There have been a few threads on this but none conclusive so wanted to start a thread to share the key info I can find. Having switched from Sony a mount to e mount I've ended up with many spare A mount batteries, with several potential buyers, but apparently no carriers willing to transport them unless packed with the device they power.
UPS: https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_GB/pack_ship_batteries.pdf
"While all lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials (also referred to as dangerous goods), there are exceptions for common small sizes of these batteries that simplify the rules for shipping these items by air. UPS accepts such common lithium batteries under those reduced regulations only when the batteries are packed with or contained in equipment (UN3091, UN3481).
For UPS, all air shipments of lithium ion or metal batteries shipped without equipment (UN3090, UN3480) must be fully regulated as dangerous goods, which requires a UPS Dangerous Goods contract."
...Though seems ground mail might have different, and a useful guidance doc as ever: "Non-U.S: Most ground regulations such as ADR and TDGR have exceptions for shipping small lithium batteries. Check with local regulations to ensure compliance with any local or state variations."
Royal mail: https://personal.help.royalmail.co...tricted-items---advice-for-personal-customers
"Batteries not connected to or posted with the device it is intended to power
Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and certain used batteries (including wet spillable lead acid/lead alkaline batteries (such as car batteries), used alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air batteries, solo lithium batteries, power banks and damaged batteries of any type)
International - Not allowed in the mail
UK - Not allowed in the mail
Batteries, specifically new and used lithium batteries when not sent with or connected to an electronic device (including power banks)
International - Not allowed in the mail
UK - Not allowed in the mail
For more information on lithium batteries please see the IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document."
IATA: (focused on air freight) https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/ and https://www.iata.org/contentassets...b9/lithium-battery-guidance-document-2020.pdf
Dpd: https://www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk/prohibited-items
UPS: https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_GB/pack_ship_batteries.pdf
"While all lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials (also referred to as dangerous goods), there are exceptions for common small sizes of these batteries that simplify the rules for shipping these items by air. UPS accepts such common lithium batteries under those reduced regulations only when the batteries are packed with or contained in equipment (UN3091, UN3481).
For UPS, all air shipments of lithium ion or metal batteries shipped without equipment (UN3090, UN3480) must be fully regulated as dangerous goods, which requires a UPS Dangerous Goods contract."
...Though seems ground mail might have different, and a useful guidance doc as ever: "Non-U.S: Most ground regulations such as ADR and TDGR have exceptions for shipping small lithium batteries. Check with local regulations to ensure compliance with any local or state variations."
Royal mail: https://personal.help.royalmail.co...tricted-items---advice-for-personal-customers
"Batteries not connected to or posted with the device it is intended to power
Batteries that are classified as dangerous goods and certain used batteries (including wet spillable lead acid/lead alkaline batteries (such as car batteries), used alkaline metal, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc-air batteries, solo lithium batteries, power banks and damaged batteries of any type)
International - Not allowed in the mail
UK - Not allowed in the mail
Batteries, specifically new and used lithium batteries when not sent with or connected to an electronic device (including power banks)
International - Not allowed in the mail
UK - Not allowed in the mail
For more information on lithium batteries please see the IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document."
IATA: (focused on air freight) https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/ and https://www.iata.org/contentassets...b9/lithium-battery-guidance-document-2020.pdf
Dpd: https://www.dpdlocal-online.co.uk/prohibited-items