Lithium Battery Transportation Rules

This guide provides scenario-based situations that outline the applicable requirements that a shipper must follow to ship packages of lithium cells and batteries in various configurations.

Guide
Jan 24, 2026

Lithium Battery Guide

This compliance resource was prepared to assist a shipper to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes of transportation according to the latest (May 11, 2020; HM

Guide
May 17, 2026

Shipping Lithium-Ion Batteries: UN3480 & UN3481 Regulations

Moreover, using the UN3481 label is necessary to indicate the correct classification of the lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment. These labels help handlers recognize the specifics of the contents quickly. Risks Associated with Lithium-Ion Batteries. While many lithium-ion batteries are safe for transport, some pose significant risks.

Guide
Sep 15, 2025

Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers > United States Coast Guard

On Nov 21 st, 2024, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) finalized a helpful compliance resource, Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers, to assist shippers to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes, including vessel shipments, with new regulatory requirements based on cell or battery

Guide
May 12, 2026

Airline Passengers and Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are allowed in your carry on based on watt hours (Wh). Batteries 0-100 Wh are allowed on passenger aircraft, 101-160 Wh require air carrier approval, and batteries exceeding 160 Wh are forbidden. Sec. 175.10). Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security, individual airline, and international rules may, at

Guide
Apr 19, 2026

International Battery Shipping Regulations

Battery shipping, especially concerning lithium-ion batteries, is heavily regulated due to its hazardous nature. All batteries must pass UN testing before shipment, and correct packaging, labeling, and documenting are critical. but it''s vital to ensuring safe and legal transport. Differences in rules by country, labeling requirements, and

Guide
Oct 28, 2025

Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries

2020 Lithium Battery Guidance Document Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries Revised for the 2020 Regulations Introduction This document is based on the provisions set out in the 2019-2020 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) and the 61st

Guide
Mar 23, 2026

Transport

UN38.3 Transport Test covers testing of cells, modules, packs and products with installed lithium ion batteries. UN/DOT 38.3 is a self-certify standard. UN/DOT 38.3 is a self-certify standard. However, because of potential liability issues, it is best to use a third party test laboratory.

Guide
Feb 27, 2026

Lithium-ion battery types and transportation requirements

In terms of lithium battery exports, Linkway Freight Limited has compiled relevant information. It is understood that conventional lithium batteries are mainly categorized into three types: lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and batteries containing both lithium metal primary cells and lithium-ion cells.

Guide
May 28, 2026

What to Know About How to Ship Lithium Batteries?

You should contact the airline prior to offering the lithium battery shipment for transport to make certain all requirements are being met prior to transport. Identification. Navigating the rules surrounding how to ship lithium batteries can be complicated, but IATA''s manuals simplify the complex task in easy step-by-step processes.

Guide
Aug 19, 2025

The challenges of transporting lithium-ion batteries

In principle, lithium batteries can be transported by any mode of transport, but each dictates its own rules. According to air transport regulations, high-voltage batteries must be pre-checked before traveling by cargo plane. Although the AEO program is not specifically focused on the transportation of lithium batteries, it can nevertheless

Guide
Jun 01, 2026

Federal & State Regulations | Transporting lithium batteries | J. J

Lithium batteries must conform to all applicable HMR requirements when offered for transportation and when transported by air, highway, rail, or water. It''s important to remember that ALL lithium

Guide
Sep 11, 2025

Lithium Batteries in Baggage

Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Check the FAA''s Pack Safe website for the rules on carrying different types of battery-powered devices, such as luggage and other dangerous goods in baggage. U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation

Guide
Aug 04, 2025

New lithium battery shipping rules are coming! Electric Vehicle

Specific rules will determine the scope of application according to the transport route, aiming to further reduce the risks in the transport of lithium batteries. The urgency of this issue has been underscored by recent accidents in which a shipment of lithium-ion batteries misdeclared as ''computer parts'' caught fire en route to the Port of

