If you are buying a USB powerbank from us, such as the TeckNet IEP300 or IEP387, and your country is listed below, then you must choose DHL as your shipping option. If you do not choose DHL as your shipping option then unfortunately we will have to refund your order. The list of countries affected is shown below, followed by an attempt at explaining why you have to do this.

Affected Countries

• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• British Indian Ocean Territories
• China
• Finland
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Italy
• Japan
• Macau
• Maldives
• Philippines
• Russian Federation
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Turkey
• Turkish Cyprus
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Vietnam

Why Are We Doing This?

The problem caused by USB powerbanks is that they contain Lithium batteries (either Lithium-Polymer or Lithium-Ion). These battery types can be unsafe if mistreated, and as such there are lots of regulations restricting how they can be sent in the post. Sending Lithium-Polymer or Lithium-Ion batteries loose in a parcel is very tricky, and this is why we don't sell those batteries on their own. Instead we sell USB powerbanks. These contain a Lithium battery, but they're connected to a special charging circuit, which constantly monitors the battery, and ensures that it remains safe. We only sell USB powerbanks which have both CE and FCC certification from reputable suppliers, and as such the chance of something going wrong when the powerbanks are shipped is extremely low.

Most countries and carriers recognise this fact, and usually if you're posting a Lithium battery that is contained within a device, such as a laptop, mobile phone, or powerbank, then there are no problems. We have been informed by Royal Mail however that the countries listed above, will not accept Lithium batteries even under these stringent conditions. Royal Mail tells us if that we do attempt to send a powerbank to those countries, and the parcel is opened, then the contents of the parcel will be destroyed.

As such we have had to look around for an alternative carrier for parcels containing USB powerbanks. DHL have told us that they have no problem with carrying powerbanks to all countries, so presumably they have reached a special agreement with those countries to allow them to import Lithium batteries held in devices. The main downside to this is that DHL are unfortunately more expensive than Royal Mail, although on the other hand, they are also quicker.

Anyway, hopefully this gives you a bit of an insight into why we have to insist on shipping by DHL for some orders. Apologies for any inconvenience this causes. We will keep monitoring the situation, and talking to Royal Mail to see if we can change this policy in the future. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please get in touch via our 'Contact Us' page.