Simplifying the shipping of consumer electronics from brands to retailers.

Know your shipping classifications— for compliance and growth.

Shipping electronics is not as simple as putting the product in the box and sending it on its way. The transport of electronics is highly regulated (and rightfully so). Safety testing, documentation, and permits are common requirements. Certain packing instructions may have to be adhered to in order to prevent accidental activation or damage to the battery in transit. And in some cases, separating incompatible materials, not exceeding a maximum quantity, or durable packaging may also be required.

Generally speaking, electronics are delivered in boxes with labels that visually identify the package (for example, a pictogram of batteries including one on fire). And yet, small quantities of electronics or electronics with certain types of batteries won’t require this label. You may be wondering where lithium batteries fit in.

The regulations and classifications to safely ship products containing lithium batteries can be complex. Ensuring a straightforward solution is in place to retail these items is not something retailers or brands can afford to overlook. The lithium battery market was valued at $14.1 billion in 2021 and will have likely doubled by 2027. If consumer products that use lithium battery technology cannot be safely shipped and accepted by retailers, brands will lose sales and consumers will look elsewhere to make their purchases.

Between 2020 and 2030, the global demand for lithium-ion batteries will increase elevenfold.

More rules shouldn't mean fewer sales.

Regulations for shipping electronics are changing and being added all the time. It can be tough to keep up. But for companies that stay on top of it, the benefit is twofold: paying fewer fines and selling more products. If a retailer is confident that products have been accurately classified and shipped in line with current regulations, it is one less (and very big) thing to worry about. Retailers will be quicker to sign with brands that are aware of the latest regulations and exceptions. With SmarterX, you can be confident you have the correct classifications and insights to support your growth.

Case in point: A smart pet technology company.

SmarterX started working with a California-based consumer tech and pet care brand after it had been accepted by a leading warehouse club. The brand registered its products with SmarterX in order to complete the compliance process and get on the warehouse club’s shelves as fast as possible.

While the brand was an expert in smart devices and electronics for pets, they needed guidance on the regulations for shipping, storage, and safe disposal of their battery-powered devices. From the rules for different sized batteries to batched quantities and exemptions, SmarterX helped the brand quickly complete the compliance process and get on the retailer’s shelves.

We were also able to deliver additional value to the brand outside of the original scope of work. The brand was working with another big-box retailer and had hit a roadblock: their shipping classifications for different products had been rejected by the retailer and further orders placed on hold until they could provide better classifications and labeling. SmarterX stepped in to help classify these additional products for the brand.

A smarter process: Fast, accurate classifications.

After uploading a few details about their products and the corresponding battery documentation to the SmarterX Product Intelligence Platform™, the brand received easy-to-understand transportation classifications. They immediately put these into action with their shipping partners and shared the update with the retailer’s category and compliance teams. In no time, the brand got its additional products back on sale with minimal disruption, all while building trust with the retailer.

SmarterX helps brands and retailers streamline the product registration process, simplify  complex classifications, and move products efficiently and compliantly through the supply chain.

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