Lithium batteries are highly favored by consumers due to their small size and low weight. It is indispensable for everything from electric cars to mobile phones and watches. But because lithium batteries have flammable properties and are classified as dangerous goods, special attention should be paid when transporting international goods. Today, the editor will take you through the customs' regulatory requirements for exporting lithium batteries.
1、 Classification of lithium batteries
1、 Look at UN number
The "Proposal on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Model Regulations" assigns different United Nations numbers (UN numbers) to various dangerous goods based on their hazardous characteristics and regulatory requirements. Lithium batteries are divided into three categories and five UN numbers according to different situations:
(1) Lithium batteries transported separately
It can be divided into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to UN codes UN3090 and UN3480, respectively.
(2) Lithium batteries installed in the device
Similarly, according to the two categories of lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, they correspond to UN codes UN3091 and UN3481, respectively.
(3) Lithium battery powered vehicles or self-propelled devices
For example, common electric vehicles, electric bicycles, balance vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc. correspond to the United Nations number UN3171.
Different lithium batteries are subject to different regulatory conditions for hazardous goods according to their corresponding UN numbers.
The first and second types of lithium batteries mentioned above (i.e. lithium batteries with UN numbers 3480, 3481, 3090, and 3091) must pass the series of tests required by Part III 38.3 of the United Nations' Recommendations on Testing and Standards for the Transport of Dangerous Goods before delivery for transportation.
The testing content includes: high simulation, high and low temperature cycling test, vibration test, impact test, 55 ℃ external short circuit, impact test/extrusion test, overcharging test, forced discharge test, etc. to ensure the safety of lithium battery transportation.
2、 Export regulatory requirements for lithium batteries
According to international freight regulations such as the United Nations' Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Model Regulations (TDG), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), and the Technical Code for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI), lithium batteries belong to Class 9 dangerous goods.
Unless exempted from the use of dangerous goods packaging, lithium batteries should be transported using dangerous goods packaging that meets international regulatory requirements.
3、 What are the common violations of exporting lithium batteries?
(1) Key points of customs inspection
At the export port of lithium batteries, the port customs will verify the "hazardous package certificate" issued by the local customs, mainly verifying whether the information on the exported lithium battery "hazardous package certificate" matches the actual goods, including packaging type, UN mark, lithium battery mark, actual export quantity, etc.
(2) Common violations
From the perspective of common violations, the main problem is that if the exemption conditions are not met, the "dangerous goods certificate" is not applied for as required, and the corresponding "dangerous goods certificate" cannot be provided during the port inspection process. In addition, some lithium battery labels on the outer packaging are covered or not marked as required.
4、 Do all lithium batteries require a 'hazardous packaging certificate'?
According to international regulations, some exported lithium batteries can be exempted from the "hazardous packaging certificate" requirement, which is mainly divided into two categories:
(1) Lithium batteries belonging to UN3171
Lithium batteries used in electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and other vehicles are exempt from packaging requirements for dangerous goods.
(2) Lithium batteries with a rated capacity or lithium content less than a specific value
Specifically, for lithium metal batteries or lithium alloy batteries, the lithium content shall not exceed 1 gram, and for lithium metal or lithium alloy battery packs, the total lithium content shall not exceed 2 grams.
For lithium-ion batteries, the watt-hour ratio shall not exceed 20W · h, and for lithium-ion battery packs, the watt-hour ratio shall not exceed 100W · h.
On the basis of meeting the corresponding provisions of Article 188 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the above-mentioned batteries are exempt from the packaging requirements for dangerous goods.
以上内容来源于海运网
