Return of li-ion batteries

Return shipment of lithium-ion batteries (Reverse logistics)

Important information on the return of lithium-ion batteries and devices (shipment of dangerous goods)

Any transport of lithium-ion batteries is controlled nationally as well as internationally by dangerous goods regulations. These rules affect shipments and returns in the commercial and private sectors. In addition to individual lithium-ion batteries, entire devices with built-in or enclosed batteries are also affected.
 
A return can be made for a variety of reasons:

  • Return
  • Complaint
  • Repair
  • Disposal

Please read and observe the following information

As the sender/packer, you are responsible for the correct declaration of the lithium battery, accompanying documentation and labelling of the package in accordance with dangerous goods regulations! Should there be any irregularities in the event of an inspection of the package (e.g. missing labelling), you as the consignor/packer can be directly prosecuted for this. You can also be held liable if you ship defective or damaged batteries and an accident or fire occurs.

Defective or damaged lithium-ion batteries

For safety reasons, defective or damaged lithium-ion batteries cannot be returned and must be disposed of at the local hazardous materials collection point.

A damaged battery is present in the following cases:

  • Severe damage to the battery casing
  • Thermal deformation (melted connection cables or deformed housing)
  • Increased heat generation when switched off (not during use or charging)
  • Liquid leakage
  • Gas leakage
  • Batteries that cannot be diagnosed before shipment

We reserve us the right to request a proof of disposal of the item. Ensure that you have an appropriate proof from the hazardous materials collector / disposal centre

Please contact us in case of defective or damaged batteries:
Service phone: +44(0)1793 822679, E-mail: [email protected]

Packaging

Please use the original cardboard box with the appropriate marking and the corresponding cushioning material to pack returns. Check whether the required markings are still present, intact and legible. If this is not the case, new labels must be attached.

If you do not have the original packaging, use sturdy cardboard boxes and use sufficient cushioning material to ensure that the goods cannot move in the box.

The cells and batteries, unless installed in equipment, must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. The cells and batteries must be protected in such a way as to prevent short circuits. This includes protection against contact with electrically conductive materials within the same packaging that may cause a short circuit. Inner packagings shall be packed in resistant outer packagings.

Cells and batteries installed in equipment must be protected against damage and short-circuiting; the devices must be equipped with effective means to prevent accidental tripping. If batteries are installed, the equipment must be packed in resistant outer packaging that is sufficiently strong and dimensioned.

Note: To secure the batteries against short-circuiting, tape the battery contacts or pack the batteries in separate plastic bags.

Each package must be able to withstand a drop test from a height of 1.2 m, regardless of its orientation, without damage to the cells or batteries it contains, without displacement of the contents resulting in contact with the batteries (or the cells) and without release of the contents.

Depending on the transport service provider / parcel service, further regulations apply to the shipment of dangerous goods as well as weight limitations. Please check with your service provider.

Marking UN3480 / UN3481

If you are using the original carton, please check whether the required markings are still present, intact and legible. If this is not the case, or if you are using a different carton, please affix the required label on one long side of the package. The minimum dimensions of the label are 100mm x 100mm. Please select the appropriate label, print it and attach it to the side (not top or bottom) of the shipping box.

Download here the corresponding dangerous goods label with our emergency number for legally compliant labelling of your consignment to us. Please note the distinction UN 3481 (Lithium-ion batteries packed in/with equipment) and UN 3480 (Lithium-ion batteries without equipment).

UN 3481 Label Lithium batteries in/with equipment with emergency number CHEMTREC
Please print out in colour for labelling the shipping cartons
UN 3480 Label Litihium batteries with emergency number CHEMTREC
Please print out in colour to mark non-original shipping cartons.

Information on our lithium-ion batteries types

All our lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries are tested in accordance with UN 38.3 and have an energy content of less than or equal to ≤100 watt hours (the exact value can be taken from the battery's type plate). The following packaging regulations therefore apply to our lithium-ion batteries:

Land transport (ADR): Special provision 188
 
Air transport (IATA/ICAO):

  • VA 966 Part II (lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment)
  • VA 967 Part II (Lithium-ion batteries packed in equipment)
  • VA 965 Part IB (Lithium-ion batteries without equipment)

Contact

If you have any questions or uncertainties, please contact us:
Service phone: +44(0)1793 822679
E-mail:[email protected]

Notice:
We accept no liability for this information. All details and information have been prepared with the best possible care and are subject to regular changes in dangerous goods legislation.
 
Further information:
https://unece.org/about-adr
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/