Lithium batteries are essential for powering everything from mobile devices to medical equipment and industrial tools. However, when shipping items by on-board courier (OBC) where goods are hand-carried by a dedicated courier on a commercial flight strict international safety rules apply.
At Declarators, we specialize in urgent hand-carry deliveries, including those involving lithium batteries, and ensure full compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and airline policies.
Why Are Lithium Batteries Restricted in Air Transport?
Lithium batteries pose fire and explosion risks if damaged, short-circuited, or improperly packed. This is why airlines, customs authorities, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) impose strict limits especially for passenger flights used for on-board courier shipments.
Maximum Lithium Battery Limits for OBC Shipments
- Lithium-Ion Batteries (Rechargeable) – Common in laptops, phones, power banks
- Measured in Watt-hours (Wh)
- Installed in equipment (e.g., inside a laptop):
- Max: 100 Wh per battery
- Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage
- Spare batteries (not installed):
- Only allowed in carry-on baggage
- Each must be ≤100 Wh
- No limit on quantity, but airlines may restrict to 15–20 pcs per person
- 100–160 Wh: Max 2 spare batteries, only with airline approval
- >160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger aircraft
- Lithium Metal Batteries (Non-Rechargeable) – Used in medical devices, trackers
- Measured by grams of lithium content
- Installed in equipment:
- Max: 2g of lithium per battery
- Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage
- Spare batteries:
- Only allowed in carry-on
- ≤2g per battery: Multiple pieces allowed
- 2–8g: Max 2 pcs, with airline approva >8g: Prohibited
Packing & Documentation Requirements
To comply with IATA and airline rules, Declarators ensures:
Proper packaging with terminal protection (e.g., tape, individual plastic bags)
Original manufacturer labels and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Battery testing certification (UN38.3) where applicable
Pre-declaration to airline for shipments with 100–160 Wh batteries
No damaged, swollen or recalled batteries
Not Allowed for OBC Shipments:
- Lithium batteries exceeding 160 Wh or 8g lithium content
- Unprotected loose cells
- Damaged or defective batteries
- Batteries for e-bikes, scooters, or industrial power packs (unless shipped as cargo under full DG declaration)
Declarators OBC: Lithium Battery Experts
We have supported hand-carry deliveries involving:
- Spare laptop and camera batteries
- Engineering tools with embedded batteries
- Time-critical medical devices with 100–160 Wh batteries
- Sensitive samples requiring urgent customs clearance
Our team ensures each shipment is safe, compliant, and accepted for boarding.
Summary: Lithium Battery OBC Limits
Battery Type | Installed in Device | Spare (Loose) | Airline Approval Needed? |
≤100 Wh / ≤2g | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | ❌ No |
100–160 Wh / 2–8g | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Max 2 pcs | ✅ Yes |
>160 Wh / >8g | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Prohibited |
Need to Hand-Carry Battery-Powered Devices Overseas?
Don’t take risks with non-compliance. Let Declarators handle your on-board courier deliveries involving lithium batteries, with full IATA compliance, airline approval, and expert handling.
🌐 www.declarators.com.sg
📧 group@declarators.com
📞 +65 6385 2155
