Powerbanks

[youradds]

Hi,

What is Royal Mails stance on sending powerbanks outside the UK? I have 3300mAh powerbanks (encased in metal) that I'm selling. Normally we just sell them via Amazon (with FBA), but I'm looking at branching out into other countries as well (which will mean I need to process them manually via Royal Mail, or another courier)

FYI, this is what we want to post: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steampunk-Junk ... B016YGFI64" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's inside a solid metal case, as well as a wooden box for packing. The size is 3300mAh

Thanks

Andy

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The issue round batteries are quite technical because of a change in the CAO instruction. But this RM page might be able to help.

https://business.help.royalmail.com/app ... goods---uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Batteries - lithium ion/polymer batteries contained in/connected to an electronic device

Each package must contain no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment. The maximum net quantity of cells or batteries is 5kg per package. Watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery. Each cell and battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3. Batteries are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested.

Cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management programme as specified in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Cells or batteries that are defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, are forbidden. Any person preparing or offering cells or batteries with or in equipment for transport must receive adequate instruction on the requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit.

The equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. Lithium ion/polymer batteries sent in isolation are prohibited. Please see http://www.royalmail.com/business/prohibitedgoods" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[youradds]

Thanks for the reply.

haha I've already checked that page, and it's still not clear to me :) I just don't want to fall foul of the law (and certainly don't want any prosecution!)

The weight is 250g for the powerbank itself, and

watt-hour rating must not exceed 20Wh per cell or 100Wh per battery

Ours comes to 16.5Wh (3300mAh x 5V) , so well below the 20Wh, let along 100Wh

Protection wise - its in a solid case, and the battery is encased in the container. We also pack the items well, as I don't want anything (battery or not), getting damaged in transit.

Is there someone I can talk to that would be able to give a more definitive answer? It would be a shame to not sell outside of the EU, if we are able to (even if we limited it to 1 powerbank per customer)

Thanks :)

Andy

[TrueBlueTerrier]

You could try the Customer Services number as a last resort, they are great people on there but it takes ages to get through the menu system to actually talk to them.

However, the twitter account is very proactive and if they can't help they may be able to point you in the right direction for technical help or even an email address.

@royalmail

[youradds]

Thanks - will give that a go :)

[Snaggletooth]

This question came up at the PO while I worked there, and again on here more recently, but I’m not sure if we ever got a clear answer: do RM count power banks as “batteries connected to equipment” or batteries by themselves?

[youradds]

This question came up at the PO while I worked there, and again on here more recently, but I’m not sure if we ever got a clear answer: do RM count power banks as “batteries connected to equipment” or batteries by themselves?

Exactly! my logic would say they are 'connected' as they are inside a shell of another device, and protected. I just don't want to get screwed over for negligence when shipping, but neither do I want to loose out of 75% of the world sales because I made being too careful :arrrghh

[Snaggletooth]

There was a counter argument that they are effectively just a battery with a few fancy bits on them. I never did find out the definitive answer. But it is important, because it affects how you package & declare the item. If you find out, please post it on here!

You might want to bear in mind that about 30 countries ban lithium batteries from the mail altogether, meaning that any power banks you send there would be subject to confiscation regardless of whether they were packaged correctly. The most prominent countries that do this are Germany and PR China.

[Snaggletooth]

For example, click “prohibited...” on this page:

https://www.royalmail.com/germany" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[youradds]

For example, click “prohibited...” on this page:

https://www.royalmail.com/germany" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wow, I never knew Germany were so bad! Funnily enough, we sell them to Germany via Amazon (using FBA), so it would be interesting to know how they get them over there.

You might want to bear in mind that about 30 countries ban lithium batteries from the mail altogether, meaning that any power banks you send there would be subject to confiscation regardless of whether they were packaged correctly. The most prominent countries that do this are Germany and PR China.

Mmm I didn't realise it was that high! Are they all outside of the EU? (apart from Germany)

Currently I have our product page setup to only ship to the EU - but if there are other countries in the EU where we can't ship them, it would make more sense to block them as well.

Cheers

Andy

[Snaggletooth]

I can't find any lists of countries that ban lithium batteries. Then, from the depths of my memory came ... Finland. Germany & Finland may well be the only two in the EU, but I can't swear to it.

The official answer is that you have to check the prohibited list each time you send in case it changes, which it can at any time. That actually applies to absolutely anything that you might send in the mail, but lithium batteries are something which are quite likely to be troublesome.

As to how Amazon distribute these things: hopefully by train, ferry, lorry & car...

[youradds]

Hi,

No worries. Thanks for looking into it. Unfortunately, we are no closer to finding out from CS about it, but I think for the sake of hassle, it would be better just to keep to Europe and let Amazon send them for us (as they should be obeying all the rules).

As to how Amazon distribute these things: hopefully by train, ferry, lorry & car...

You never know. I did read an article a while back about it : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... fires.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Hopefully they have cleaned up their act now ;)

Cheers

Andy