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      Sending batteries with FedEx and UPS

      This guide clarifies the rules and guidelines for transporting batteries installed in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets via FedEx and UPS

      Introduction

      This guide clarifies the rules and guidelines for transporting batteries installed in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets via FedEx and UPS. Only shipments that do not require additional contracts, ADR classification, documentation, or special labeling may be shipped.

      It is always the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that the shipment complies with the carrier’s requirements. If a shipment is not accepted by the carrier because it does not meet the regulations, the responsibility remains entirely with the shipper.

      Table of Contents

      1. General Rules and Restrictions
      2. FedEx – Rules and Limitations
        • Road Transport: FedEx Priority, FedEx Regional Economy
        • Air Transport: FedEx International Economy, FedEx International Priority, FedEx International Express
      3. UPS – Rules and Limitations
        • Road Transport: UPS Standard
        • Air Transport: UPS Express Saver, UPS Express, UPS Express Plus
      4. Packaging and Labeling
      5. Prohibited Shipments and Special Regulations
      6. Documentation and References

      1. General Rules and Restrictions

      Allowed Shipments

      • Only batteries installed in devices (mobile phone, laptop, tablet).
      • Lithium-ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh and lithium-metal batteries ≤ 2 g lithium per cell.
      • Shipments that do not require:
        • Additional hazardous goods contracts.
        • ADR classification.
        • Documentation (Dangerous Goods Declaration).
        • Special labeling (beyond standard labels).

      Prohibited Shipments

      • Loose lithium batteries, even under 100 Wh.
      • Batteries over 100 Wh without a hazardous goods contract.
      • Batteries requiring documentation or special labels.
      • Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries.
      • Batteries that can activate during transport.

      To ensure acceptance, all packaging and labeling regulations must be followed.

      2. FedEx – Rules and Limitations

      Only shipments that do not require documentation or special labeling are allowed.
      If a shipment requires dangerous goods documentation or labeling, it is not permitted in the carrier’s network.

      Road Transport (FedEx Priority, FedEx Regional Economy)

      Allowed:

      • Batteries installed in devices.
      • Lithium-ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh.
      • Lithium-metal batteries ≤ 2 g lithium per cell.
      • Maximum package weight: 5 kg.

      Packaging Requirements:

      • The device must be packed with cushioning material.
      • Battery terminals must be protected against short circuits.
      • Packaging must withstand a 1.2-meter drop.

      Not Allowed:

      • Recalled or damaged batteries.
      • Loose batteries, even under 100 Wh.
      • Batteries requiring special labeling or documentation.

      Reference: See FedEx document​.

      Air Transport (FedEx International Economy, FedEx International Priority, FedEx International Express)

      Allowed:

      • Batteries installed in devices.
      • Lithium-ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh (UN3481).
      • Lithium-metal batteries ≤ 2 g lithium per cell (UN3091).
      • Maximum package weight: 5 kg.

      Not Allowed:

      • Loose lithium batteries (of any size).
      • Batteries requiring dangerous goods documentation or special labeling.
      • Batteries that may activate during transport.

      Reference: See FedEx document​.

      3. UPS – Rules and Limitations

      Only batteries installed in devices may be shipped – loose batteries are not allowed.
      Batteries requiring documentation or special labeling may not be shipped.

      Road Transport (UPS Standard)

      Allowed:

      • Batteries installed in devices.
      • Lithium-ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh.
      • Lithium-metal batteries ≤ 2 g lithium per cell.
      • Maximum package weight: 5 kg.

      Packaging Requirements:

      • Batteries must be protected from short circuits.
      • Packages must withstand a 1.2-meter drop.
      • No risk of leakage or mechanical damage.

      Not Allowed:

      • Loose batteries, even under 100 Wh.
      • Shipments requiring dangerous goods documentation or special labeling.
      • Damaged or defective batteries.

      Reference: See UPS document​.

      Air Transport (UPS Express Saver, UPS Express, UPS Express Plus)

      Allowed:

      • Batteries installed in devices.
      • Lithium-ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh (UN3481).
      • Lithium-metal batteries ≤ 2 g lithium per cell (UN3091).
      • Maximum package weight: 5 kg.

      Not Allowed:

      • Loose lithium batteries.
      • Batteries requiring dangerous goods documentation or special labeling.
      • Damaged or defective batteries.

      Reference: See UPS document​.

      4. Packaging and Labeling

      Packaging Requirements:

      • Cushioning material (bubble wrap/foam).
      • Protection against short circuits (plastic bag, electrical tape on terminals).
      • Durable outer packaging (high-quality cardboard box).

      Labeling Requirements (Road Transport):

      • The package must not require special labels.

      Labeling Requirements (Air Transport):

      • The package must not require hazardous goods labeling.

      5. Prohibited Shipments and Special Regulations

      The following items may not be shipped with FedEx or UPS:

      • Loose lithium batteries.
      • Batteries requiring special labeling or documentation.
      • Damaged or defective batteries.

      6. Documentation and References

      FedEx: See detailed regulations in FedEx document​.
      UPS: See detailed regulations in UPS document​.