Is it normal for lithium battery buyers to require proof of state of charge before accepting a shipment?
Short answer: Yes, this is a normal and often mandatory safety requirement — batteries at a high state of charge are generally considered a greater fire risk during transport than those at a lower, partial charge, so many buyers and couriers require confirmation of state of charge, sometimes needing you to discharge a battery to a specific range before it can be shipped.
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List Free →Why state of charge affects transport risk
A battery at or near full charge holds more stored energy, which generally makes any thermal event that does occur more severe — transport regulations for lithium batteries commonly account for this by requiring shipments at a reduced state of charge, often somewhere in a moderate partial-charge range rather than full.
What proof might look like
This can range from a simple stated reading you provide, to a buyer or courier requesting you discharge the battery to a specific level before collection, sometimes verified with their own equipment on pickup.
What to do if you’re unsure how to check or reduce charge
If you’re not sure how to safely check or adjust a battery’s state of charge yourself, ask the buyer for guidance — this is a common enough request that an experienced battery buyer should be able to walk you through it safely.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Asking your ScrapTrade buyer upfront what state-of-charge range they require avoids a delayed or refused pickup on collection day.
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