Changes have recently been made to the way dangerous goods are handled, so please familiarise yourself with the information below. For reference, a dangerous goods list is also available on the last page when a booking is made.
Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable Lithium Batteries are commonly found within laptop computers, mobile phones, cameras etc. As they are a common item, they can usually be handled as normal courier consignments in limited quantities, if prepared & declared correctly. Consideration is needed when shipping these items, as their quantity and arrangement can sometimes cause your consignment to be classified as dangerous goods. International Air Transport Association (IATA)has recently made changes and below is a general guideline to follow when processing a shipment with Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.
Check and confirm
• Confirm how many batteries are present within each box
• Confirm if the batteries are attached to hardware or loose / separate
• Check battery to confirm the shipping class by advising the wattage hours (Wh)
Requirement
• Lithium Ion Batteries under 100Wh 2 per box under 2.5kg – “no action required”
• Lithium Ion Batteries contained in or connected to equipment 2 per box under 5kg – “no action required”
• Lithium Ion Batteries under 100Wh packed with equipment 1 per box under 5kg – “no action required”
Each of the above configurations can be boxed together into a single larger box, in what is known as an overpack.
If your consignment falls outside these regulations please notify UCS customer services or tick DG box “yes” on UCS booking.
Other Items to Consider
• Liquids (Paint, Oil, Perfume, Cosmetics, Cleaning Products)
• Gases (Aerosols, Canisters)
• Non Rechargeable Batteries
• Dry Ice
It is important to consider what you are shipping and question if any item within your consignment could be potentially flammable, corrosive, toxic, combustible, infectious or explosive. These items can still be shipped, but must be processed according to Dangerous Goods specifications. These require dangerous goods certificate, specialist packing, handling, transport. In this instance please contact UCS immediately.
It is essential we are notified prior to collection of any potentially hazardous items. This can be done by either contacting UCS Customer Services via phone or email or ticking yes to the “Dangerous Goods” tick box when booking your consignment online. As a shipper you are responsible and can be held accountable for failing to declare goods correctly if they are of a hazardous nature.
If you have any questions ore required further information, please contact our customer services department on +44 (0)844 8793229.