{"id":3714,"date":"2026-06-02T07:11:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T11:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/expedier-des-batteries-lithium-au-canada-guide-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T07:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T11:24:00","slug":"guide-to-shipping-lithium-batteries-to-canada-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/expedier-des-batteries-lithium-au-canada-guide-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipping Lithium Batteries to Canada: 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Do you sell wireless earbuds, power banks, cordless tools, or electronic devices? Then you\u2019re already shipping <strong>lithium batteries<\/strong> \u2014 often without realizing it. In 2026, these shipments are subject to strict regulations in Canada, and the rules have changed. Incorrectly labeling a package can result in the carrier refusing to accept it, a fine, or even a security incident.<\/p>\n<p>For small and medium-sized businesses or individuals shipping within Canada or internationally, understanding these requirements is not optional: it\u2019s what makes the difference between a shipment that\u2019s accepted and one that gets held up at the sorting center. Here\u2019s what you need to know to <strong>ship lithium batteries<\/strong> no unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n<h2>Why lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials<\/h2>\n<p>Lithium batteries are classified as <strong>Class 9 dangerous goods<\/strong> under the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. In the event of a short circuit, impact, or overheating, they can catch fire\u2014a particularly critical risk in air transport. That is why every carrier enforces specific rules for packaging, labeling, and documentation.<\/p>\n<p>There are two main categories: the <strong>lithium metal<\/strong> (non-rechargeable batteries, often found in watches or medical devices) and the <strong>lithium-ion<\/strong> (rechargeable, used in phones, computers, and power banks). Each has its own thresholds and UN numbers.<\/p>\n<h2>Important UN numbers to know: UN3480 and UN3481<\/h2>\n<p>The correct UN number depends on how the battery is being transported:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>UN3480<\/strong> : Lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own (for example, a batch of new portable chargers).<\/li>\n<li><strong>UN3481<\/strong> : lithium-ion batteries <em>contained in equipment<\/em> or <em>packed with equipment<\/em> (the most common scenario in e-commerce: a device with its battery).<\/li>\n<li><strong>UN3090<\/strong> and <strong>UN3091<\/strong> : equivalents for lithium metal batteries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The UN number and the official shipping name must be displayed on the outer packaging as soon as the shipment exceeds the minimum requirements.<\/p>\n<h2>The watt-hour limit: Section I or Section II?<\/h2>\n<p>The most important rule to remember is the threshold in <strong>watt-hours (Wh)<\/strong>. To qualify for the simplified requirements of \u00abSection II\u00bb (those used by most consumer products), two limits must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>each <strong>cell<\/strong> does not exceed <strong>20 Wh<\/strong>;<\/li>\n<li>each <strong>full set of drums<\/strong> does not exceed <strong>100 Wh<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Above these thresholds, the shipment falls under \u00abSection I\u00bb: full declaration of dangerous goods, UN-approved packaging, and trained personnel. In practical terms, a phone (about 10\u201315 Wh) or a laptop (often 50\u201370 Wh) remains in Section II, whereas a large power tool battery or e-bike battery can easily exceed 100 Wh and require the full procedure. Always check the battery label: the Wh value is usually listed there (if not, multiply the ampere-hours by the volts).<\/p>\n<h2>What's New in 2026: Charge Status and New Brand<\/h2>\n<p>Two important changes are taking effect this year and deserve your full attention:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Load capacity limited to 30 %.<\/strong> Since the 1st<sup>er<\/sup> January 2026, lithium-ion batteries <em>packed with equipment<\/em> must travel by air with a load not exceeding <strong>30% of their capacity<\/strong>. Previously, this rule applied only to batteries shipped on their own. For online sellers, this means that a device should not be shipped with a fully charged battery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. The \u00ablithium battery\u00bb brand is evolving.<\/strong> The regulatory symbol (the red hatched rectangle, 100 mm \u00d7 100 mm) no longer requires a phone number. <strong>Both versions of the brand\u2014with or without a number\u2014will remain valid until December 31, 2026.<\/strong> Effective January 1<sup>er<\/sup> As of January 2027, only the new version will be compliant. If you plan to purchase labels in advance, choose the version without a number now.<\/p>\n<h2>Carrier-specific rules<\/h2>\n<p>Each carrier publishes its own shipping guide for batteries, and acceptance criteria vary:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Canada Post<\/strong> does not allow <em>not<\/em> Shipping lithium batteries to destinations outside Canada and the United States. Domestic shipments are still permitted under certain conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>UPS, FedEx, and Purolator<\/strong> accept batteries that comply with Section II, but impose restrictions on loose batteries, often require an approved dangerous goods account, and may charge specific handling fees.<\/li>\n<li>Transportation <strong>aerial<\/strong> is always more restrictive than transportation <strong>terrestrial<\/strong> : If your shipment can be transported by road, the restrictions are generally less stringent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before each shipment, consult the current guidelines from the relevant carrier. A damaged, defective, or recalled battery is, in almost all cases, <strong>Prohibited from shipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2>Packaging and Documentation: The Checklist<\/h2>\n<p>To ensure your shipment is compliant and accepted on the first try:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use packaging <strong>sturdy and solid<\/strong>, capable of withstanding normal shipping conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Protect each battery from <strong>short circuits<\/strong> : insulated terminals, battery in its original packaging or an individual bag.<\/li>\n<li>Prevent everything <strong>movement<\/strong> inside the package and any accidental activation of a device.<\/li>\n<li>Affix the <strong>lithium battery brand<\/strong>, the UN number, and the official name, when required.<\/li>\n<li>Attach the <strong>documentation<\/strong> required (declaration, if applicable) and adhere to the maximum number of batteries per package.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion: Secure Your Battery Shipments<\/h2>\n<p>In summary: identify the correct UN number (UN3480 or UN3481), check the 100 Wh threshold, comply with the 30% state of charge limit by 2026, and adopt the new labeling requirements before the 2027 deadline. Following these simple steps will help you avoid rejected packages, delays, and risks.<\/p>\n<p>The thresholds, fees, and acceptance criteria are for reference only and may vary depending on the carrier, the service, and your commercial agreement. Not sure about your product\u2019s classification or which carrier is best suited for your needs? The team at\u2019<strong>Shipping Store<\/strong> can help you pack, label, and ship your lithium batteries in full compliance with regulations. <a href=\"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/\">Contact us at expertshipping.ca<\/a> for hassle-free shipping.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shipping lithium batteries to Canada in 2026: UN3480\/UN3481 codes, watt-hour limits, new marking, 30 % state of charge, and carrier-specific rules.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3716,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,17],"tags":[67,54,68,42,39],"class_list":["post-3714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-colis","category-shipping","tag-batteries-lithium","tag-emballage-colis","tag-marchandises-dangereuses","tag-pme-expedition-canada","tag-transporteurs-canada-2026"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD.jpg",1344,768,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD.jpg",1344,768,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD.jpg",1344,768,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD-300x171.jpg",300,171,true],"large":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD-1024x585.jpg",800,457,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD.jpg",1344,768,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD.jpg",1344,768,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/expedier-batteries-lithium-canada-2026-HD-18x10.jpg",18,10,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Mouad","author_link":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/author\/user\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/category\/colis\/\" rel=\"category tag\">colis<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/category\/shipping\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Shipping<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Exp\u00e9dier des batteries au lithium au Canada en 2026 : codes UN3480\/UN3481, limites en watt-heures, nouvelle marque, \u00e9tat de charge 30 % et r\u00e8gles par transporteur.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3714"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3714\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3717,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3714\/revisions\/3717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expertshipping.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}