Can You Ship A Camera With Batteries?

Shipping a camera with batteries requires understanding lithium-ion battery regulations, proper packaging techniques, and carrier-specific rules. Lithium-ion batteries used in camera products such as EOS DSLR, video camcorders, and PowerShot digital compact cameras could be classified as hazardous material and require a specific shipping method per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Lithium Battery Classification and Labels

Batteries are classified as dangerous goods due to their properties and the potential risk they pose if improperly used, damaged, overcharged, or other structural defects which can cause the battery to release energy. This can lead to short circuits, fires, explosions, and the production of toxic fumes.

UN3481

Li-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment. This label indicates to the shipper what it is and determines if they will send it surface only.

UN3480

Used when shipping a battery and nothing else — no accompanying device.

Packages with lithium-ion batteries must have the required warning labels affixed when a lithium-ion battery safety document is included. You can print the required warning labels and bring them to the shipper.

Battery Installed vs. Battery Packed Separately

Canon recommends shipping lithium-ion batteries inside the battery compartment of your camera or camcorder. No more than two batteries may be shipped in one package.

• If you ship the battery installed in the camera, make sure the camera cannot accidentally power on if it gets jostled around in the package, because you do not want the battery overheating in a package.
• If you pack the battery separately, make sure the terminals are isolated so they cannot get jostled around and shorted against something.
• If there is any possibility that the device could turn itself on and overheat inside the packaging, remove the battery and wrap it separately.

Batteries cannot be shipped on their own without the proper hazmat documentation, but they can be shipped without that documentation if included with another item intended to use those batteries.

Key Safety Practices When Packing

The most important things for actual safety when shipping a lithium-ion battery are:

1. Make sure the battery is at half charge or less.
2. Make sure it has protection against getting punctured inside the box with other items, or if another box falls on it and crushes it.
3. Make sure it cannot be activated to pass power during shipping, either through exposed terminals or an exposed power switch on a device.
4. Cameras and camcorders with a battery inside, and lithium-ion batteries shipped by themselves, must be packaged in a sturdy box with sufficient packing materials to prevent damage in shipping.

Air vs. Ground Shipping Restrictions

Unless you are hazmat trained, it is unlawful to ship lithium-ion batteries via air shipment. Use ground shipping.

• If you are mailing pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic devices containing or packaged with lithium batteries, you must send them via ground transportation; they are prohibited in air transportation.
• These devices must be marked on the outer packaging with the text "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only."
• A "pre-owned, damaged, or defective electronic device" means an electronic device containing or packaged with one or more lithium cells or batteries that is not new and contained in new, unopened packaging, and/or has some form of damage or defect.
• Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium battery shipping is restricted to ground transportation by law.

Carrier-Specific Rules

Shippers are required to understand and comply with the applicable regulations for the transport of batteries by all modes of transportation. Requirements vary by carrier:

USPS

For domestic mailings only, small consumer-type primary lithium cells or batteries like those used to power cameras and flashlights are mailable domestically under certain conditions. Pre-owned devices with lithium batteries must be shipped via ground transportation and are prohibited in air transportation.

UPS

UPS does not accept damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries prepared under 49CFR §173.185(f). UPS provides service for damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries only when compliantly prepared under U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permits as authorized under 49CFR Part 107, Subpart B. This service requires UPS pre-approval and a specialized service agreement.

Canada Post / General Ground Services

When confirmed that the destination and shipping tier means the package will remain ground only, there is no chance it will end up on a plane. However, even a "short drive" destination may go to a central processing hub that could be flying distance, especially if both locations are not served by the same local hub.

Documentation and Informing the Shipper

Bring your unsealed package to a shipper who can provide you with a tracking number — UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc. Inform the shipper that a lithium-ion battery is being shipped. There are strict shipping requirements for lithium-ion batteries, including special packaging and labeling.

• If your camera or lighting equipment contains batteries, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer. This document outlines the product's chemical composition, potential hazards, and safe handling instructions.
• Before you pack, make a detailed inventory of every item you plan to ship — including serial numbers, product descriptions, and estimated values. This list will be useful for both customs declaration and insurance claims.
• Take clear photos of each item to document its condition before shipping. These images serve as proof of value and help streamline the claims process if needed.

Not everyone in the shipping industry knows all the rules, and sometimes staff go off what they think is correct rather than written policy. If a counter clerk disagrees with documented regulations, print the relevant rules from the carrier's website and escalate to a supervisor if needed. For additional questions on shipping batteries, contact the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964, or refer to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for complete regulation of lithium-ion and lithium metal battery or cell shipping requirements.