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A lot of everyday items are battery-powered, from watches and toys to laptops and phones. But what are the rules when you want to send one of these items and how exactly do you send batteries in the post?

Advice on sending batteries in the post differs depending on the battery type, where you are sending and the carrier you are using. Our guide lets you know what batteries you can and can’t send through our network and how to package batteries for safe transit.

 
 

SENDING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

 

One of the most common types of batteries is lithium-ion. Due to this battery’s lightweight and rechargeable nature, it is often used in laptops, smartwatches and mobile phones. However, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. When exposed to high temperatures, lithium-ion batteries have been known to overheat and even explode. For this reason, we have some restrictions when sending lithium-ion batteries through our network.

You can send lithium-ion batteries within the UK, as long as the battery is fitted within the device. For example, if you are sending a mobile phone, make sure the battery is installed in the phone and you don’t send a spare battery or powerbank loose in the package.

Due to the risk of combustion, you cannot send lithium-ion batteries internationally. For a full list of items which are not permitted through our network take a look at our international prohibited items list.

 
 

SENDING ALKALINE BATTERIES

 

Another common type of battery is Alkaline. These are used in small electronic devices and comes in many different shapes and sizes, including AAA and AA. There are no restrictions when sending alkaline batteries in the post, either within the UK or internationally. However, you do need to make sure they are packaged correctly to avoid damage during transit.

 
 

SENDING CAR BATTERIES

 

Car batteries cannot be sent through our network – either within the UK or internationally. For a full list of restricted items, take a look at our prohibited items page.

These are some of the most common battery types, but if your battery does not appear in the above list, we recommend getting in touch with our Customer Service team to check that your battery is safe to send in the post.

 
 

HOW TO POST BATTERIES

 

Due to their hazardous nature, parcels containing batteries must be packaged carefully to avoid damage during transit. When sending a battery in the post there is different packaging advice depending on the type of battery you are sending – take a look at our top tips on how to send Alkaline and lithium-ion batteries below:

 

Alkaline batteries

Lithium-ion batteries
  • Take the battery out of the device
  • Battery should be installed inside the device
  • Keep in original packaging if possible
  • Make sure the device is switched off
  • Wrap in plenty of bubble wrap
  • Wrap the device in plenty of bubble wrap 
  • Use a double-walled box
  • Use a double-walled box 
  • Fill any unused space with internal packaging
  • Fill any unused space with internal packaging
  • Use strong tape to seal the box 
  • Use strong tape to seal the box
 

Take a look at our packaging guide for more advice on how to pack parcels for posting in the UK, so they arrive at the destination safely.

 
 

CONTENTS COVER

 

As standard, we provide £25 of contents cover on all parcels sent within the UK. However, if you are sending a higher value electrical item, for example, a laptop or mobile phone, we recommend taking out extended contents cover to the value of the item.

You can do this when placing your booking by selecting the level of required from the drop-down. For more information on our contents cover options take a look at our terms and conditions.

 

 

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