Free battery transport information now available on cross-industry platform BatteriesTransport.org
Brussels/Washington D.C., 1 September 2020 - The industry associations for batteries and battery-powered products RECHARGE, EPBA, EUROBAT, PRBA, EBRA, ACEA, LEVA-EU and MDBTC announced today the launch of a new information platform for the safe transportation, testing and packaging of battery cells, batteries, and vehicles and equipment containing batteries. With the aim of facilitating access to battery-specific transport information and raising awareness, the eight associations make available free and easy-to-understand content on the requirements as set out by the United Nations, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and other transport regulations.
The professional transport of battery-related articles – via air, sea or road - is subject to international, national and regional regulatory frameworks, which include comprehensive administrative and operational measures to ensure the safe transport at all times. The requirements apply to lead-, lithium-, nickel- and sodium-based batteries likewise.
“Transporting an electro-chemical article, as a prototype, final product or waste, means that specific safety measures must be applied. Failing to comply with the obligations is not just a violation of these regulations but a safety risk that our industry is not willing to accept”, said the associations. “Representing a responsible industry, we want to ensure that everyone involved in the transport of our batteries and battery-containing products has access to the applicable requirements”.
Free of charge, BatteriesTransport.org offers general information for shippers, transport operators and end-users. It also includes frequently asked questions and two dedicated eBooks with all relevant testing, packaging, labeling and reporting instructions per transport mode.
BatteriesTransport.org works with some of the most respected experts in the industry to provide information that is clear, comprehensive and updated. The content is revised on a (bi-)annual basis to reflect the regular changes to the regulatory frameworks. Contact email@batteriestransport.org to support the initiative and help educate on the safe transport of batteries worldwide.
Note to the editor
Contact details:
Pia Alina Lange, RECHARGE – alange@rechargebatteries.org
Gert Meylemans, EUROBAT – gmeylemans@eurobat.org
About:
RECHARGE is the European industry association for advanced rechargeable and lithium batteries. Founded in 1998, it is our mission to promote advanced rechargeable batteries as a key technology that will contribute to a more empowered, sustainable and circular economy by enabling decarbonized electricity and mobility. RECHARGE’s unique membership covers all aspects of the advanced rechargeable battery value chain in Europe: From suppliers of primary and secondary raw materials, to battery, equipment and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), to logistic partners and battery recyclers. www.rechargebatteries.org.
EPBA advocates for the portable power solutions of its members and works with regulators, NGOs and other stakeholders to create an environment of harmonized and fair legislation so customers may enjoy efficient and safe portable batteries to be conveniently used and recycled. For more information, visit our website: www.epbaeurope.net
EUROBAT is the association for the European manufacturers of automotive, industrial and energy storage batteries. EUROBAT has more than 50 members from across the continent comprising more than 90% of the automotive and industrial battery industry in Europe. The members and staff work with all stakeholders, such as battery users, governmental organizations and media, to develop new battery solutions in areas of hybrid and electro-mobility as well as grid flexibility and renewable energy storage. www.eurobat.org
PRBA is a non-profit trade association based in Washington, DC, USA whose members manufacture approximately 65% of the lithium ion battery cells produced in the world today. They also include leading manufacturers of lithium metal cells and batteries, power tools, outdoor power equipment, medical devices, portable electronic equipment, and defense products, battery assemblers, battery recyclers, retailers, and airlines. PRBA members are developing and manufacturing vehicles and lithium ion batteries that will bring to market a new generation of hybrid and electric vehicles and grid energy storage projects. PRBA has participated in meetings of the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, International Maritime Organization Carriage of Cargoes and Containers Sub-Committee, and ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel Working Group since 2005. www.prba.org
EBRA is a European professional organization defending the interests of companies involved with sorting and recycling of all kinds of batteries (portable, consumer, industrial), all chemistries apart from lead-acid, but including Li-Ion batteries for e-mobility and stationary electricity storage. www.ebra-recycling.org
ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association represents the 16 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers. BMW Group, CNH Industrial, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Ferrari, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Group, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group. ACEA works with a variety of institutional, non-governmental, research and civil society partners - as well as with a number of industry associations with related interests. The Association has permanent cooperation with the European Council for Automotive R&D (EUCAR), which is the industry body for collaborative research and development, and close relations with the 29 national automobile manufacturers' associations in Europe and globally. www.acea.be
Established in 2017, LEVA-EU is the only trade association in Europe to work exclusively for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). The term LEV covers all electric vehicles in the L-category, as well as those excluded from the L-category. LEVA-EU represents the strategic interests of light electric vehicle dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers to promote the development, sale, and use of LEVs in the EU. The association assists its members with expert knowledge on rules and regulations governing LEVs. LEVA-EU also works for better rules through CEN, ISO, IEC and the Commission’s Motorcycle Working Group. The association aims at raising awareness and promoting the European LEV-sector vis-à-vis the European Institutions. LEVA-EU has around 50 members in the EU as well as in Norway, Switzerland, China, Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. www.leva-eu.com
The mission of the Medical Device Battery Transport Council (MDBTC) is to advocate for responsible regulations for the transportation of medical devices and the lithium cells and batteries that power them. Due to the timely nature in which medical devices are needed, this council is focused on ensuring that lithium cells and batteries can be transported safely by passenger and cargo aircraft. By working directly with regulators and other stakeholders, the MDBTC hopes to build a consensus that leads toward the development of regulations that enhance transportation safety without disrupting critical medical device supply chains. mdbtc.org