Lithium Ion Batteries Dangers: Classification and Regulations

Do you want to ship your lithium ion batteries? Hold on, because there are some rules you need to know regarding the shipping of lithium ion and other regulations.

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Lithium Ion Battery Dangerous Goods

Because lithium batteries are the chosen power source for most consumer and portable electronic devices, they are widely used. They've hidden themselves in unexpected locations. Lithium metal batteries are used in watches, calculators, cameras, automobile key fobs, and defibrillators. Mobile phones, laptop computers, tablets, power equipment, and electric bicycles all use lithium-ion batteries. They are commonly found in items taken by airline passengers and are regularly conveyed as cargo.

Because of its volatility, global battery supply chains are becoming more controlled. Airlines have tightened their restrictions on lithium batteries, with some refusing to ship them at all. Those who continue to export them face prosecution because new limitations are implemented every few months.

Lithium batteries can be unstable due to their high energy density, and sudden temperature changes or short circuits can cause lethal heat levels.

The two types of lithium batteries designated as Dangerous Goods are UN3090 lithium metal batteries and UN3480 lithium ion batteries. UN3090 and UN3480 are also no longer allowed to be carried on passenger planes, and can only be flown by cargo planes starting of April 1, 2016. There are a range of constraints depending on the battery's power and capacity. You'll need to meet precise measurement standards whether you're flying with lithium metal or lithium ion batteries. Certain power ranges and packaging conditions are subject to additional restrictions.

Lithium Ion Battery Dangerous Goods Classification

The requirements for shipping lithium batteries (both types) were changed due to greater use – and higher risk. Despite the fact that numerous factors may influence the technique you should use to ensure safe delivery, there are four areas of UN regulation that are crucial to lithium battery transportation (or at least minimise the risk as far as is possible).

Informally, lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 material, or "miscellaneous dangerous things."

The following are the UN regulations controlling the export of these batteries:

●UN 3090 Lithium Metal Batteries (shipped by themselves)

●UN 3480 Lithium-ion Batteries (shipped by themselves)

●Lithium metal batteries that are built into or supplied with equipment (UN 3091)

●Lithium ion batteries that are built into or included with equipment (UN 3481).

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Lithium Ion Battery Dangerous Goods Regulations

Lithium battery export package labeling rules differ. These requirements are influenced by the following four factors:

●Whether or not the batteries are included in the shipment (like a watch, calculator or laptop)

●They're being loaded up with gear (like in a power tool, packed alongside a spare battery)

●Are only trace amounts of information communicated? (which may be covered by Limited Quantities, the lowest of the four categories of Dangerous Goods Carriage).

●They are free from any dangerous product rules because they are carried in "very small levels" (like two batteries installed in equipment).

Additional information on the UN3480 and UN3481 rules:

Lithium-Ion Batteries UN-No: 3480 (UN3480) or UN3481; Lithium-Ion Batteries UN-No: 3480 (UN3480) or UN3481 incorporated with or packed with equipment

Any Lithium-Ion batteries supplied have passed all of the tests outlined in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3.

You must ensure that you meet all of the ADR 2017 requirements for your battery..

This is the European Agreement that regulates lithium battery shipment by road and ground (and indeed that of any dangerous goods).

When shipping lithium batteries by train, you must adhere to a certain set of special standards for the transportation of dangerous goods. The RID (Rail Carriage of Dangerous Goods) guidelines go over these requirements in great detail.

These laws effectively compel identical packaging, techniques, and precautions when paired with the ADR rules for road transport.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code must be followed while carrying lithium batteries via sea freight. As this document is updated every other year, the current set of regulations is the 2018 Edition Amendment 38-16.

You must get a copy of the IMDG Code from the International Maritime Organization in order to examine its provisions (or work with a packaging supplier that is familiar with these regulations).

Even if you're only sending a few lithium batteries, the rules apply (and are most likely utilizing a courier or mail service).

Despite the fact that each courier has their own set of laws and regulations, the following points will address the majority of the primary concerns:

In a single box, the maximum net quantity of cells or batteries that can be packaged is 5kg.

●The highest watt-hour rating per cell or battery is 20Wh.

●Each cell and battery must be of a type that has been proven to meet the requirements of each test in UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III, section 38.3. (as also governed by ADR guidelines)

●Each container can only carry 4 cells or 2 batteries when installed in equipment.

●It is not permissible to use defective cells or batteries.

●For cells and batteries, short-circuit protection is essential (i.e. be placed in individual, non-conductive packaging)

●Equipment containing cells or batteries must be packaged solidly and stiffly to avoid being destroyed during shipping. The items must be protected against movement within the external container.

●The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outside of the package.

As the firm or individual delivering lithium batteries, you are solely liable for the shipment. You / your firm will be held legally accountable if an accident happens as a result of a poor battery supply or failure to comply with UN3480 and other standards.

This is why it's critical to work with a packaging supplier who can not only help you choose appropriate packing for your shipment(s), but also advise and assist you.

If you don't provide lithium batteries in UN3480-compliant packaging, it might be terrible for your business. Fines, employee imprisonment, and the reputational damage of causing a (perhaps lethal) calamity are all possibilities.