Guide · Portable kits
Flying or shipping with rechargeable nail equipment
Cordless e-files and rechargeable lamps carry lithium batteries. What PHMSA and Transport Canada say about flying and shipping them, and what to check first.
Short answer
In the US, passengers can generally bring lithium-battery devices such as a cordless e-file or rechargeable lamp under FAA conditions, and PHMSA points travelers to the FAA's PackSafe guidance for the details.[1] Shipping is stricter: lithium batteries are regulated hazardous materials in the US and dangerous goods that must be declared in Canada.[1][2] Check the FAA's current rules and your airline before you pack, and never travel with a swollen or damaged battery.
Which nail equipment has a lithium battery
Any cordless tool you charge between uses. Examples from maker pages:
| Item | What the maker states |
|---|---|
| KUPA Passport NEXT e-file | A portable control box with a claimed 10-12 hour battery[3] |
| Medicool Pro Power 35K Portable | A cordless e-file; Medicool claims up to 20 hours on the product page[4] |
| Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable Flash Cure lamp | Two 2,500 mAh 3.7 V cells[5] |
| Kiara Sky Beyond Pro Rechargeable LED Lamp III | A cordless rechargeable lamp[6] |
Corded gear has no battery to worry about. SUNUV, for example, says all its nail lamps are corded.[7]
We did not find a watt-hour rating on the maker pages above. If an airline check needs one and it is not on the device or in the manual, ask the maker before you fly.
Flying in the US
PHMSA, the US agency that regulates hazardous materials transport, says airline passengers can generally bring lithium-battery devices under FAA conditions, and points travelers to the FAA PackSafe guidance.[1] The exact limits depend on the battery and on your airline, so check PackSafe and the airline's own page for your device before each trip.
Practical steps:
- Find the battery rating on the device, the battery or the manual.
- Check FAA PackSafe and your airline for that rating, and for where the device may travel.
- Turn the device fully off and stop it switching on in your bag.
- Pack the original charger. Health Canada recommends using the original charger.[8]
Shipping equipment
Sending a drill or lamp to a client, a class or yourself is a different matter from carrying it.
- United States. Lithium batteries are regulated as hazardous materials under DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) when shipped by air, highway, rail or water.[1]
- Canada. Transport Canada treats lithium batteries, including those in or packed with devices, as dangerous goods that must be declared when shipped.[2]
Tell your carrier the parcel contains a lithium battery, and follow its packing rules.
UN 38.3 test summaries
PHMSA says lithium cells and batteries offered for transport must have passed the UN 38.3 tests, and that since January 21, 2022 manufacturers must make test summaries available on request.[1] If you ship equipment for work, you can ask the manufacturer, distributor or vendor for that summary. A seller that cannot provide one has not shown the battery passed the transport tests.
Before you pack
- Inspect the device for swelling, cracks or heat damage.
- Charge it with the original charger before you leave.
- Carry chargers and cords in the same bag as the device.
- If you travel abroad, check plugs and voltage for corded gear too. See voltage and plugs.
Next
Questions
Can I take a cordless nail drill on a plane?
In the US, PHMSA says passengers can generally bring lithium-battery devices under FAA conditions and points to the FAA PackSafe guidance. Check PackSafe and your airline for your device's battery before you fly.[1]
Can I mail a rechargeable nail lamp?
Yes, but lithium batteries are regulated hazardous materials when shipped in the US, and dangerous goods that must be declared in Canada. Tell the carrier and follow its packing rules.[1][2]
What is a UN 38.3 test summary?
A summary showing a lithium cell or battery passed the UN transport tests. PHMSA says manufacturers must make these summaries available on request since January 21, 2022.[1]
Can I travel with a swollen battery?
No. Health Canada advises against using lithium-ion batteries that are swollen, dented or damaged. Contact the maker about a replacement.[8]