Seasonal peaks and batteries in e-commerce
Online retail booms in December: smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, tools and toys with rechargeable batteries are among the most popular gifts. But lithium-ion batteries are not without risk – they can overheat, swell up or, in the worst case, cause fires. Transporting them via parcel services or cargo planes poses additional risks. That is why strict regulations apply worldwide to the shipment of lithium-ion batteries.
During the Christmas season in particular, when millions of additional parcels are sent, the risk of handling errors increases. Incorrectly packaged batteries can not only endanger people, but also lead to delivery stoppages or heavy fines.
What regulations apply to battery transport?
The shipment of lithium-ion batteries is governed by international dangerous goods regulations, in particular the IATA DGR (for air freight) and the ADR guidelines (for road transport). The following points are particularly relevant for online trade:
- Labelling requirement: Parcels containing batteries must be labelled with special dangerous goods stickers (e.g. UN 3480 for batteries alone or UN 3481 for batteries in devices).
- Quantity restrictions: Small device batteries can often be shipped in larger quantities, while larger battery packs (e.g. e-bike batteries) are subject to stricter rules.
- Packaging requirements: Each battery must be protected against short circuits and packed in shock-resistant packaging. Filling material prevents movement within the package.
- Damaged batteries: These must not be transported under any circumstances.
Particularly critical: many parcel delivery companies have their own stricter rules – especially in December, when transport chains are already operating at full capacity.
Praktische Tipps für Händler im Weihnachtsgeschäft
To ensure that batteries and devices arrive safely and on time at the customer's premises, retailers should observe the following measures:
- Separate packaging: Do not enclose batteries loose, but always secure them in suitable holders or protective packaging.
- Protection against short circuits: Cover the poles with tape or secure them with plastic caps.
- Suitable filling material: Use shock-absorbing materials such as foam or bubble wrap.
- Clear labelling: Affix hazardous goods labels clearly and visibly to avoid problems with parcel services.
- Check with your logistics partner: Clarify in advance whether DHL, UPS, FedEx or other service providers transport batteries in the required form – not all of them accept every battery size.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should opt for specialised transport and storage solutions such as the RETRON BOX, which reliably protects batteries from fire and explosion.
During the Christmas season, it is not only fast delivery that counts, but above all safety. Lithium-ion batteries are indispensable, but they pose a serious risk if they are incorrectly packaged or inadequately labelled when shipped. Retailers who know and comply with the regulations avoid delivery problems, complaints and hazards – and ensure that gifts end up safely under the Christmas tree.
