Printable Version Worldwide Customs & Regulatory Updates

December 24, 2007

Shipping Lithium Batteries with FedEx

We would like to remind you that lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods by international regulators such as the UN Committee of Experts, The International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Because of this, FedEx International Priority (IP) service can only accept the following types of lithium battery shipments, subject to their complying with IATA Special Provision A45 requirements:
• lithium batteries (either “rechargeable” or “non-rechargeable”) inside  equipment;
• “rechargeable” lithium batteries packed with equipment; and,
• “rechargeable” lithium batteries on their own.

All such batteries must be packed separately to prevent short circuiting and equipment must be switched “OFF” during transportation. In addition, it is required to clearly declare “Not Restricted as per Special Provision A45” on both the FedEx Air Waybill and the commercial invoice.

For safety reasons, FedEx is unable to accept any shipment that comprises solely “non-rechargeable” lithium batteries or lithium batteries that do not comply with the Special Provision A45 of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. 

We recommend that you check with the product manufacturer for detailed information on any lithium battery you may want to ship.

You can find more details about the regulations relating to shipping lithium batteries at the following Web sites.

Civil Aviation Department
- www.cad.gov.hk/english/DGAC/DGAC2-2004.pdf
-  www.cad.gov.hk/english/DGAC/DGAC3-2007.pdf
-  www.cad.gov.hk/english/DGAC/DGAC4-2007.pdf

UN Committee of Experts - www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.htm

IATA  - www.iata.org/ps/dgr

ICAO - www.icao.int