Safety starts with an accurate declaration. Lithium batteries and battery-powered equipment can present serious fire and thermal-runaway risks if they are incorrectly classified, packed, documented or declared. Please follow the requirements below before booking.
Before you book:
- Declare completely. Identify all lithium batteries at booking, including batteries contained in or packed with equipment.
- Provide the test summary. A valid UN 38.3 Battery Test Summary must be supplied.
- Ship new batteries only. Damaged, defective or leaking lithium batteries are not accepted.
- Protect the cargo. Packaging must prevent damage, short circuit and accidental activation during transport.
- Meet technical requirements. Lithium-ion batteries must comply with applicable international and maritime transport requirements.
- Obtain approval. Where cargo is classified as dangerous goods, the applicable DG approval process must be completed before acceptance.
Trained and accountable declarations
Personnel responsible for preparing, declaring or certifying dangerous goods must be appropriately trained and current for the function they perform.
Why correct declaration matters
Misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods can prevent the correct safety controls from being applied. Cargo may be rejected or placed on hold, resulting costs may be charged to the shipper, and Swire Shipping’s Cargo Misdeclaration advisory specifies a charge of USD 30,000 per hazardous container or breakbulk piece.
What should I do now?
Review all battery-containing products with your logistics, dangerous-goods and documentation teams before booking. If classification, documentation, packing, routing or acceptance is uncertain, contact your local Swire Shipping Customer Service team or DG Desk before cargo is tendered.
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