Shipping Regulations — Lithium Batteries

This summary is for general information only and does not replace official carrier or regulatory guidance. Always confirm current requirements with your carrier before shipping.

All lithium batteries — lithium metal (non-rechargeable) and lithium-ion (rechargeable) — are classified as dangerous goods under international transport law. Shipments are subject to strict rules on classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation.

Applicable regulations

• Air transport: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
• Road transport (Europe): ADR (European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)

Battery types

• Lithium metal batteries — non-rechargeable, found in devices like watches and cameras
• Lithium-ion batteries — rechargeable, found in phones, laptops, and similar equipment

Packaging requirements

• Rigid, strong outer packaging is mandatory
• Batteries must be undamaged, non-defective, and pose no risk of overheating, fire, or short circuit
• Specific labelling is required depending on battery type and quantity
• Depending on classification, a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods may be required

Shipping method notes

• Air shipments exceeding 35 kg of lithium batteries require special transport arrangements
• Certain packaging formats (e.g. soft envelope-type packaging) are not permitted as outer packaging for lithium battery shipments

Responsibility
The sender is responsible for correctly identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labelling, and documenting all lithium battery shipments in compliance with applicable international and local regulations.

Right to decline
WST reserves the right to decline any lithium battery shipment that does not meet applicable safety, packaging, labelling, or documentation requirements, or where battery condition (e.g. damage, defect, or unverified classification) poses a risk during transport.