Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries Shipping

Lithium LiFePO4 battery transportation methods include air, sea, and land transportation. Next, we will discuss the most commonly used air and sea transportation.

Because lithium is a metal that is particularly prone to chemical reactions, it is easy to extend and burn. If the packaging and transportation of lithium batteries are not handled properly, they are easy to burn and explode, and accidents also occur from time to time. Incidents caused by non-standard behaviours in packaging and transportation are getting more and more attention. Many international agencies have issued multiple regulations, and various management agencies have become more strict, raising operational requirements and constantly revising rules and regulations.

The transportation of lithium batteries first needs to provide the corresponding UN number. As the following UN numbers, lithium batteries are classified as Category 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods:


UN3090, Lithium metal batteries
UN3480, Lithium-ion batteries
UN3091, Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
UN3091, Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
UN3481, Lithium-ion batteries included in the equipment
UN3481, Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment

Requirements of Lithium battery transport packaging

1. Regardless of exceptions, these batteries must be transported in compliance with the restrictions in the rules (Dangerous Goods Regulations 4.2 applicable packaging instructions). According to the appropriate packaging instructions, they must be packed in the UN specification packaging specified by the DGR Dangerous Goods Regulations. The corresponding numbers must be displayed on the packaging thoroughly.

2. The packaging that meets the requirements, except for the mark with the applicable, correct shipping name and UN number, the IATA9 Hazardous goods label must also be affixed to the package.

UN3480 and IATA9 Hazardous goods label

3. The shipper must fill in the dangerous goods declaration form; provide the corresponding dangerous package certificate;

Provide a transportation appraisal report issued by a third certified organization, and show that it is a product that meets the standard (including UN38.3 test, 1.2-meter drop packaging test).

Requirements of Lithium battery shipping by air

1.1 The battery must pass the UN38.3 test requirements and the 1.2m drop packaging test
1.2 The dangerous goods declaration Declaration of dangerous goods provided by shipper with United Nations code
1.3 The outer packaging must be affixed with the label of 9 dangerous goods, and the operation label of "only for all-cargo aircraft transportation" shall be affixed
1.4 The design should ensure that it prevents bursting under normal transportation conditions and is equipped with effective measures to avoid external short circuits.
1.5. Strong outer packaging, the battery should be protected to prevent short circuits, and in the same packaging, it should be prevented from contacting conductive materials that can cause a short circuit.
1.6. Additional requirements for the battery to be installed and transported in the device:
1.a. The equipment should be fixed to prevent the battery from moving in the package, and the packaging method should prevent the battery from accidentally starting during transportation.
1.b. The outer packaging should be waterproof, or by using an inner lining (such as a plastic bag) to achieve waterproof, unless the structural characteristics of the device itself already have waterproof characteristics.
1.7. Lithium batteries should be loaded on pallets to avoid strong vibration during handling. Use corner guards to protect the vertical and horizontal sides of the pallet.
1.8. The weight of a single package is less than 35 kgs.

UN38.3 and MSDS Certifications

Requirements of Lithium battery shipping by Sea

(1) The battery must pass the UN38.3 test requirements and the 1.2-meter drop packaging test; have an MSDS certificate
(2) The outer packaging must be affixed with a 9-category dangerous goods label, marked with the UN number;
(3) Its design can ensure the prevention of bursting under normal transportation conditions and is equipped with effective measures to prevent external short circuits;
(4) Rugged outer packaging, the battery should be protected to prevent short circuits, and in the same packaging, it should be prevented from contact with conductive materials that can cause short courses;
(5) Additional requirements for battery installation and transportation in equipment:
The equipment should be fixed to prevent it from moving in the packaging, and the packaging method should prevent accidental activation during transportation. The outer packaging should be waterproof, or by using an inner lining (such as a plastic bag) to achieve waterproof, unless the structural characteristics of the device itself already have waterproof features.
(6) Lithium batteries should be loaded on pallets to avoid strong vibration during the handling process, and corner guards should protect the vertical and horizontal sides of the pallets;
(7) The lithium battery must be reinforced in the container, and the reinforcement method and strength should meet the requirements of the importing country