The acceptance of ‘Li-ION’ batteries in household and personal effects shipments is a complicated
subject. There is a widely reported increased fire risk associated with these batteries. Shipping
Lines themselves are so far, inconsistent in standardising their rules for their inclusion or exclusion
from a consignment. Typically we experience that Shipping Lines will decide on a shipment by
shipment basis whether Li-ION batteries can be included. This extends to all and any items which
may require such power units, examples include but not limited to cordless power tools, laptops,
e-scooters, e-bikes and similar.
The British Association of Removals recommends that Li-ION batteries are NOT shipped. If you do include them, the cargo will be declared (legal requirement) as ‘Hazardous Cargo’. If accepted by the Shipping Line, hazardous cargo will incur a substantial freight surcharge, driving up your cost of shipping. The rules for hazardous cargo declarations is fastidious; it will also impact the time is takes to secure a confirmed
container space booking on a ship.
Non-declaration of Li-ION batteries (or other hazardous goods), whether by intent or in error, is
treated by the Shipping Line as a misdeclaration. This is a serious offence under maritime law and
would lead to a substantial fine (payable by the customer) (currently circa 30,000 US Dollars); in
addition, the Shipping Line could confiscate and dispose of the consignment.
If you have any questions about what you can or can’t ship please contact us on 0151 449 3938.
