Shipping Protocols for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Depending on the type, wattage, and number of batteries being shipped, the required documentation and packaging can change.

Lithium batteries are used in many electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, medical equipment, and laptop computers. When shipping or importing lithium batteries, including those contained in or packed with devices and equipment, packaging requirements must be met and package contents must be declared.

While most lithium batteries are safe, some, particularly counterfeit and outdated ones, have overheated and caught fire. Once ignited, they can cause a chain reaction with nearby batteries creating a hazardous fire which can be challenging to suppress. This is especially concerning in air transportation and is why batteries are more highly regulated for that mode of transportation.

UN Categorization

Lithium batteries fall into one of four UN Packaging Codes, with a series of packaging instruction (PI) variants for each category.

• Lithium-ion batteries: UN3480

• Lithium-ion batteries “packed with” or “contained in” equipment: UN3481

• Lithium metal batteries: UN3090

• Lithium metal batteries “packed with” or “contained in” equipment: UN3091

A lithium-ion battery attached to a laptop would be considered "contained in", the same battery detached but in the same box as the laptop would be designated as "packed with."