Why they are regulated
Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. If a cell is damaged, defective, short-circuited or overheated, it can go into thermal runaway, a chain reaction that produces heat, smoke and fire that is difficult to stop. Lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods.
Two main types
- Lithium ion (and lithium ion polymer): rechargeable, found in phones, laptops, e-bikes and power tools.
- Lithium metal: usually non-rechargeable, found in watches, cameras, medical devices and sensors.
UN numbers
| UN number | Description |
|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer), shipped on their own |
| UN3481 | Lithium ion batteries contained in, or packed with, equipment |
| UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy), shipped on their own |
| UN3091 | Lithium metal batteries contained in, or packed with, equipment |
Whether a battery is shipped alone, packed with equipment or installed in equipment changes which entry applies and which rules follow.
What shippers typically need to address
- Testing. Each battery type must have passed the UN 38.3 tests. Shippers are generally expected to be able to provide a test summary.
- Size and energy. Requirements depend on watt-hour rating for lithium ion batteries and on lithium content for lithium metal batteries. Smaller batteries may qualify for reduced requirements; larger ones face the full rules.
- State of charge. For air transport, lithium ion batteries shipped on their own (UN3480) must be at a limited state of charge, and are not permitted on passenger aircraft.
- Packaging. Batteries must be protected against short circuit and damage, and packaged so they cannot move or contact other batteries or conductive materials.
- Marking and labeling. Packages carry the lithium battery mark and, where required, the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label and cargo aircraft only label.
- Documentation. Depending on the shipment, a dangerous goods declaration or shipping paper is required.
Damaged, defective and recalled batteries
Batteries that are damaged, defective or subject to a manufacturer safety recall are subject to special rules, and many are forbidden from transport by air altogether. Do not ship these without specialist guidance.
The rules change
Lithium battery requirements have been updated repeatedly in recent years and differ between air, ocean and ground. Check the current edition of the regulations for your mode, or contact us for help.