Shipping Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries, which are commonly used in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, watches, cameras and children’s toys, are classified as dangerous goods since charged battery shipments may overheat and ignite under certain conditions. Therefore, all Lithium batteries leaving UC Santa Cruz must be cleared through EH&S (ehs@ucsc.edu / 9x2553).

Being classed as dangerous goods, when shipped, lithium batteries must be correctly identified, and in most cases be classified, packaged, marked and labeled with a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. EH&S is required to provide assistance on the required documentation, labeling and preapproval process for the specific category of lithium battery you plan to ship. Lithium batteries are classified two ways, primary (or Lithium metal; non-rechargable) and secondary (or Lithium Ion; rechargable).

It is important to ensure that lithium batteries wanting to be shipped are not in any way defective, damaged, considered waste, or have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit.