WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S Department of Transportations Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $160,500 civil penalty against Woodioso Technology Limited of Hong Kong for allegedly violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations.
The FAA alleges that on January 3, 2017, Woodioso knowingly offered a shipment of 30 lithium ion batteries to United Parcel Service for shipment by air from Hong Kong to the companys service facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
United Parcel Service employees in Louisville discovered the batteries when the shipment arrived on January 4, 2017.
The FAA alleges Woodioso did not keep the batteries separated to prevent them from contacting each other during shipment. This type of improper packaging can create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat. Improperly packaged lithium ion batteries are considered forbidden materials for air transportation.
The FAA also alleges that the shipments were not accompanied by a shippers declaration of dangerous goods and were not properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled or in the proper condition for shipment.
Additionally, the Agency alleges Woodioso failed to ensure that each of its employees received required hazardous materials training, and failed to provide emergency response information with the shipment.
Woodioso did not respond to the enforcement letter the FAA sent to the company in April 2018. Accordingly, the FAA last week issued the company a final notice explaining it has 15 days after receiving the notice to pay the proposed civil penalty, an otherwise agreed upon amount, or request a hearing.