由 caicai8478 Introduction
With the booming development of global trade, the international trade volume of electronic products containing batteries (such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and drones) and liquid goods (such as cosmetics, chemicals, alcoholic beverages, and paints) continues to grow. Due to their physical and chemical properties, these goods pose potential risks during transportation and are subject to strict regulation by international regulations and national laws. Non-compliant transportation can lead to hefty fines, detention or destruction of goods, and may even cause serious safety accidents such as fires, explosions, and pollution. Therefore, mastering knowledge of compliant transportation and risk prevention is crucial.
Part One: Compliant Transportation and Risk Prevention of Cargo Containing Batteries
I. Battery Classification and Identification
First, it is essential to accurately identify the type of battery being transported, as this is the foundation of all compliant operations.
Lithium-ion/Lithium-polymer batteries: Most commonly found in consumer electronics. Typically rechargeable with high energy density.
Separate transportation: Transported as spare parts or as part of the product.
Packaged with equipment: The equipment and battery are packaged in the same package.
Installed in Device: The device is operational once the battery is installed.
Lithium Metal Batteries: Typically non-rechargeable, commonly used in watches, calculators, etc. Higher safety requirements.
Lead-Acid Batteries: Commonly used in automobiles and uninterruptible power supply systems.
NiMH/NiCd Batteries: Rechargeable batteries, commonly used in power tools and older electronic products.
II. Core Compliance Requirements (Taking the most stringent lithium battery as an example)
UN Number and Correct Shipping Name:
The designated UN number (e.g., UN3480 lithium-ion battery, UN3090 lithium metal battery) and correct shipping name must be used.
Packaging Requirements:
Packaging must comply with UN standards and pass a 1.2-meter drop test.
The packaging must prevent short circuits, prevent accidental starting, and have sufficient strength to prevent puncture or crushing during transport.
Battery electrodes must be protected (e.g., covered with insulating tape).
Marking and Labeling:
Lithium Battery Marking: A black background with white lettering, featuring a battery graphic and number, must be affixed to the lithium battery’s dedicated marking. This label replaces the previous lithium battery handling label.
Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label: A magnetic dangerous goods label with a “9” and a flame symbol below must be affixed.
Consignor/Recipient Information: Clearly visible.
Document Requirements:
Dangerous Goods Declaration Form: Must be completed by a trained professional, detailing the UN number, class, packing class, etc. of the goods.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet may be required.
Test Summary: Lithium batteries must pass a series of safety tests according to the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, and a compliant test summary must be provided. This is mandatory.
Transportation Restrictions:
Air Freight: Subject to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the most stringent. There are specific restrictions on the state of charge of the batteries (usually not exceeding 30% of rated capacity), and passenger aircraft may be prohibited.
Sea Freight: Subject to the IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
Courier: Major courier companies (such as DHL, FedEx, UPS) have their own additional regulations for lithium battery shipments, which are usually stricter than international regulations.
III. Risk Prevention Measures
Short Circuit Prevention: Batteries transported separately must be individually packaged to avoid contact with any metal objects.
High Temperature Prevention: Avoid prolonged exposure of goods to direct sunlight or high-temperature environments.
Professional Handling: Ensure all personnel (warehousing, loading and unloading) have received relevant training.
Emergency Plan: Develop emergency response plans for unexpected situations such as battery fires, and equip the premises with appropriate fire-fighting equipment (such as Class D fire extinguishers).
Part Two: Compliant Transportation and Risk Prevention of Goods Cargo
I. Classification and Identification of Liquids
Hazardous Liquids: Subject to international hazardous materials regulations, such as:
Flammable Liquids: Paints, thinners, perfumes, alcoholic beverages (alcohol content above 24% is generally considered flammable).
Corrosive Liquids: Acids, alkalis, cleaning agents.
Toxic Liquids: Certain pesticides and chemicals.
Non-Hazardous Liquids: Such as ordinary cosmetics, beverages, cooking oils, etc. Although not classified as dangerous goods, they still need to comply with the packaging and transportation regulations for general cargo.
II. Core Compliance Requirements
Accurate Classification:
Determine the hazard class and packaging level of the goods according to their flash point, corrosiveness, toxicity, etc., with reference to the UN Globally Harmonized Classification and Labelling System (GHS).
Packaging Requirements:
Certified packaging, such as UN-standard drums, bottles, and cans, must be used, ensuring a tight seal and no risk of leakage.
Sufficient absorbent and cushioning materials (such as vermiculite and foam) must be used between the inner packaging (e.g., glass bottles) and the outer packaging (e.g., cartons) to absorb any possible leakage.
Marking and Labeling:
Affix the appropriate hazard label according to its hazard class (e.g., flammable liquids – Class 3, corrosive substances – Class 8).
Clearly indicate “upward” arrows, moisture-proof handling symbols, etc.
Document Requirements:
Hazardous Goods Declaration Form: Accurately describes the cargo information.
MSDS: Must be provided for carriers and relevant authorities to assess the risks.
Cargo Transport Condition Certificate: Especially for liquids with complex compositions (such as chemicals), a certificate issued by a professional organization is an important document proving their compliance.
III. Risk Prevention Measures
Leak Prevention: Packaging is paramount. Ensure all container caps are tightly closed and conduct an inversion test.
Compression and Breakage Prevention: Outer packaging must be strong enough to prevent crushing during stacking and transportation.
Compliance Declaration: Never conceal or misdeclare cargo as ordinary goods. The consequences are severe if discovered.
Understand Destination Regulations: Some countries have import restrictions on specific liquids (such as alcohol and pharmaceutical raw materials).
Part Three: General Best Practices and Recommendations
Choose a Professional Logistics Service Provider:
Always choose a freight forwarder or courier company with extensive experience and a good reputation in transporting goods containing batteries/liquids. They can provide professional consultation and operational services.
Advance Communication and Preparation:
Communicate with your logistics service provider as early as possible before shipment, providing accurate cargo information so they can guide you through all preparations. Never act first and inform later.
Complete Accompanying Documentation:
Ensure all required documents (invoice, packing list, declaration, MSDS, battery certificate/certificate) are complete, accurate, and legible, and accompany the shipment.
Purchase Adequate Insurance:
Given the high-risk nature of these goods, it is essential to purchase comprehensive transport insurance to cover losses due to unforeseen events.
Continuous Training and Learning:
International transport regulations (such as IATA, IMDG) are updated annually. Relevant personnel must maintain continuous learning to ensure operations comply with the latest versions.
Establish Internal Audit Processes:
Companies should establish internal shipment audit processes to conduct pre-shipment inspections of every shipment containing batteries/liquids, ensuring that packaging, documentation, and labeling meet requirements.
Conclusion: Transporting goods containing batteries and liquids is a highly specialized task; compliance is the only way to succeed. Any侥幸心理 (a sense of complacency or taking chances) or violations can lead to irreparable economic and reputational losses. By thoroughly understanding regulations, strictly adhering to operating procedures, and working closely with professional partners, businesses can safely and efficiently transport these products to global markets, achieving commercial success while ensuring safety.