Guide
Apr 16, 2026

Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers | PHMSA

This publication directs readers to scenario-based shipping guides that outline the requirements to ship packages of lithium cells and batteries in various configurations. Each

Guide
Jan 12, 2026

Overcoming EV lithium battery transport challenges

The complex world of lithium battery transport regulations The rules and requirements for packaging and shipping lithium batteries can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as weight, dimension, power

Guide
Aug 06, 2025

The Impact of New Lithium Battery Transport Rules

Contributed Commentary By Brian Beetz, Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, Labelmaster. April 29, 2019 | The fire risk associated with lithium batteries has been a hot topic in recent years. Mounting safety concerns have led to increasingly strict restrictions—including being banned from passenger aircraft, and more rigorous testing

Guide
Sep 29, 2025

Transporting Lithium Batteries: Keeping America''s Power On

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transport of lithium-ion batteries, including testing, documentation, packaging and hazard communication requirements. Its risks and dangers like these that are the reason there are so many rules for transporting lithium batteries.

Guide
Nov 08, 2025

New Regulations for Transporting Batteries

More About the New Rules for Battery Transport. The rules will introduce new ''UN'' numbers for classifying dangerous goods, and for transporting batteries specifically. A phasing-in period will apply through the first half of 2025, with the exception of air transport, where the safety standards will apply from January 1, 2025 onward.

Guide
Dec 02, 2025

How to Transport Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide

Transporting batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, requires a thorough understanding of safety regulations and best practices. This guide provides detailed information on how to effectively and safely transport batteries, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and minimizing risks associated with their hazards. Key Considerations for Transporting Batteries 1.

Guide
May 04, 2026

Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Lithium Batteries

Instead, we will adopt the provisions outlined in the UN Model Regulations, the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IMDG Code that permit the transport of a up to 8 lithium cells or 2 small lithium batteries (less than 1 gram per lithium metal cell or 2 grams per lithium metal battery and 20 Wh per lithium ion cell or 100 Wh per lithium ion

Guide
Dec 19, 2025

Transporting Lithium Batteries | PHMSA

Lithium batteries are regulated as a hazardous material under the U.S. Department of Transportation''s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 C.F.R., Parts 171-180). The HMR apply to any material DOT

Guide
Oct 23, 2025

Battery guidance document

Battery Guidance Document. Transport of Lithium Metal, Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries . Revised for the 2025 Regulations . Introduction This document is based on the provisions set

Guide
Mar 13, 2026

Interactive Guide to Shipping Lithium Batteries

This document provides awareness of the International Civil Aviation Organization''s (ICAO) 2023-2024 Edition of the Technical Instructions (Doc 9284)

Guide
Sep 29, 2025

Battery Packs on Flights: TSA Rules, Travel Tips, and Safety

Type of Battery (Lithium-ion vs. Lithium Metal): The type of battery affects its regulations for air transport. Lithium-ion batteries pose a higher fire risk and require stringent rules. Lithium metal batteries typically have fewer restrictions, yet airline policies may vary. Understanding these differences is essential for compliance.

Guide
Feb 14, 2026

Transporting Batteries

What are the requirements of Special Provision 34? Special Provision 34 exempts a person from the TDG Regulations (except for Parts 1 and 2) if lithium cells or batteries are handled, offered for transport or transported on a road vehicle, railway vehicle or vessel on a domestic voyage and if certain conditions are met.. If each cell and battery type has not passed all the tests in

Guide
Jan 15, 2026

DOT Rules for Lithium Battery Transportation

DOT Rules for Lithium Battery Transportation. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new 2018 standards to strengthen the safety conditions for the shipment of lithium cells and batteries. These changes, some of which focus specifically on shipments by air, will better ensure that lithium cells and batteries are able to withstand

Guide
Aug 11, 2025

Lithium Battery Transportation

Lithium Thionyl Chloride Battery LTC-7PN, LTC-3PN, LTC-16M-S2, LTC-5PN, LTC7PNS4, LTC3PNS2, LTC7PNS2, LTC16MS2, LTC3PNS4, LTC7PNS6, LTC16MS4, series are designed to fit printed circuit boards with low profile, prismatic shape, stainless steel construction, high capacity and energy density.

