A cargo containing lithium ion batteries is said to have prompted Lufthansa’s air cargo arm to issue a temporary ban on taking some shipments, including those from Flexport’s Asia arm.
Air Cargo World reported that Lufthansa Cargo blacklisted three companies on Sept. 6 following the discovery of a cargo of e-cigarette cartridges which contained the batteries. The consignor for the cartridges is reported to be a company called Shenzhen AbuFan Technology.
In addition, forwarders China Freight and Flexport Asia were also said to have faced a ban, which is expected to be lifted this coming Monday, Sept. 16. The ban was limited to the Hong Kong branches of each company.
In a statement, Flexport said the incident was the first time an embargo had happened to the company. Last Thursday Sept. 12, Lufthansa conducted an audit of Flexport facilities in Hong Kong and its dangerous goods procedures and training. The audit found that the embargo was triggered by a shipper incorrectly declaring a shipment, Flexport said.
“We take shipping dangerous goods very seriously and make that clear to our customers,” Flexport said.
Lufthansa also determined that Flexport had proactive, strict dangerous goods procedures in place and is fully compliant with dangerous goods regulations. Lufthansa called out the “excellent cooperation” with Flexport, resulting in an exceptionally quick resolution and immediate lift of the embargo.
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The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now