Posting batteries (sorry)

[JayJ]

I've done a search but I'm struggling to find the correct info, in English. I'm wanting to post a single 18650 battery, it's sealed and is inserted in a single channel charger. I've bubble wrapped this and then put it in a jiffy envelope. I'm just worried this won't meet requirements. I know some are sometimes creative with the truth with the post office but I'm posting from Doncaster to Yeovil and I don't want it scanning if it went on a plane or is it more likely just by road ?

Jay

[VapingBad]

You should be fine, just say "nothing on the restricted list" when they ask. IIRC the rules are no loose battery cells, but you can have a cell(s) fitted into a device that uses them plus one or 2 spares. The rules were on the royal fail site, but they do take a little finding.

[VapingBad]

www.royalmail.com/business/help/sending/restricted-goods

They are even more complicated than they used to be.

[JayJ]

I've read the rules and it does say they need to be either in a device, ie the charger, or in a rigid container not free to move around in the outer packaging. So I think I'm ok. I was thinking of the "nothing on your restricted items" answer but just a bit worried it might get checked as it is in the restricted items list. The last two me I used that answer I don't think the post office staff were impressed, nosey gits.

Jay

[JayJ]

Sept 28, 2015 23:22:32 GMT VapingBad said:

www.royalmail.com/business/help/sending/restricted-goods

They are even more complicated than they used to be.

Reading that though, the equipment the batteries are connected to must be in rigid packaging. The world has gone mad.

Jay

[Postmodern Smoking]

Lithium ion/polymer/metal/alloy batteries are allowed when sent with or contained in/connected to an electronic device, but are subject to packaging, volume and quantity restrictions. Please see www.royalmail.com/restrictedgoods.

I think you're supposed to use rigid packaging rather than just a padded Jiffy.


ETA] - I think I've been ninja'd by yourself and VB!

[VapingBad]

Sept 28, 2015 23:26:29 GMT JayJ said:

Sept 28, 2015 23:22:32 GMT VapingBad said:

www.royalmail.com/business/help/sending/restricted-goods

They are even more complicated than they used to be.

Reading that though, the equipment the batteries are connected to must be in rigid packaging. The world has gone mad.

Jay

It has, as long as you make sure they can't short and are protected from knocks I don't see why they forbid batteries without a device, especially the metal case cylindrical batteries they are not as fragile as LiPo.  Cardboard is rigid and the LiPos I got from Hobby Craft were in bubble wrap inside a small cardboard box.  A bit of rigid plastic pipe if you have some about.

I think most people just bubble wrap them well and post them.

[JayJ]

The way I read it is the device the batteries are connected to has to be in rigid packaging. Not able to move freely within the outer packaging. It doesn't state anything about the type of outer packaging. I've got a couple of battery cases but then it's different rules again for batteries not connected to a device.

So tempted to just give the nothing on the restricted items list answer and chance my luck.

Jay

[Postmodern Smoking]

I've used outer Jiffy packaging before with boxed 'lithium batteries connected to a device' inside and had no problem declaring it at the counter, albeit a friendly Post Office.

If you haven't sealed the package yet... wrap and tape some cardboard around the charger and stick it back in the padded envelope. If challenged over the packaging you can therefore say that it is boxed inside.

But yes, it's all a pain in the ar$e these days!!

[JayJ]

Sept 28, 2015 23:46:22 GMT Postmodern Smoking said:

I've used outer Jiffy packaging before with boxed 'lithium batteries connected to a device' inside and had no problem declaring it at the counter, albeit a friendly Post Office.

If you haven't sealed the package yet... wrap and tape some cardboard around the charger and stick it back in the padded envelope. If challenged over the packaging you can therefore say that it is boxed inside.

But yes, it's all a pain in the ar$e these days!!

I've found a small cardboard box that some medication came in, I've put the sealed battery in the charger then placed these inside the box, technically it's boxed inside therefore, possibly not as rigid as required but hey ho.

Jay

[Postmodern Smoking]

They don't specify how rigid....
But doing what you've done, and knowing what the regs are = you should be fine.

If asked what's in the package use the same language as the PO .... i.e. "lithium battery in a device"

Also remember that you need sender’s name and return address on the outer packaging.

[JayJ]

Yes and when they ask me what device, boy are they going to blush !

Jay

[VapingBad]

These are the boxes HobbyKing ship LiPos from their UK Warehouse in JayJ the battery had some bubble wrap around it as well.

[hijack]

I havent had a problem with royal mail accepting a parcel that contains a battery once you tell them what it is and how you have packaged it.
They just put an extra label on the box to let the baggage handlers know and in goes on the aircraft as usual. Doesnt cost any extra.
I did have a problem with 'my hermes' though and it looked to me like they dont allow you to send a battery however it is packed.

[monty]

You could use a courier. Should be about the same price.