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FedEx Lithium Ion & Lithium Metal Batteries DG Hazmat Guide

Updated

Overview

This article provides an overview of dangerous goods handling for FedEx shipments when using the EasyPost API, with a focus on lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries classified under International Air Transport Association (IATA) Section II. FedEx differentiates between Dangerous Goods (air/international, regulated by IATA/ICAO) and Hazardous Materials (ground, regulated by 49 CFR/DOT). EasyPost simplifies this distinction by using a single hazmat option for all regulated shipments. 

SHIPPER RESPONSIBILITY: The shipper is solely responsible for identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and completing documentation for dangerous goods in accordance with all national and international governmental regulations. Failure to comply may create unsafe transportation conditions and may result in significant penalties or fines. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current legal developments or carrier regulations. Regulations governing Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials evolve frequently. This article is not a definitive statement of law or carrier policy. 

Standardizing Lithium Battery Codes (IATA Section II exempt batteries)

EasyPost recommends updating integrations to use standard IATA "PI" (Packing Instruction) codes instead of legacy terms (like PRIMARY or SECONDARY).

Below is a guide on how to replace old terms with the current standard codes, along with plain English definitions.

Recommended Standard Code Legacy Term(s) (Also Valid) Battery Type Packing Method
PI967-II SECONDARY_CONTAINED / SECONDARY Lithium Ion (Rechargeable) Installed (contained) in device
PI966-II SECONDARY_PACKED Lithium Ion (Rechargeable) Packed separately in same box
PI970-II PRIMARY_CONTAINED / PRIMARY / LITHIUM Lithium Metal (Non-rechargeable) Installed (contained) in device
PI969-II PRIMARY_PACKED Lithium Metal (Non-rechargeable) Packed separately in same box

Rechargeable Batteries (Lithium Ion)

  • Replace SECONDARY_CONTAINED with PI967-II
    • They both mean: Lithium Ion (rechargeable) batteries that are installed (contained) in the device.
  • Replace SECONDARY_PACKED with PI966-II
    • They both mean: Lithium Ion (rechargeable) batteries that are packed separately in the same box as the device.

Non-Rechargeable Batteries (Lithium Metal)

  • Replace PRIMARY_CONTAINED with PI970-II
    • They both mean: Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) batteries that are installed (contained) in the device.
  • Replace PRIMARY_PACKED with PI969-II
    • They both mean: Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) batteries that are packed separately in the same box as the device.

Definitions

  • PI967-II

    • What it means: Use this for Lithium Ion (rechargeable) batteries that are installed (contained) in the device.

    • Example: A laptop with its battery inside.

  • PI966-II

    • What it means: Use this for Lithium Ion (rechargeable) batteries that are not contained in the device, but packed in the same box.

    • Example: A new power tool with the battery in the same box, but in its own plastic shell.

  • PI970-II

    • What it means: Use this for Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) batteries that are installed (contained) in the device.

    • Example: A calculator or digital watch with its battery inside.

  • PI969-II

    • What it means: Use this for Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) batteries that are not contained in the device, but packed in the same box.

    • Example: A home security sensor sold with a spare battery in the same package.

Example of passing the hazmat option

"options": {
    "label_size": "4X6",
    "currency": "USD",
    "hazmat": "PI966-II"
  }

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I designate my shipment as Hazmat or Battery in the API?

All regulated FedEx shipments—whether they are intended for Air, Ground, or are just Lithium Batteries—must be designated using the unified hazmat option in the API.

Refer to the EasyPost API documentation for implementation details. 

Q: Can standard FedEx packaging (Envelopes, Paks, Boxes) be used?

Yes. FedEx Packaging and One Rate is allowed for Permitted IATA Section II Lithium Batteries, including: 

  • FEDEXBOX
  • FEDEXSMALLBOX
  • FEDEXMEDIUMBOX
  • FEDEXLARGEBOX
  • FEDEXEXTRALARGEBOX
  • FEDEX10KGBOX
  • FEDEX25KGBOX
  • FEDEXTUBE

Q: Am I required to do anything else besides providing the HAZMAT type?

Yes. Even though Section II batteries are exempt from the full dangerous goods regulations, they still must have mandatory marking requirements. See the FedEx References section below for guidance from the carrier.

Q: Are there extra fees for these shipments?

No. Surcharge Exemptions (No DG Fee applied) include:

  • Permitted IATA Section II Lithium Batteries - these are the only batteries currently accepted
  • Dangerous goods in Excepted Quantities (IATA 2.6).

Q: Where can I get help or order compliance marking labels?

Service Level Restrictions and Support for DG / Hazmat

IMPORTANT API LIMITATIONS: The EasyPost API does not support Accessible Dangerous Goods (ADG) or Fully Regulated Dangerous Goods (FDG).

Supported by EasyPost

  • Air: FEDEX_EXPRESS or FDXE
  • Ground: FEDEX_GROUND or FDXG
  • Domestic IATA Section II Lithium Batteries (li-ion & li-metal) 

Refer to the EasyPost API documentation for implementation details. 

If batteries are not being shipped, please see the hazmat guide for more information about available options such as "Limited Quantity/ORMD" (hazmat: LIMITED_QUANTITY) /  (hazmat: ORMD)  - for US Domestic FEDEX_GROUND or GROUND_HOME_DELIVERY 

Not Supported by EasyPost

Fully regulated items requiring accessibility during transit (e.g., explosives, flammable gases, anything that the IATA qualifies as FDG, IDG, or ADG).

General FedEx Lithium Battery Service Support for the EasyPost API

DOMESTIC

  • Domestic FedEx Ground (service: FEDEX_GROUND): generally accepts IATA Section II lithium batteries (whatever options we support) 
  • Domestic FedEx Air (service type: FEDEX_EXPRESS): ONLY lithium batteries -  most FedEx U.S. package services (e.g., STANDARD_OVERNIGHT, FEDEX_2_DAY, FEDEX_EXPRESS_SAVER)
  • All available rates will be returned based on the origin/destination and the value passed options[‘hazmat’] in the request.

INTERNATIONAL

  • Currently, only Lithium Battery shipment (using the codes provided or documented under FedEx eligible in the EasyPost API Docs) can be shipped internationally.
  • This includes ONLY IATA section II exempt batteries.
  • Intra-EU / UK shipments are eligible
  • FEDEX_EXPRESS (priority services) will be returned with rates as long as the shipment has a valid lithium battery code passed.

Additional Resources

FedEx References

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