According to international transport regulations (such as the UN “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods,” IMDG Code, and IATA DGR), all lithium batteries (including lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries) are classified as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods.

Classification Basis and UN Numbers

1. Core Attribute: Class 9 is defined as “dangerous goods that do not belong to any of the other eight classes.” Lithium batteries are classified in this category due to their chemical reactivity (risk of thermal runaway and short-circuit fires).

2. Detailed UN Numbers (to be specified during transport)

•  UN3480 : standalone lithium-ion batteries (single cells or battery packs);

•  UN3481 : lithium-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment;

•  UN3090/3091 : corresponding to lithium metal batteries (standalone/contained in equipment).

Transportation Requirements (Taking Sea and Air Transport as Examples)

1. Mandatory Testing: UN38.3

All lithium batteries must pass the United Nations 38.3 test (including vibration, impact, high temperature, short circuit, etc., a total of 8 items) before transportation to prove their safety in transport environments (IMDG Code 2.9.4.1).

2. Packaging and Labeling

•  General Cargo Exception (PI966 Clause, Sea Transport)
Single cell battery ≤20Wh, battery pack ≤100Wh, total packaging ≤30kg, and passing UN38.3 can be exempt from hazardous materials labeling but must affix a “Lithium Battery” mark and indicate the UN number.
Must prevent short circuits (sealed inner packaging + sturdy outer packaging), devices with built-in batteries must prevent accidental activation.

•  Hazardous Goods Transportation (Oversized Batteries)
UN specification packaging must be used (e.g., 4G fiber boxes), Class 9 diamond labels must be affixed, marked with UN3480/3481, and accompanied by a Dangerous Goods Declaration Form.
New Regulation for 2025: Introduction of a 3-meter stacking test to strengthen packaging strength (IATA DGR Edition 66).

3. Document Requirements

•  English SDS (Safety Data Sheet), PI966 declaration (general cargo), UN38.3 test report (must be attached).

•  Additional requirements for air transport: High-energy batteries are prohibited on passenger aircraft; cargo aircraft must be labeled “Cargo Aircraft Only.”

Safety Standards and Latest Developments

1. Core Standards

•  UN38.3 (Transport Safety), IEC62133 (Product Safety, such as overcharge and short circuit protection), GB 44240-2024 (Battery Safety for Energy Storage Systems, China).

•  In 2025, IATA will introduce new UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries (UN3551/3552), following the management of lithium batteries.

2. Label Update: The traditional “Lithium Battery Operation Label” has been replaced by a new version with no text markings, mandating the labeling of UN numbers (e.g., UN3480).

1. Small batteries ≠ ordinary goods: If AA/AAA batteries exceed 20Wh individually or the total packaging exceeds 30kg, the method of operation must be determined based on specific circumstances, and if necessary, they should still be transported as Class 9 hazardous materials.

2. Built-in battery in equipment: It is essential to ensure that the device is powered off and prevent short circuits (such as removing the battery or insulating terminals); otherwise, it may need to be declared as hazardous material.

3. Battery express delivery: When a single battery exceeds 7KG and 100Wh, an internationally recognized UN box should be used, and a formal hazardous materials express delivery channel should be selected for transportation.

4. Air transport of batteries: Small batteries weighing under 10KG can use pallet packaging; large batteries require sealed wooden box packaging; arrange formal hazardous air transport channels according to customer needs, with lithium battery names indicated on the bill of lading or changed to suitable names for customs clearance at the destination airport.

5. Sea freight: Some batteries may not require relevant documentation for sea freight consolidation based on customer needs, as long as customs clearance can occur at the destination port. If oversized high-capacity batteries are shipped in full containers, they will operate and transport according to hazardous materials protocols.