Lithium Batteries

Moving Items with Lithium Batteries

What Customers Need to Know

Many everyday household items contain lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code because they can present a fire risk if damaged, crushed, overheated or packed incorrectly.

Many lithium battery powered items can be moved safely during a household relocation, however customers must follow a few simple safety rules.

Important – Lithium Battery Restrictions

Under the removalist's terms and conditions, lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour (Wh) rating exceeding 100Wh cannot be transported or stored. This restriction applies to both batteries installed in equipment and loose or spare batteries.

Customers are responsible for identifying lithium-ion batteries in their belongings, checking their Wh rating and advising their removalist of any relevant items before moving day.

Customers will also be required to complete a Lithium Battery Declaration confirming that the goods presented for transport or storage do not include lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh.

Providing false or misleading information about lithium-ion batteries may create serious safety risks and could adversely affect or invalidate insurance coverage.

Household electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries rated at 100Wh or less can generally be transported, provided the batteries are not damaged, defective or subject to a recall, and the items are prepared in accordance with the removalist's instructions. For example:

phones
laptops
tablets
small household electronics
many cordless appliances

To reduce risk during transport:

turn devices off
ensure items are protected from damage
avoid packing them where they may be crushed

Whenever possible, batteries should remain installed in the equipment they power.

To help ensure safe transport:

Turn devices off before packing
Keep batteries installed in equipment where possible
Do not pack loose batteries in household cartons
Store spare batteries separately from other items
Protect battery terminals from contact with metal objects
Tell your removalist about large battery items (e-bikes, scooters, etc.) before moving day

Your removalist may provide additional instructions for safely preparing battery powered equipment.

Loose or spare lithium batteries require additional care.

Customers must:

declare all loose batteries before moving day
not pack loose batteries inside general household cartons
keep spare batteries separate from other items

All loose or spare lithium batteries must be disclosed to the removalist before moving day. Lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh cannot be transported or stored. Any permitted loose or spare batteries must be protected against short circuits and handled in accordance with the removalist's instructions.

Some larger devices contain high-capacity lithium batteries, such as:

e-bikes
electric scooters
mobility scooters
large power tool battery packs

Some larger devices, including those listed above, may contain lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh. Under the removalist's terms and conditions, lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh cannot be transported or stored. Customers must check the Watt-hour (Wh) rating and notify their removalist before moving day.

Lithium batteries can ignite if they are damaged or crushed during transport.

Declaring battery powered items helps your removalist:

plan safe packing and loading
reduce fire risk during the move
comply with transport safety requirements
providing accurate information about lithium batteries helps the removalist assess transport risks and meet relevant requirements
providing false or misleading information may create serious safety risks and could adversely affect or invalidate insurance coverage.

AFRA Lithium Battery Calculator

Check the watt-hour (Wh) rating of a lithium-ion battery before your move.

How to use the calculator

Find the battery rating on its label, then select the matching information in the calculator.

Choose whether the label shows Wh, or voltage (V) together with capacity (Ah or mAh).
Enter the figures exactly as printed on the battery label.
Read the watt-hour result and the safety requirements.
Select “Check Another Battery” to check the next battery.

If you cannot identify the battery rating, ask your removalist before packing.

Where do I find these numbers?

Check the battery label or manufacturer's specifications for Wh, V, Ah or mAh. For example, 18V × 5Ah = 90Wh; 3.7V × 20,000mAh ÷ 1,000 = 74Wh. Use the rated/nominal battery voltage, not the charger's output voltage.

Two example lithium battery labels: power tool battery showing 18V and 5Ah equals 90Wh, and power bank showing 3.7V and 20000mAh equals 74Wh

Illustrative labels only — your battery may look different. Use the rating printed on your actual battery.

If you cannot determine the battery rating, contact your removalist before packing.

What information is on the battery?

Enter the battery information to see the result.

Lithium Batteries

Moving Items with Lithium Batteries

AFRA Lithium Battery Calculator

Important safety requirements