This topic summarises the requirements for the transport of lithium/sodium ion and lithium/sodium metal batteries by road and considers some of the differences for the transport by air.
As far as transport is concerned, lithium batteries, if properly certified and specially packaged, can be shipped by road, sea, rail or air. However, medium and large batteries are among the goods not accepted by airlines, which disallow their transportation on cargo flights.
Lithium battery transport and requirements of the Manual of Tests and Criteria. As far as transport is concerned, lithium batteries, if properly certified and specially packaged, can be shipped by road, sea, rail or air.
Why is regulatory compliance important when transporting lithium batteries?
Ensuring regulatory compliance when transporting lithium batteries is crucial for mitigating safety risks and avoiding legal issues. Lithium batteries, while essential in powering modern devices, present significant challenges due to their chemical composition and potential hazards.
Due to such risks, lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, while other types of batteries can fall into other classes of dangerous goods. This means they are subject to regulations on packaging, labelling, quantity limits, training, and reporting. Which transport modes can be used to ship batteries?
What are the different types of lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries are classified into two main types for transport purposes: Lithium-Ion Batteries Packed With Equipment (UN3481): These are lithium-ion batteries packaged together with equipment, such as laptops or smartphones, and are subject to specific safety and transport regulations.
Lithium Metal Batteries Contained In Equipment (UN3091): Lithium metal batteries are contained within the equipment they power, with specific transport regulations to address their high energy density and chemical reactivity. Ensure accurate classification of the batteries according to UN regulations.