Guide
May 09, 2026

Portable Laptop Battery Size Allowed Through TSA: Rules On Lithium

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides guidelines regarding the transportation of lithium batteries, including power banks, stating the need for these restrictions due to safety concerns. Confiscation of Batteries: Not following TSA rules may result in the confiscation of portable laptop batteries at security

Guide
Dec 26, 2025

How Do Airlines Manage Lithium Battery Fires Onboard?

Rules for passengers to follow However, with the bulk of the 579 verified lithium battery fire incidents that were identified by the Federal Aviation Administration between March 2006 and November 2024 involving passenger flights, airlines that transport people rather than cargo also have to stay informed. By ensuring that passengers are

Guide
Sep 11, 2025

Overcoming EV lithium battery transport challenges

The complex world of lithium battery transport regulations The rules and requirements for packaging and shipping lithium batteries can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as weight, dimension, power capacity, status, location, and more. Furthermore, because battery technology and safety standards are different, so too are the

Guide
Dec 16, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide on Lithium-Ion Battery

Shipping lithium-ion batteries safely and efficiently requires a comprehensive understanding of the intricate web of regulations and guidelines that govern their transport. Different modes of transportation, including air, sea,

Guide
Feb 12, 2026

Transportation Regulations for Lithium and Lithium Ion Cells

Based on lithium content (for primary cells and batteries) and equivalent lithium content (for lithium ion cells and batteries), the following shipping regulations go into effect on January 1, 2003: Primary Cell / Battery Max. Lithium Content Lithium Ion & Polymer Cell / Battery Max. Lithium Content Shipping Classification/Testing Special

Guide
Apr 15, 2026

New Air Transport Regulations for Lithium and Sodium-ion Batteries

As part of our commitment to compliance, MANLY Battery ensures all our lithium batteries are ready for safe air transport under these updated rules. (To view the original lithium battery air transport regulations) Key Changes to Lithium Battery Air Transport Regulations: 1. New UN Numbers and Packaging Guidelines for Sodium-ion Batteries

Guide
Sep 17, 2025

Shipping lithium batteries by air

Officially, yes: Lithium-ion batteries are governed under the United Nations regulations UN3480 and UN3481 as Class 9 “miscellaneous dangerous goods.” Two dangers stand out: First, improperly packaged lithium-ion batteries can lead to short circuits if they come into contact with each other or with other conductive surfaces.Second, thermal runaway can occur if improperly

Guide
Oct 12, 2025

Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries

2021 Lithium Battery Guidance Document Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries . Revised for the 2021 Regulations . Introduction This document is based on the provisions set

Guide
Sep 30, 2025

Australian Lithium Battery Shipping & Transport Regulations

Australian Lithium Battery Shipping Regulation by Road or Rail. The Australian Code for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by road or rail (ADGC), forms the framework of each State''s Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations. The transport requirements for lithium batteries destined for recycling or disposal are detailed and complex as they must cover many different

Guide
Nov 27, 2025

BU-704: How to Transport Batteries

Although lithium batteries get the most attention, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that based on records from 1991 to 2007 it was only a factor in 27 percent of all incidents. Different rules apply when shipping damaged batteries. A lead acid battery is considered damaged if the possibility of leakage exists due to a crack or

Guide
Oct 16, 2025

Feds Change Hazmat Shipping Rules to Address

The U.S. Department of Transportation''s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a new Final Rule that harmonizes federal regulations with international standards that the agency

Guide
May 17, 2026

The Impact of New Lithium Battery Transport Rules

Contributed Commentary By Brian Beetz, Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, Labelmaster. April 29, 2019 | The fire risk associated with lithium batteries has been a hot topic in recent

Guide
Oct 03, 2025

LITHIUM BATTERIES Road & Rail Transport Fact Sheet

Here''s what you need to know if you''re sending Lithium Batteries by road or rail. LITHIUM BATTERIES Road & Rail Transport Fact Sheet Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are a rechargeable (secondary) battery, where the lithium is present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. Lithium polymer batteries are also included in this category.

