The new era of battery transport: what you need to know

The global supply chain adapts to increased scrutiny for lithium battery cargo

The landscape of global transport is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly for shipments containing lithium-ion batteries. Recent incidents involving fires during transport have prompted the shipping industry to implement stricter protocols and demand more thorough documentation for battery cargo transported by sea. These critical changes are already affecting supply chains worldwide, and it’s essential for all stakeholders to understand their implications.

Upgraded safety standards for battery exports

In response to growing safety concerns, carriers are tightening regulations regarding the safe transport of batteries, including both standalone lithium and lithium-ion cells, as well as products that incorporate them. This shift is a coordinated effort to enhance safety for all cargo and personnel aboard vessels.

Key implications for your shipments

If your cargo includes items with integrated batteries (e.g., consumer electronics, power tools, e-bikes) or individual battery units, you’ll notice several critical changes:

• Mandatory comprehensive documentation: For every battery shipment, shippers are now required to provide a complete and valid set of documents. These are essential for securing booking approval from carriers:
  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): This document provides detailed information about the battery’s properties and instructions for safe handling.
  • UN38.3 Test Report: This serves as proof that the battery has successfully undergone critical safety tests in accordance with UN guidelines.
  • Certificate of Safe Transport by Sea: An official certification issued by an authorized laboratory or institution, confirming the battery’s suitability for maritime transport.
• Carrier-Specific requirements & approved laboratories: A notable development is the increasing trend for major carriers to implement their own specific requirements. For example, a leading carrier recently stipulated that the Certificate of Safe Transport by Sea will only be accepted if it originates from a limited list of authorized laboratories. This underscores the utmost importance of collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers who can provide documentation from these recognized sources.
• Extended booking & transit Times: The intensified vetting process for battery shipments means that booking confirmations now take significantly longer – typically an additional 3-5 business days for most freight forwarders/shipping lines. This directly translates to increased lead times, requiring an extra week or more in your overall shipping schedule for goods containing batteries. We highly recommend factoring this extended timeframe into your shipment planning.
• Challenges for LCL Shipments: Smaller, consolidated battery shipments (LCL) are facing more frequent rejections from carriers.
• Increased Shipper Responsibility: Carriers are explicitly emphasizing that the shipper bears significant responsibility for battery cargo. This includes accountability for potential consequences such as fire or explosion. This heightened emphasis underscores the critical importance of accurate documentation, proper packaging, and strict adherence to all safety regulations.

Recommendations for seamless shipments

To ensure the smooth and timely processing of your shipments, we urge you to:

• Communicate Proactively: Inform your carrier as soon as possible if your shipment contains any type of batteries.
• Provide complete and valid documentation: Ensure all required MSDS, UN38.3 test reports, and Certificates of Safe Transport by Sea are readily available and valid. Ideally, these should originate from universally accepted or carrier-approved laboratories.
• Plan Ahead: Factor in the extended booking and transit times when planning your orders to avoid unexpected delays.