ShipLite

ShipLite service guide

Gadgets and batteries

Check the device, battery rating and quantity before you pack.

The quick rule

If an item switches on without a cord and is larger than a phone, expect checks. One or two devices are usually simpler; larger quantities or larger batteries may require a handling fee or sea freight.

Normally accepted — no hazard fee

  • PhonesBuilt-in battery no greater than 100 Wh; one or two per box is normally acceptable.
  • TabletsiPad, Galaxy Tab and similar tablets; one or two per box are normally acceptable.
  • LaptopsOne or two units per box are normally acceptable.
  • PlayStation consoles and controllersA console on its own has only a small button cell. A console with one or two controllers is normally acceptable.
  • Nintendo Switch and Steam DeckNormally accepted by air. Keep the quantity per box low.
  • Cameras and GoProBattery must be installed in the device. Do not include loose spare batteries.
  • Watches, PC motherboards, desktop PCs and monitorsButton-cell devices and equipment without large batteries are normally acceptable.
  • Fridge magnets and small magnetsNormally accepted when the magnetic field remains within the air-cargo threshold.

Check first — a handling fee may apply

  • PlayStation with three or more controllersLithium battery marking may be required and a handling fee may apply.
  • Cordless power toolsBattery packs no greater than 100 Wh are usually acceptable. Example: 18 V × 5 Ah = 90 Wh. Multiple packs or units can add a handling fee.
  • DronesThe battery must be installed. Loose spare drone batteries are not accepted; extra checks may apply.
  • Magnetised material within limitsA declaration or shielding may be required, so a handling fee may apply.
  • Dyson-type stick vacuumsMany battery packs exceed 100 Wh and some airlines will not accept them. Sea freight may be the practical option.

Not accepted by air — use sea freight

  • Loose lithium batteries and power banksRemove them from the parcel or arrange sea freight.
  • Damaged, defective or recalled batteriesNever accepted by air. This includes swollen or leaking batteries.
  • E-bike, e-scooter and vehicle battery packsThese large packs typically exceed air-transport limits.
  • Bulk or strong magnetsNot permitted by air if the magnetic field remains above the threshold after packaging.

Quantity and handling matter

Keep devices switched off, prevent accidental activation and tell ShipLite exactly how many devices and battery packs are in the box. Larger quantities can change labelling, handling and acceptance requirements.

Pack and declare clearly

Secure each device against movement and damage. Declare the device type, battery type and watt-hour rating where available. Never hide a battery or describe it as something else.

Watt-hour quick maths

Wh = V × Ah

Phones are commonly about 10–15 Wh. Laptops are commonly about 40–100 Wh. Power-tool packs can exceed 100 Wh.

This is a practical summary. Rules change and airline or operator requirements vary. ShipLite will confirm the item before dispatch.