What are the dangers of transporting lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods due to their properties. The energy stored in a lithium-ion or lithium-metal battery (or cell) can be released through improper use, damage, overcharging or due to a structural defect. This can lead to short circuits, fires and, in extreme cases, an explosion. Due to these properties, rechargeable batteries and lithium batteries are classified as hazardous goods and certain requirements and specifications apply to their safe transportation.
Important international regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods at a glance
If lithium batteries are to be shipped, certain transport regulations must be observed, which regulate packaging, labeling and documentation, among other things. Here is an overview of the regulations:
- ADR – the convention concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) -the dangerous goods regulations for air freight
- IMDG-Code –the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code for the transportation of dangerous goods by sea
- RID – Regulation on the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail
Classification of lithium batteries as dangerous goods
According to the dangerous goods regulations, lithium batteries are defined as class 9 dangerous goods (various dangerous substances and articles).
A distinction is made between lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, lithium-metal batteries are not. For transportation purposes, lithium batteries are colloquially divided into “large” and “small”. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, the performance is measured in watt hours, and in the case of lithium-metal batteries, the lithium content is measured in grams.
If your batteries or cells comply with certain limit values, you benefit from simplified transportation conditions (regulated in the ADR and IMDG Code e.g. in Special Provision 188 or in the IATA-DGR in the corresponding Packaging Instructions Part II).
In addition to the assignment to a class, each dangerous good is assigned a UN number that is valid worldwide. In the case of lithium batteries, a distinction is made not only between the type – i.e. metal or ion – but also the way in which the batteries are prepared for shipment – individually, in or with equipment. They are assigned the following UN numbers:
- UN 3090: Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)
- UN 3091: Lithium metal batteries in equipment (including lithium alloy batteries) or
- UN 3091: Lithium metal batteries, packaged with equipment (including lithium alloy batteries)
- UN 3480: Lithium-ion batteries (including lithium-ion polymer batteries)
- UN 3481: Lithium-ion batteries in equipment (including lithium-ion polymer batteries) or
- UN 3481: Lithium-ion batteries packaged with equipment (including lithium-ion polymer batteries)
- UN 3171: Battery-powered vehicle (note: changes in 2025)
“Vehicles” within the meaning of UN 3171 are self-propelled devices designed for the transportation of one or more persons or goods. Examples of such vehicles are electrically powered cars, motorcycles or scooters, tricycles or quadricycles, electric bicycles, pedelecs, wheelchairs, ride-on lawnmowers, boats and airplanes.
Are e-bike batteries dangerous goods when shipped?
Special case: shipping e-bike batteries: The lithium-ion battery of e-bikes and pedelecs is always considered dangerous goods. If the lithium battery is installed in the e-bike, some simplifications can be claimed. Individual shipments of e-bike batteries, for example as spare parts or replacement products, are subject to dangerous goods legislation without restriction.
Rules and regulations must therefore be observed and complied with when selling e-bikes and pedelecs with lithium batteries. Dangerous goods legislation stipulates that owners and employees in bike stores and workshops must be instructed accordingly when lithium batteries, commonly referred to as “rechargeable batteries”, are received, packaged or dispatched.
Important information such as this, as well as other regulations and tips for correct storage or disposal, are provided in our SAFETY online training courses on lithium batteries. Did you know, for example, that a “38.3 test” is required to be able to ship a lithium battery?
Legally compliant instruction on lithium batteries as hazardous goods
As soon as you ship lithium batteries, the question arises – what training do I or my employees need? All persons who prepare or transport dangerous goods for shipment must be instructed in accordance with the relevant regulations. Before you organize training, you need to clarify the following three questions:
- Which mode of transport will be used to transport my lithium batteries (road, rail, sea or air)?
- What is the lithium content (for lithium metal batteries) or watt hours/rated energy (for lithium ion batteries) of my batteries to be shipped? If you are only shipping “small” batteries, different training is required than for “large” batteries.
- How are the batteries transported – individually, with or in equipment? Depending on the variant, a different instruction obligation applies.