Batteries, as common energy storage devices, are classified as dangerous goods in international maritime shipping due to their potential chemical hazards. This classification makes shipping batteries more complex than transporting regular cargo, requiring strict compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code established by the International Maritime Organization. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the key aspects of battery shipping, including carrier selection, detailed procedures, and compliance requirements.
Battery Shipping: Selecting Suitable Carriers
Not all shipping companies are qualified to transport dangerous goods. When selecting a carrier, it's essential to verify their credentials and experience. The following shipping companies typically offer battery transportation services:
- OOCL: Known for its specialized dangerous goods management team, with well-established application and approval processes in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
- APL: Extensive experience in dangerous goods transportation, offering reliable services.
- Maersk Line: As the world's largest container shipping company, Maersk has significant capabilities in dangerous goods transportation.
- MSC: With a global agency network, MSC has in-depth knowledge of local chemical/dangerous goods regulations at various ports.
- Evergreen Marine: A well-known international shipping company offering various cargo services, including dangerous goods.
- PIL: With extensive route networks in Asia, PIL also provides dangerous goods transportation services.
- HMM: South Korea's largest shipping company offering global container services, including dangerous goods.
- Hapag-Lloyd: A German shipping company providing global container services, including dangerous goods.
- Hamburg Süd: Specializing in north-south routes, also offering dangerous goods transportation.
When selecting a carrier, in addition to verifying their dangerous goods transportation qualifications, consider their service coverage, pricing, and familiarity with destination port regulations. Different carriers may have varying requirements regarding battery specifications, packaging, and documentation.
Battery Shipping Export: Detailed Process Breakdown
The battery shipping export process is relatively complex, primarily consisting of booking, declaration, customs clearance, container loading, and bill of lading confirmation. Each step must strictly follow relevant regulations to ensure safe and smooth delivery.
1. Booking
The first step in shipping export requires submitting the following documents to the shipping company or its agent:
- Shipping Order: Detailed information including product name (in English and Chinese), container type, dangerous goods class (CLASS NO.), UN number (UN NO.), packaging, and special requirements.
- Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate: Official document proving packaging meets dangerous goods transportation requirements.
- Packaging Technical Specification: Detailed technical information about the packaging, including materials, structure, and performance.
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Provides chemical properties, hazard characteristics, and safety measures.
During booking, confirm whether transshipment ports have restrictions on battery transportation. Some ports may prohibit dangerous goods transshipment or have special requirements for certain battery types.
2. Declaration
Dangerous goods declaration is a crucial step, requiring submission of the following to maritime authorities:
- Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate: Must correspond with actual goods.
- Packaging Technical Specification: Detailed packaging information.
Based on these documents, submit accurate cargo information to maritime authorities for declaration. After obtaining the cargo declaration, submit it along with container loading certificates to the shipping company for vessel declaration.
3. Customs Clearance
Customs declaration requires submission of:
- Export verification form
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Customs power of attorney
- Export declaration form
- Product description statement
Declaration must be based on cargo declaration and container seal numbers. For temporary import/export goods, additional documentation may be required.
4. Container Loading
As dangerous goods require direct loading at shipside, containers must typically be loaded three days before departure. There are two loading methods:
- Delivery to Dangerous Goods Warehouse: Goods must be delivered to the designated warehouse three days before departure.
- Factory Loading: Goods must be prepared in advance, with dangerous goods labels attached to all sides of the container. For goods potentially polluting the ocean, marine pollution marks must also be attached.
Note that dangerous goods transportation must use qualified carriers, with costs calculated based on hazard level. The declaration deadline is typically 48 hours before departure.
5. Bill of Lading Confirmation
The bill of lading serves as the shipping receipt. Shipping companies typically provide a confirmation copy two days before departure for verification.
Battery Shipping Export: Compliance Requirements
In addition to the above process, battery shipping export requires special attention to:
- Dangerous Goods Packaging: Batteries must use internationally certified packaging with clear hazard labels.
- MSDS: Must provide updated MSDS containing detailed product information.
- Dangerous Goods Certificate: Including battery product record application forms.
- UN 38.3 Test Report: Required for lithium batteries to prove compliance with UN transportation testing standards.
- Destination Requirements: Understand special import requirements at destination ports.
Handling Unexpected Situations
Despite precautions, unexpected situations may occur during shipping, such as damage or leakage. Therefore, purchasing shipping insurance is recommended to mitigate risks. Maintain close communication with shipping companies to monitor transportation status and prepare for emergencies.
In conclusion, battery shipping export is a specialized, high-risk activity. Companies must select appropriate carriers, strictly follow procedures and regulations, and implement risk prevention measures to ensure safe and successful delivery.