What is the general policy on reconditioned or refurbished lithium batteries in hazmat shipping?

• A. Often restricted or require special approval; verify with Hazmat team.
• B. Always permitted without approval.
• C. Strictly prohibited in all cases.
• D. Only allowed if refurbished by the manufacturer.

Answer: (A)

Reconditioned or refurbished lithium batteries are treated with extra caution in hazmat shipping because their safety performance can differ from new cells. This means shipments are often restricted or require special approval, so you should always check with the Hazmat team to confirm whether shipping is allowed and under what conditions. The Hazmat team will review factors such as the battery chemistry, the stated watt-hours, the state of charge, who performed the refurbishment, and the packaging and documentation plans, since these details determine how the shipment must be classified, labeled, and packaged. If approval is granted, there will be specific packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements, and there may be limits on quantity or transport mode.