The International Safe Containerised Cargo Organisation (CINS) has published safety guidelines for shipping lithium-ion cells in containers. Lithium-ion cells are the primary elements of a battery and can exist in various forms. Commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, their defining characteristic is the ability to accumulate, store and release electrical energy through the movement of lithium ions between a positive and a negative electrode.
According to CINS, lithium-ion cells must be handled with care, as they pose several risks if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme conditions. Proper safety features and handling protocols are critical to mitigating these risks.
Hazardous properties of lithium-Ion cells
Lithium-ion cells are classed as dangerous goods because of several hazardous properties listed below. Strict adherence to safety standards during handling and transport are required.
– Fire hazard: Flammable electrolytes can ignite if damaged or overheated, triggering thermal runaway reactions that lead to fires or explosions.
– Chemical reactivity: Reactive materials may explode or catch fire if punctured or short-circuited.
– Toxic emissions: Fires release harmful gases such as hydrogen fluoride (HF), which are toxic and corrosive.
– Explosion risk: Internal pressure buildup can cause rupture or explosive vapor clouds. – Electrical hazard: Short circuits or mishandling can lead to burns, sparks, or fires.
– Environmental risk: Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water, causing environmental harm.
Key risks during transportation
– Packing not consigned in compliance with the IMDG Code.
– Packing into containers other than in accordance with the CTU Code.
– High temperature inside container(s) during transport.
Inspection
It is recommended that shipping lines randomly inspect the contents to check compliance with the IMDG code and CTU code. When undertaking a tailgate inspection, the following criteria are recommended:
– Review of Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) for compliance with the IMDG Code.
– Inspection of CTU for structural serviceability.
– Inspection of CSC plate to ensure validity.
– Thermal image/camera use where available to spot temperature anomalies.
– Inspection of cargo to confirm it is as declared on the DGD. Note that packages of cells or batteries that meet SP188 shall be marked with the appropriate lithium battery mark, however no DGD is required for the cargo meeting SP188.
a) If shipped under SP188, request the UN38.3 test summary.
b) If shipped under SP188, a sample package may need to be opened, or equipment opened, to verify compliance with SP188, .4. .5 and .7.7. – Inspection of packaging for leaks or damage.
– Inspection of packaging and UN Packing Codes to confirm they are approved for the cargo as per the IMDG Code Packing Instructions.
– Inspection of package marks and labels for compliance.
– If other cargo is in the container, check any segregation requirements.
– Inspect that the packages are suitably stowed, secured, blocked and braced as per the IMDG and CTU Code.
– Inspect placards and marks are properly affixed to the container as required by IMDG.
– Ensure doors are closed and replacement seal is installed, and number is recorded.
– Stuffing should be in accordance with these CINS Guidelines.
Vanning inspections ensure batteries are packaged per packing instructions like P909, focusing on short circuit and heat protection. Surveyors can support the know your shipper initiative by verifying training records and ISO 9001 accreditation to ensure compliance with SP188. Offering short training presentations on battery regulations and packing at warehouses can further educate shippers and minimize risks.
Shipment of used Lithium-ion Cells, (including, but not limited to, defective, damaged, or those shipped for disposal or recycling). For shipments of cells identified as being damaged or defective such that they do not conform to the type tested according to the applicable provisions of the Manual of Tests and Criteria shall comply with the requirements of SP376.
For shipments of cells and equipment containing cells transported for disposal or recycling see SP377.
Once packed into a container, this guidance document recommends that vanning inspections be performed to ensure cells are packaged according to the appropriate packing instruction.
For damaged and defective cells this guidance document recommends that the following assessment is carried out to evaluate the cells by sampling method during the stuffing operation. It needs to be conducted by an independent survey company:
– All cells must be individually sealed in plastic. The guidance recommends using, in all cases, combination packaging whatever the condition of the cell or its final use.
– Presence of means to prevent cells from movement.
– Marking and documentation in accordance with SP376 or 377.
– Packaging in accordance with the relevant Packing Instructions.
– The packaging must be evenly distributed within the container, with a minimum of 30cm void space to the roof
– Packaging should not be within 50 cm of the container doors and should not be in contact with the container walls.
– The Survey Report should include photographs proving that the stuffing is in accordance with the above elements, and the contents of some packaging and the container ID.