Updated Requirements for Shipping Lithium Batteries via FedEx Express

Effective January 1, 2017, FedEx Express will no longer accept small Lithium metal cells and batteries (UN 3090) or small Lithium-ion cells and batteries (UN 3480) prepared in accordance with the applicable exceptions found in Section II of Packing Instructions 965 and 968 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. (See table below regarding “small” cells and batteries impacted by the new FedEx Express policy.)

This change will affect U.S. and international air shipments. FedEx Express will accept shipments of small lithium cells and batteries if prepared in accordance with Sections IA or IB of Packing Instructions 965 or 968 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, as applicable. This means that shipments must be packaged and offered to FedEx Express as fully-regulated, Class 9 dangerous goods (hazardous materials).

FedEx Express will continue to accept small lithium cells and batteries packed with or contained in equipment which is prepared in accordance with the exceptions found in Section II of Packing Instructions 966, 967, 969, and 970 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, as applicable.

With FedEx adopting this protocol, we suspect other carriers and freight forwarders will follow suit. We strongly urge all of our customers (whoever is dealing with shipments of Lithium metal or Lithium-ion batteries, standalone or in/with equipment) to obtain proper training on shipment of lithium batteries.

~Inventus Power Compliance Team