Batteries provide a unique risk when offered for transportation. They provide a power source for numerous items such as computers, phones, automobiles, and life-saving equipment. Batteries are classified as dangerous goods due to their properties and the potential risk they pose if improperly used, damaged, overcharged, or other structural defects which can cause the battery to release energy. This can lead to short circuits, fires, explosions, and the production of toxic fumes.
Shippers are required to understand and comply with the applicable regulations for the transport of batteries by all modes of transportation.
To assist shippers in understanding the requirements related to the transport of lithium batteries following the regulations, IATA and TDG have prepared the following publications that refer to regulatory requirements for a specific lithium cell/battery type, configuration, and/or size.

IATA Battery guidance document

Use this guide to safely and properly learn how to ship used cell phones.

Special Procedures for Shipping Used Cell Phones

UPS accepts for transportation used cell phones in its ground and air network. Used cell phones will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R § 172 (Hazardous Materials) for ground shipments, IATA regulations for air shipments, and only in accordance with the UPS Guide for shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials. In addition, shippers must also follow the general guidelines below:

• The device must be powered off
• The battery(s) in the device must not be refurbished
• The battery(s) in the device must not be damaged, defective, or recalled
• The battery(s) in the device must not be at “end of life”
• The battery(s) in the device must be original to the equipment
• The device must have an indicated battery capacity no more than 25%
• The equipment containing the battery(s) must be secured against movement within the packaging and packed to prevent contact with other equipment or accidental activation

Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium battery shipping is restricted to ground transportation by law and is only accepted by UPS for the lower US 48 contiguous states and excludes service to Alaska; Hawaii; Puerto Rico; Avalon, CA; Catalina Island, CA; Beaver Island, MI; Mackinac Island, MI (winter only); The Bass Islands, OH; Kelley’s Island, OH and San Juan Islands, WA.

UPS provides service for Damaged, Defective, or Recalled Lithium Batteries (DDR LB) when compliantly prepared under U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permits (DOT-SP) as authorized under 49CFR Part 107, Subpart B. This DDR LB DOT-SP service requires UPS pre-approval and a specialized service agreement, please contact your account representative for more detail on this program.

Authoritative Resources