Shipping Lithium Batteries Explained

In today’s global logistics, lithium batteries power nearly everything — from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and medical devices. As their use expands, so does the responsibility of transporting them safely. One of the most critical aspects of lithium battery logistics is proper labeling. Whether you are shipping lithium batteries by air, sea, or road, lithium battery shipping labels are not just a formality — they are a regulatory requirement that ensures safety and compliance across borders.

Why Lithium Battery Shipping Labels Matter

Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). This classification is due to their potential risk of overheating, short-circuiting, or even causing fire if mishandled. Shipping labels play a vital role in mitigating these risks. They communicate essential safety information to carriers, ground handlers, and emergency responders, ensuring that every party in the supply chain is aware of the package contents and the precautions required. Incorrect or missing labels can lead to serious consequences, including shipment delays, regulatory fines, or even rejection by airlines and customs authorities.

Types of Lithium Battery Shipping Labels

The type of label required depends on the classification of the lithium battery being shipped. The most common categories include:

• Lithium-ion batteries (UN3480 / UN3481) – used in rechargeable devices such as laptops, smartphones, and power tools.

• Lithium metal batteries (UN3090 / UN3091) – non-rechargeable and often found in cameras, watches, and backup systems.

Each category has its own label design, typically featuring the battery symbol with flames and a specific UN number identifying the content type. The label also includes handling instructions and may require the Class 9 hazard label for fully regulated dangerous goods shipments.

UN Numbers and Battery Types 

Battery Type	Contained In / With Equipment	UN Number	Transport Category	Notes
Lithium-ion batteries	Standalone (cell or battery only)	UN3480	Class 9 (Dangerous Goods)	Rechargeable batteries (e.g., laptops, power banks, EV cells)
Lithium-ion batteries	Contained in equipment	UN3481	Class 9 / Section II	Example: Laptop with built-in battery
Lithium-ion batteries	Packed with equipment	UN3481	Class 9 / Section II	Example: Camera + separate rechargeable battery
Lithium metal batteries	Standalone (cell or battery only)	UN3090	Class 9 (Dangerous Goods)	Non-rechargeable batteries (e.g., watches, remote controls)
Lithium metal batteries	Contained in equipment	UN3091	Class 9 / Section II	Example: Medical device with built-in lithium cell
Lithium metal batteries	Packed with equipment	UN3091	Class 9 / Section II	Example: Instrument + spare lithium cells

Battery Labeling Guide

A. Lithium Battery Mark (Handling Label)

Used for:

• Section II shipments under UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, or UN3091

• When batteries are not fully regulated as Class 9 (i.e., small quantities)

Design:

• Black battery symbol with flame

• Red hatched border

• Includes the relevant UN number (e.g., UN3480 or UN3090)

• Space for telephone number for additional information

Size Requirements:

• Minimum size: 100mm × 100mm

• Reduced size (for smaller packages): 105 mm × 74 mm (only if package space is limited)

• Material:

• Durable, water-resistant, and weatherproof

• Must remain legible during the entire transport chain

B. Class 9 Hazard Label (for Lithium Batteries)

Used for:

• Fully regulated shipments under IATA Section IA or IB

• Large quantities or standalone batteries

Design:

• White upper half with seven black vertical stripes

• Black lower half

• Large number 9 at the bottom corner

• In the center, a battery symbol with flames (for lithium batteries specifically — introduced under IATA DGR 2019)

Label Text:

• No text required, but must have battery flame symbol for lithium battery Class 9 shipments

Size Requirements:

• Minimum: 100 mm × 100 mm

• Border width: At least 2 mm

• Line thickness (inner border): At least 2 mm

C. Label Placement and Application Rules

• Labels must be affixed on one side of the outer package where they are clearly visible

• The label must not be folded over edges or covered by tape, straps, or other markings

• If multiple hazard labels are required, they must be placed side by side with at least 50 mm spacing

• Any old or irrelevant labels must be removed or fully covered

• All UN numbers must appear in characters at least 6 mm high

• Packages with lithium batteries must also display the proper shipping name and net quantity

D. Additional Marking Requirements

Requirement	Description
Telephone Number	Mandatory on handling labels — must connect to a person knowledgeable about the shipment.
State of Charge (SoC)	For air shipments, lithium-ion batteries (UN3480) must not exceed 30% of their rated capacity unless specifically approved by the airline or authority.
Package Integrity	Must withstand a 1.2 m drop test without damage or short-circuit risk.
Documentation	Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) required for Section IA/IB shipments; not required for Section II.

Trust IATA-Certified DGR Experts for Safe Lithium Battery Transport

At CargoPoint, we don’t just follow regulations — we live by them. Our team includes IATA-accredited Dangerous Goods specialists who ensure full compliance with international standards for lithium battery and other dangerous goods handling, packaging, marking, and labeling. Every shipment is reviewed to guarantee it meets IATA requirements, safeguarding your supply chain against delays, fines, or safety risks. With our certified expertise and proactive compliance checks, your lithium battery cargo moves safely, efficiently, and with complete regulatory assurance across global trade lanes.