The certificate covers 6 six sites – Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Luton, Manchester and Purfleet following a rigorous certification process over several months, which included employee training, an onsite assessment and audit processes.
Lithium batteries are found in a wide range of consumer goods and are classified as dangerous goods that can pose a safety risk if not prepared in accordance with transport regulations.
CEIV Li-batt has been developed in response to concerns about a lack of awareness of the danger lithium batteries pose and an increasing number of incidents of intentionally mis-declared or non-compliant lithium batteries in cargo shipments.
The certificate establishes baseline standards to improve the level of competency and quality management in the handling and carriage of lithium batteries throughout the supply chain.
Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services at IATA, says, “The lithium battery market is growing exponentially, we need to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system to meet demand. Having one of the largest players in the forwarding sector in the UK support the CEIV Lithium Battery program is a significant boost towards ensuring the safe carriage of products containing lithium batteries.”