Guide
Nov 29, 2025

International Rules on Transportation of Lithium Battery Packs

Warm Cloth Battery. 3 Devices That contains Lithium-ion Battery Packs. With the development of related equipment, devices lithium ion battery packs the capacity of the continuous improvement in performance testing, device battery and separate battery is the same (but different UN number alone the battery UN3090 and UN3480, and device battery UN3091 and UN3481), and the

Guide
May 04, 2026

Lithium Battery Guide

4 • Lithium metal (LiM) • are generally non-rechargeable (primary, one-time use). • have a longer life than standard alkaline batteries • are commonly used in hearing aids, wristwatches, smoke detectors, cameras, key fobs, children''s toys, etc. LITHIUM BATTERY TYPES There are many different chemistries of lithium cells and batteries, but for transportation purposes, all lithium

Guide
Jan 17, 2026

Laws, Regulations and Best Practices – NAATBatt

Laws, Regulations and Best Practices for Lithium Battery Packaging, Transport and Recycling in the United States and Canada Scope The Regulatory Subcommittee of the NAATBatt Battery Recycling Committee chaired by Keith Loch (GM) has assembled this summary of International, United States and Canadian regulations for the handling of used automotive, industrial,

Guide
Jan 11, 2026

End-of-Life and Damaged Battery Transportation

Truck transporting end-of-life li-ion batteries overturned, container catching fire on I-15 in Sep 2024. Following this incident U.S. Rep. Dina Titus is advocating for stricter regulations on the transportation of lithium-ion batteries: maximum charge of 30% and testing for impact power comparable to traffic incidents.

Guide
Jun 05, 2026

Shipping batteries: Process, Regulations and Best

On top of that, you could also end up paying regulatory fines or losing shipping privileges if battery shipping regulations are violated. Due to such risks, lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, while other

Guide
Nov 22, 2025

Shipping Lithium-Ion Batteries: UN3480 & UN3481 Regulations

Moreover, using the UN3481 label is necessary to indicate the correct classification of the lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment. These labels help handlers

6 Frequently Asked Questions about “Lithium Battery Transportation Rules”

Are lithium batteries regulated in transportation?

The HMR apply to any material DOT determines can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. Lithium batteries must conform to all applicable HMR requirements when offered for transportation or transported by air, highway, rail, or water. Why

What are the DOT regulations for lithium ion batteries?

In the United States, shippers must follow the Department of Transportation's (DOT) regulations for lithium-ion batteries. This includes proper packaging, labeling and the specific quantity and type that can be transported on the road. The trucking company must also follow the DOT regulations to put the placards on the outside containers.

Are damaged lithium batteries allowed in air transport?

Damaged lithium batteries are forbidden from air transport. See page 06 of this guide for information on damaged batteries. For passenger aircraft, the package may not exceed 5 kg net quantity. "Net quantity" refers to the weight of the batteries, not packaging materials or the equipment (column 9 of the HMT - § 172.101).

Who needs a lithium battery?

The lithium battery requirements apply to shippers who offer lithium batteries for transportation, and to transporters that transport lithium batteries by air, highway, rail, or water. Equipment: The device or apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide electrical power for its operation.

When will lithium ion batteries be available for air transport?

From 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries that are packed with equipment and vehicles powered by lithium ion or sodium ion batteries must be offered for air transport with the battery at a reduced state of charge, unless otherwise approved by the relevant States (A331).

What are the requirements for a lithium battery?

The lithium batteries must be of a type that have successfully passed the UN38.3 tests and contain the necessary systems to prevent overcharge and over discharge between the batteries.

Battery & Energy Storage Insights

Ready to Power Your Project?

Contact our team for a free feasibility study, custom battery sizing, and a competitive quote.