UN 3480 Lithium-Ion Batteries (Shipped by Themselves)

The UN 3480 Lithium-ion batteries (shipped on their own) standard, developed by the United Nations (UN), describes the rules for the transportation of lithium batteries shipped on their own. Due to the increasing use and increased risk, the transportation of lithium batteries (both types) has become an important issue. This standard covers the packaging and transportation rules aimed at reducing the hazards posed by the transportation of lithium batteries, their potential for short circuiting and the resulting potentially catastrophic impact.

From the top, the high-level overview of this standard is as follows:

• Packaging and shipping methods that ensure no batteries come into contact with each other
• Packaging and shipping methods that ensure no battery comes into contact with a conductive or metal surface
• Methods for all batteries to be securely packaged to prevent movement (within the packaging) during transport which could cause terminal covers to loosen or be accidentally activated

If lithium-ion batteries are transported by truck within the European Union, it is necessary to comply with all the requirements set out in the ADR 2017 guide. This regulation is the European agreement that governs the shipment of lithium batteries (in fact any dangerous goods) by road.

Transporting lithium batteries by rail requires meeting a different set of specific guidelines for the transport of hazardous materials. These requirements are detailed in the rail transport of hazardous materials (RID) regulations. These regulations, when combined with the ADR guidelines used for road transport, require similar packaging, handling and protection. If lithium batteries are shipped by sea, compliance with the International Marine Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is required.

Even if you are shipping a very small amount of lithium batteries, these regulations still apply. While many courier companies have different rules, it is important to consider the following:

• Each pack cannot contain more than four batteries or two batteries (if included in a piece of equipment)
• The maximum amount of batteries in a package cannot exceed 5 kg.
• The watt-hour rating must not exceed 20 Wh per cell or 100 Wh per battery.
• Each battery must be of a type that has been proven to meet the requirements of each test in the relevant section of the UN manual of tests and criteria.
• It is forbidden to transport defective batteries.
• Batteries must be protected against short circuits (i.e., placed in individual, non-conductive packaging).
• Equipment containing batteries must be placed in durable, rigid packaging that is unlikely to be damaged during transport. It must also be secured against movement within the outer packaging.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials that require UN 3480 labels, packaging, and forms for safe and compliant transportation. All domestic and international shipments containing lithium batteries are subject to shipping regulations.

According to the UN 3480 standard, specific regulatory guidance and safe, compliant transportation require verification of the following requirements that are different for each type of battery:

• Lithium battery type
• Lithium battery weight
• Lithium battery dimensions
• Lithium battery capacity
• Lithium battery carrying mode
• Lithium battery physical condition (new or used, end of life or damaged)

According to the UN 3480 standard, lithium-ion batteries are classified as follows:

• Fully edited Cells and batteries
  • UN identification number: UN 3480
  • Proper shipping name: lithium-ion batteries
  • Hazard class label: class 9 lithium battery
• Small cells and batteries
  • UN identification number: UN 3480
  • Proper shipping name: lithium-ion batteries
  • Hazard class label: None

Meanwhile, the main difference between the UN 3480 standard and the UN 3481 standard is as follows: A lithium battery shipped alone is classified as UN 3480. A lithium battery packaged with a device or contained in the device is classified as UN 3481. For example, a laptop containing a lithium battery is classified as UN 3481. A lithium-ion battery inside the laptop and powering the laptop (equipment) is classified as UN 3481. A lithium-ion battery (standalone) shipped separately from the laptop is classified as UN 3480.

Specific United Nations regulations covering the transport of these batteries in general include:

• UN 3090 Lithium metal batteries (shipped on their own)
• UN 3480 Lithium-ion batteries (shipped on their own)
• UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in or packaged with equipment
• UN 3481 Lithium-ion batteries contained in or packaged with equipment

Our organization has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies provided for businesses in various sectors, there are also testing services in accordance with the "UN 3480 Lithium-ion batteries (shipped on their own)" standard.