Practical Handbook: International Transportation Solutions for Lithium Batteries and Liquid Chemicals

Handbook Description
Target Audience: Cross-border e-commerce sellers, logistics managers of foreign trade companies, and warehouse operations personnel.

Core Value: Provides clear, implementable standardized operating procedures to mitigate risks and ensure transportation safety and compliance.

Usage Suggestions: Distribute this handbook to relevant employees as a reference for daily operations.

Part 1: Lithium Battery Solutions

1. Quick Classification and Identification

Cargo Status UN Number Correct Shipping Name Required Labels/Markings

Lithium-ion Batteries Shipped Separately UN3480 Lithium-ion Battery Lithium Battery Marking, Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

Lithium-ion Batteries Packaged with Equipment UN3481 Lithium-ion Batteries Packaged with Equipment Lithium Battery Marking, Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

Lithium-ion Batteries Installed in Equipment UN3481 Lithium-ion Batteries Installed in Equipment Lithium Battery Marking, Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

Lithium Metal Batteries Shipped Separately UN3090 Lithium Metal Batteries Lithium Battery Marking, Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

Lithium Metal Batteries Packaged with Equipment UN3091 Lithium Metal Batteries Packaged with Equipment Lithium Battery Marking, Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

2. Standardized Packaging Operation Procedures

Core Principles: Short Circuit Protection, Impact Protection, Puncture Protection

Step 1: Internal Protection

Insulation Treatment: Cover the electrodes of each battery with insulating tape or caps.

Individual Packaging: Each battery must be individually packaged in a plastic bag or blister pack.

Step Two: Internal Securement

Place the individually packaged batteries into the inner box (or divider), securing them firmly with foam, paper trays, or other fillers to ensure no movement within the box.

Step Three: External Protection

Use a corrugated cardboard box conforming to UN standards (with the UN mark on the box).

Use cushioning material (such as bubble wrap) between the inner and outer packaging.

Step Four: Sealing and Labeling

Seal the box using high-strength tape.

Clearly affix the “Lithium Battery Mark” and “Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label” to the side of the box.

3. Document Preparation Checklist

Danger Goods Declaration Form: Completed and signed by a certified person, ensuring the UN number and packaging instructions (e.g., IATA PI 965…) are accurate.

UN 38.3 Test Summary: Must be included with the shipment; this is the “passport” for lithium batteries.

MSDS: Recommended to be included with the shipment.

Part Two: Solutions for Liquid Chemicals

1. Rapid Classification and Labeling

Goods Nature Hazard Class Common UN Number Examples Required Label

Flash Point ≤ 60°C Class 3 Flammable Liquids UN1263 (Perfume), UN1170 (Ethanol) Class 3 Flammable Liquid Label

Corrosive Liquids (pH Value) Class 8 Corrosive Substances UN1760 (Corrosive Liquids, n.o.s.) Class 8 Corrosive Substance Label

Harmful to the Environment Class 9 Miscellaneous UN3082 (Environmentally Harmful Liquids) Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label

2. Standardized Packaging Operation Procedures

Core Principles: Leak Prevention, Breakage Prevention, Leak Absorption

Step 1: Inner Packaging Sealing

Use well-sealed inner packaging containers (e.g., plastic bottles, glass bottles, metal cans).

Tighten the caps and perform an inverted test to ensure no leakage.

Step 2: Absorption and Cushioning

Wrap each inner packaging container individually with absorbent cotton.

Place the inner box inside the container, filling the gaps between containers with absorbent material or cushioning.

Step 3: Assemble the Packaging

Place the inner box inside the UN-certified outer packaging (such as a UN-certified carton or plastic drum).

Fill all gaps between the inner box and the outer packaging with absorbent material (such as vermiculite or absorbent cotton), sufficient to completely absorb any leakage of the contents.

Step 4: Sealing and Labeling

Seal the outer packaging.

Affix the appropriate hazard label (e.g., Class 3, Class 8) and “Upside Down” label.

3. Document Preparation Checklist

Dangerous Goods Declaration Form: Accurately describes the transport name, UN number, and class of the chemical.

MSDS: Required; this is the core basis for classification and emergency handling.

Certificate of Conditions of Transport: Strongly recommended, especially for goods with complex compositions or unclear classifications; this is the most authoritative proof of compliance.

Part Three: General Standard Operating Procedures

1. Booking and Declaration

Advance Communication: Send all prepared documents to the freight forwarder/carrier at least 5-7 working days before the planned shipment date.

Danger Goods Booking: Submit the “Danger Goods Declaration Form” and other documents to apply for dangerous goods space from the airline/shipping company. Shipment can only proceed after approval.

Strict Prohibition of Concealment: Never falsely declare dangerous goods as ordinary cargo.

2. Emergency Preparedness

Leakage Emergency Kit: Leakage emergency kits (absorbent cotton, gloves, goggles) should be provided in the operating area.

Fire Response: For lithium battery fires, use Class D fire extinguishers or large amounts of water (if safe); for flammable liquid fires, use dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.

Posting Emergency Contact List: Post the emergency contact numbers of the carrier and relevant regulatory agencies in prominent locations in the warehouse and office.

Summary: The Golden Rule of Successful Transportation

Classification First: Always start with accurate classification; this is the cornerstone of all operations.

Packaging is King: Investing in and using qualified UN packaging and absorbent materials is the core of safety.

Complete Documentation: Ensure all legal documents are complete, accurate, and properly signed.

Professional Partnerships: Choose to partner with experienced dangerous goods logistics service providers; they will be your most reliable guides.

Appendix: Common Tools and Resources

Latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Latest IMDG Code

Contact Information for Professional Testing Organizations

List of UN Packaging Suppliers

Disclaimer: This manual is based on general operating procedures. In actual transportation, please always adhere to the latest international regulations and the carrier’s specific requirements as the final standard.