against a dangerousshort-circuit, pack batteries side-by-side.

Outer packaging must meet Packing Group II performance standards.

Fig. 5Sample Packaging:Multiple Lithium Batteries

Non-Conductive Divider

Cushioning

Sturdy Outer Container

6 7

Packaging Requirements:Pack these batteries securely side-by-side, in order to prevent movement or dangerous short-circuit.

Copyright ©2006Federal Express Corporation.All rights reserved.

Lithium Batteries:

• UN3090 lithium batteries,rechargeable and nonrechargeable.

Regulations. The regulations pertaining to transporting lithium cells and batteries have changed significantly. Testing andtransportation requirements are found in Title 49CFR 173.185and the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. The U.S. Departmentof Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials SafetyAdministration (DOT PHMSA), recently implemented aprohibition of primary (nonrechargeable) lithium batteries onpassenger-carrying aircraft. The prohibition, which becameeffective on Dec. 29, 2004, was enacted based on researchfrom incidents involving the transport of lithium batteries.

While the law does not prohibit primary lithium batteries oncargo aircraft, FedEx Express has implemented additionalpackaging requirements on primary lithium batteries asoutlined below. This policy applies to:• Lithium batteries and cells shipped fully marked, labeled

and certified in accordance with the International AirTransport Association (IATA) dangerous-goods regulations.

• Lithium batteries and cells shipped under "CompetentAuthority" granted by any national authority.

• Lithium batteries and cells previously excepted from otherregulatory requirements in the IATA dangerous-goodregulations Special Provision A45.

Packaging Requirements for Primary Lithium Batteries:• Primary lithium batteries and cells must be individually

packaged in fully enclosed inner packaging consisting ofplastic blister wrap, pasteboard or other fully enclosedpackaging that will protect each battery and cell frommaking contact with another lithium battery or cell, or anyitem that is capable of conducting electricity, in order toprevent short-circuiting. Please note: Multiple batteriesenclosed in a single form-fitting "retail ready" blister packare acceptable.

• Shippers are required to contact FedEx Express DangerousGoods Administration and certify that they comply withthis lithium battery and cell standard.

• We will accept shipments of primary lithium batteries andcells offered as "excepted" or nonregulated per the IATAdangerous-goods regulations with preapproval from FedEx

Wet Batteries:

• UN2794 batteries wet filled with acid, electric storage.

• UN2795 batteries wet filled with alkali, electric storage.

Packaging Requirements:Outer packaging must be UN Specification Packaging, aspictured in Fig. 1 on page 2. These containers must incorporatean acid/alkali leak-proof liner adequately sealed to preventleakage in the event of a spill.

Securely fasten the batteries with the fill openings andvents facing upward. This will prevent short-circuiting.Check the orientation labels on the outside of the packagingto determine the upright position: the words “This End Up”or “This Side Up” may be displayed on top of the package.

Packaging Requirements:Securely pack in strong outer packaging. Be sure to protectagainst short-circuiting by positioning batteries side-by-side.

Non-Conductive Divider

Inner Container

Sturdy Outer Container

Fig. 2Sample Packaging:Multiple Wet Batteries

Fig. 1 UN SPECIFICATION PACKAGING

All metal containersmust incorporate anacid/alkali leak-proof liner adequately sealedto prevent leakage in the event of a spill.

2 3 4

Express Dangerous Goods Administration. Contact FedExExpress Dangerous Goods Administration or your FedExaccount executive for complete details and procedures.

• FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration willmaintain an internal list of approved shippers. Shipperscannot continue to ship primary lithium batteries unlessthey are on the approved shipper list. Contact FedExExpress Dangerous Goods Administration or your FedExaccount executive for details on how to be placed onthe list.

• The above requirements are in addition to the IATA dangerous-goods regulations and any other packagingor shipping requirements.

For more information and procedures on shipping primarylithium batteries, see Lithium Batteries UN 3090 UnderIATA Special Provision A45 or Lithium Batteries UN 3090Fully Regulated.

Nonspillable Batteries:

In accordance with 49CFR 173.159 and USG-11, a nonspillable wet electric storage battery may be regardedas not subject to the Regulations if the battery and its outer packaging are plainly and durably marked ”NONSPILLABLE“ or ”NONSPILLABLE BATTERY“ and the battery meets the conditions for being regarded as not subject to the Regulations as prescribed in Special Provision A67 (No shipper’s declaration required).

Transporting Batteries by Air.At FedEx, we understand the importance of ensuringthe safe transport of batteries throughout our system.Charged batteries may short-circuit and cause afire and some batteries contain corrosive liquid.Therefore, if proper packaging requirements are notmet, these shipments may cause a variety ofproblems during transport. FedEx is providing thisinformation guide to assist you in safely packaging batteries for shipment.

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Fig. 3Sample Packaging:A45 Special Provision Package

Lithium Battery in Blister Pack

Cushioning

Divider

Sturdy OuterContainer

Fig. 4Sample Packaging:Fully Regulated UN3090

Cushioning

Lithium BatteriesIndividually Packaged

UN Specification Packaging

Sample of PrimaryNonrechargeable Lithium Battery (Prior to Packaging)