Mandatory Declaration of All Lithium-ion Battery Cargo – DG and Non-DG

• News Category GENERAL INFORMATION

Dear Valued Customer,

The CMA CGM Group wishes to highlight the recent and recurrent industry incidents involving fires caused by li-ion batteries cargo (including shipments declared as Non-Dangerous Goods). These incidents demonstrate that all li-ion batteries present inherent thermal-runaway and fire risks, regardless of their IMDG classification. Therefore, this requirement applies to ALL lithium-ion cells and batteries (related to UN 3480) including those under SP188.

With immediate effect, all cargo containing lithium-ion batteries must be declared at the time of booking or prior to loading of container. Declaration is compulsory and irrespective of DG status, watt-hour rating, lithium content, or any IMDG exemption (e.g. this includes li-ion batteries under SP188). Should your shipment contain a mix of IMDG and non-IMDG li-ion batteries, a double approval is required (one for IMDG batteries, one for batteries under SP188)

Upon declaration and where applicable, we require our customers to provide supporting documents such as recent MSDS, recent UN 38.3 Test, or Special Provision compliance documentation.

As a kind reminder, even if batteries are declared as non-haz under SP188, some packaging requirements STILL exist and are mandatory:

Cells and batteries shall be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery. Cells and batteries shall be protected so as to prevent short circuits. This includes protection against contact with electrically conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit. The inner packagings shall be packed in strong outer packagings.

Additionally, compliance with the CTU code requirements for proper bedding, blocking, bracing, lashing and securing shall be a must. We also confirm that document’s random inspections are likely to be organized at CMA CGM discretion. Any container with li-ion battery cargo that is loaded with the CMA CGM Group, but that was not declared prior to loading, will be treated as a DG misdeclaration, wherein a penalty of USD 15,000 per container will apply (CMA CGM BL clause 25.5 (or ANL BL Clause 9.2) for IMDG related commodities), without prejudice to additional costs, liabilities, or rights under our Conditions of Carriage.

Customers are required to strictly and fully comply with all this document: 
•    Inform CMA CGM booking agent that cargo contains li-ion batteries. 
•    Fill out the questionnaire as mentioned in the attached format. 
•    Provide all the required documents. 
•    Send them to CMA CGM booking agent.
•    CMA CGM booking agent will then transfer them to the dedicated team (DCO-Dangerous Cargo Office) for APPROVALS.
•    Customer to wait for necessary approvals or go ahead from CMA CGM before proceeding with Gate in.

For clarification, please contact your local booking agent / customer care.

We understand that these requirements may affect the smoothness of your bookings, but they have become essential for safe transportation of li-ion batteries. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making the world a safer place.
 

Best Regards,
CMA CGM Agencies India Pvt. Ltd. 
07th October 26

Client Advisory