No Internationally shipped Li Ion battery anymore?

rdfronty, I doubt they’ll be destroyed. If they are detected they will be returned to FastTech otherwise I’m sure you’ll get them soon enough.

Uhm……did you use paypal? For the $65?

I assume the panasonic is lithium?

Prepare for flashlight dummies acting as containers for shipping batteries!

A long time ago I bought some NCRA batteries from aliexpress seller and interesting thing was that they were shipped from Sweden! or via Sweden PO in Singapore if there is something like that!!! Either way tracking number was in RE………SE format and indicated as it was shipped from Sweden!

If you are from EU maybe this can help you get some batteries, this seller has many types of Panasonic and Sanyo cells but, just to warn you, his prices are no match for FastTech, for example 4 pcs of NCR18650B protected are $35.20 so that would be $8.80 per cell while FT sells them at $8.065 per cell.
So, if someone is interested I can pass the link…

Yes I used PayPal for the purchase with Bob a year ago. BUT was stupid and did it as a gift as per his requests. However I had previously purchased perhaps 4 times with him, I didn’t expect it to become issue. He was a an outstanding guy - just got badly sick and has disappeared.

It’s not shipped from Sweden. “Direct Link” is a postal service from Asia to the rest of the world, just like everything people get shipped using Singapore Post isn’t shipped from Singapore but actually shipped from Shenzhen or Hong Kong.

If FT cancels the order you will get an email or ticket on your FT account. You can track your order status at FT. I got my cancellation ticket a few hours ago for an order of Pana PDs made on the Sep 16. :frowning:

ALL cargo and baggage should be put in fireproof containers. Many things can start a fire that are more dangerous than batteries.
Wasn’t it the batteries in the planes backup system that caught fire? not loose ones being shipped?

I wonder how they ship consumer goods containing lithium cells.

Here the FAA have recorded incidents involving lithium battery fires:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/aircarrier_info/media/Battery_incident_chart.pdf

I think its ok to ship battery in the device it powers but not loose………seems it would be safer loose. Maybe batteries should be packaged better.

I dont mind the idea of cells being shipped in a tailcap lock out host…. :party:

tape the cell, drop in the complimentary host, it doesn’t need to have an led or driver, infact they could put a plastic disk where the driver should be, I could live with that.

Here's the thing I don't get.

Post office says it's ok to ship batteries if they are installed in the device.

How is that any safer vs shipping them in plastic carriers?

I have an order with FT for 12 battery packs... showed shipped as of 9/12, really hope it makes it through.

If I understand the usps rules, loose batteries are ok to ship domestically but not internationally. ???

Last I shipped cells, only new cells can be shipped. Used cells have to be in a device.

It seems that regulators have been a little slow waking up to the problems with shipping quantities of these battery packs. There appear to be some rules in place, but one local company has been caught ignoring or bending even those limited requirements.

If they can ship batteries in devices, I cannot see any problem. It does not take much work to manufacturer a cheap device that contains two 18650 batteries.

A 5mm LED, resistor and stamp metal switch added to the transport boxes cannot be that expensive. :wink:
I cannot really blame them though. When I remember my DX packages: batteries, knives etc all just stuffen in a open bubblewrap bag, plastic foil or cardbord. Sometimes not even secured with tape. That’s just asking for trouble.

i’ve been saving money to buy 4 x18650 flat top button battery and this happen :_(
i hope someone find a good and cheap solution.

It's not the cells themselves that are causing problems, it's the usually inadequate packaging. Batteries with a layer of bubble wrap and some clear tape in a padded paper envelope shouldn't be allowed on an airplane.