Over One Million Lithium Battery Power Banks Recalled

On June 12, 2025, a manufacturer issued a recall of lithium battery-powered power banks affecting approximately 1,158,000 units. The manufacturer received 19 reports of fires/explosions, including two reports of minor burn injuries and 11 reports of property damage totaling over $60,700.

Instructions for determining whether your device is affected by the recall can be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. Consumers can request a free replacement on the manufacturer’s website.

Signs of a Damaged/Defective Lithium Battery

Lithium batteries that take damage, show defects, or are recalled over safety concerns pose a far greater risk of short-circuiting and entering thermal runaway during transportation than non-damaged batteries.

Ever thought, "How do I know if a lithium battery is damaged?" Here are a few telltale signs of a damaged or defective lithium battery:

• Sustained heat, any form of leak, smell, and fire.
• Knowledge of misuse, like spilling a glass of water on your phone.
• Loose or damaged wires.
• Discoloration or corrosion—easiest to spot when compared to a healthy battery.
• Swelling.

Shippers must comply with stricter requirements for packaging, labeling, shipping papers, etc. to offer DDR lithium batteries by ground or vessel. Air transportation of damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries is forbidden.

Shipping Recalled or Damaged Lithium Batteries

Shippers need to be aware of the potential hazards of damaged lithium batteries. They are prone to “thermal runaway.” This occurs with strong exothermic reactions: increased temperature from the chemicals catching fire releases energy which releases more heat.

Thermal runaway is a self-perpetuating loop that makes these types of fires very difficult to extinguish.

US DOT requires hazmat training for employees who package and ship lithium batteries, including damaged or recalled lithium batteries. Shippers must comply with stricter requirements for packaging, labeling, shipping papers, etc. to offer DDR lithium batteries by ground or vessel. Air transportation of damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries is forbidden.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries in Compliance

Be confident that your personnel are properly trained to offer lithium batteries for transportation. Lion’s Shipping Lithium Batteries training is updated regularly to cover the latest regulations that shippers must know under 49 CFR (US DOT), the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code. Available as a self-paced online course or instructor-led webinar.

Tags: lithium batteries, lithium battery recall, recall