Lithium batteries have the advantages of high energy density and high voltage and are widely used in energy storage power systems such as water, fire, wind, and solar power plants, as well as power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric vehicles, military equipment, aerospace, etc. an area.
Lithium batteries are of great significance for promoting green energy transformation and achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. my country is a big country in the production and export of lithium batteries, and the export volume has increased significantly in recent years.
However, lithium batteries are dangerous goods, and accidents such as fire, smoke, and explosion may occur during transportation, and their transportation safety must be paid attention to. How do make lithium batteries meet the requirements of international standards and achieve a more “safe” export, let’s learn about the export requirements of lithium batteries?
1.Lithium battery classification
There are three main types of conventional lithium batteries, including lithium metal batteries, lithium ion batteries, and batteries containing both lithium metal primary cells and lithium ion cells. The classification of the lithium battery transportation classification system in the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations” (TDG) is as follows:
2.Shipping requirements
When exporting, it should meet the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations” (TDG), IMO “International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code” (IMDG), “International Railway Transport of Dangerous Goods Code” (RID), “International Road Dangerous Goods Code” The Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADR), the International Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA-DGR), the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, Tests and Criteria Manual” and other relevant requirements of the International Dangerous Regulations.
At present, the export of lithium battery products does not need to implementing export commodity inspection, but lithium battery products are dangerous goods. According to Article 17 of the “Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law of the People’s Republic of China”, the second Article 19: Manufacturers exporting lithium batteries shall apply to the customs for identification of the use of packaging containers for dangerous goods. Dangerous goods that use unidentified or unqualified packaging containers are not allowed to be exported. Application materials include:
- “Entry and Exit Cargo Packaging Inspection Application Form” (original)
- “Inspection Results of Entry-Exit Cargo Packaging Performance” (original)
- “Manufacturing Enterprise Inspection Qualification Record Sheet or Product Conformity Statement” (original)
- “Report on Classification and Identification of Hazardous Characteristics of Dangerous Goods for Export” (original)
- “Export Dangerous Goods Sales Contract” (copy)
3. Customs on-site handling process
After passing the inspection, the Customs will issue the “Appraisal Result Sheet for the Use of Transport Packaging for Outbound Dangerous Goods”. After obtaining this sheet, the enterprise can apply to the dangerous goods transport department for the transport space of dangerous goods.
Reminder: Due to the large variety of lithium batteries, enterprises should clarify the hazard category, UN number, and packaging category before exporting. Pack and pack the dangerous goods with the “Inspection Result of Packaging Performance of Entry-Exit Goods”, and apply to the customs for use identification after passing the self-inspection.
4. Lithium battery packaging requirements
According to the “Model Regulations for Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” (TDG), lithium batteries mainly have the following packaging and transportation requirements:
1. Unless installed in equipment (such as in mobile phones, cameras, walkie-talkies, notebook computers, etc.), batteries and primary batteries must be individually packaged to prevent short circuits and packed in sturdy outer packaging.
2.Unless installed in equipment, the package shall be capable of withstanding a drop test of 1.2 m in any orientation without damaging the battery or primary battery in the package, and without changing the position of the battery in the package and the connection between the battery and the battery (or primary battery). contact with the primary battery) and no battery leaks from the package.
3.Except for those that meet the exemption conditions, lithium batteries, as dangerous goods, must be packaged in accordance with the packaging requirements of Class II dangerous goods during transportation.
4.The specified lithium battery labels and marks should be posted on the package, and the Wh value should be marked on the lithium ion battery casing.
5.The battery should have an anti-short circuit device and measures to prevent accidental start-up. The product should be fixed in the package to prevent the battery from moving and causing a short circuit.