In recent years, the new energy industry has gradually become a global hotspot. According to statistics, driven by multiple factors such as strong demand in foreign electric vehicles and energy storage markets, China's lithium battery exports reached 109.79 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2023, with a growth rate of 94.3%.
Chinese companies are expanding their industrial chains overseas, further driving the export of related industries. So, what should we pay attention to when exporting lithium battery goods by sea?
1.Classification of lithium battery transportation
According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, lithium batteries are classified as one of the 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods.
In terms of transportation, lithium batteries are further divided into four categories: lithium batteries transported separately, lithium batteries transported together with equipment, vehicles containing lithium batteries, and lithium batteries installed in freight devices.
From the perspective of product types, the above four categories are further subdivided into 7 items. By corresponding UN numbers, we can distinguish different product types of lithium battery goods during transportation.
Image source: Long Yuan supply chain intrusion deletion
2. Requirements for the transportation of lithium battery goods
(1). In the transportation of goods, lithium batteries must hold test certificates and test introductions that have passed Section 38.3 of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
(2). Batteries and battery packs should be equipped with safety devices such as safety exhaust and short circuit prevention as required.
(3). Lithium batteries and battery pack packages must meet the construction and testing requirements of Chapter 6 of the International Hazardous Code, obtain inspection certificates, and affix lithium battery exclusive markings.
(4). Containers transporting lithium battery goods should be packed according to relevant standards, and Class 9 dangerous goods labels should be posted around the container.
9 types of labels for lithium batteries
(5). The owner and carrier of the goods must complete the procedures for reporting and declaring dangerous goods on board in accordance with regulations before they can be transported.
3. Regulations on the Export of Lithium Batteries in China
According to the relevant provisions of the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law of the People's Republic of China, the export of lithium battery goods requires applying to the local customs for the appraisal of the use of dangerous goods packaging. After the appraisal is qualified, the customs will issue the "Export Dangerous Goods Packaging Use Appraisal Result Form".
The Export Dangerous Goods Packaging Use Appraisal Result Form, commonly known as the "Dangerous Goods Certificate". Only lithium battery goods that meet the requirements of customs supervision and international regulations and have a "dangerous goods certificate" can be exported.
4.Exemption from "Dangerous Goods Certificate" for Some Lithium Batteries
According to international regulations, some exported lithium batteries can be exempted from the "dangerous goods 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 dangerous goods packaging requirements.
(2). Lithium batteries with 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.
Special attention:
The exemption situation only exempts the "dangerous goods certificate", but the outer packaging of lithium batteries still needs to indicate the watt hour ratio and be marked with appropriate lithium battery markings.
Lithium battery markings
5. Packaging Requirements for Export Lithium Batteries and Lithium Battery Equipment
(1). Batteries or battery packs packaged in containers should be protected to prevent damage caused by movement or positional changes within the container. The container must meet the performance indicators of Class II packaging.
For batteries or battery packs with a total weight greater than or equal to 12 kilograms, a sturdy and collision resistant casing, as well as a collection of such batteries or battery packs, must also have a sturdy outer packaging, protective cover, pallet, or other handling equipment. Similarly, this type of battery or battery pack must also be fixed and not accidentally moved, and the electrodes must not bear the weight of other stacked items.
Image source: Ningbo Maritime
(2). Batteries or battery packs packaged together with equipment must meet the performance indicators of Class II packaging in their containers, and the equipment must be fixed and cannot be moved inside the outer container. The battery or battery pack must also be completely wrapped.
(3). Batteries or battery packs installed in equipment should have measures to prevent accidental start-up during transportation, in addition to meeting the previous requirements. At the same time, it is necessary to prevent short circuits in the battery or battery pack.
Summary:
With the continuous expansion of the export scale of lithium batteries, it is necessary to implement relevant safety requirements in the transportation of lithium batteries exported by sea, and not have a mentality of taking chances.
Source: Souhang Network
