How to deal with batteries entering the container system

The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines seek to prevent the increasing risks that the transport of lithium-ion batteries by sea creates, providing suggestions for identifying such risks and thereby helping to ensure a safer supply chain in the future.

Mirror road regulations. Not all battery types can be shipped by air. For example, lithium-ion batteries over a specific Watt-hour rating must be shipped by sea or road. Also, some airlines may have carrier-specific rules more stringent than IATA's baseline.

Proper packaging helps prevent leaks, short circuits, and fires. Ensure that: Damaged or leaking batteries need UN-certified packaging with absorbent material and leak-proof seals. Use laminated or weatherproof labels, and make sure labels are not placed on removable or temporary packaging like shrink wrap.

Batteries can be shipped by different modes of transportation, but the rules change with each mode: Most restrictive; state of charge (SOC) ≤ 30%. No damaged units. Allows large volumes with proper declaration, labelling, and packing compliance. Country-specific limits on weight, quantity, segregation. Route planning critical.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the most common type of ESS where batteries are pre-assembled into several modules. BESS come in various sizes depending on their application and their usage is expected to rise considerably in coming years.

Battery logistics is a high-stakes, high-regulations business. One misstep, and you're looking at potential fines, cargo fires, or even full-blown transport bans. Why? Because batteries are classified as dangerous goods due to fire and explosion risk. That means stricter packaging, labelling, documentation, and carrier approvals.