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.
