Prior to March 6, 2019, this regulation required the display of specific markings on packages of solely lithium metal batteries (the HMR has prohibited lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft since January 1, 2008) but now requires them on the following, even if the mode of transport is highway, rail, or vessel:
The lithium battery mark is required as specified in the DGR. The border of the mark must have red diagonal hatchings with a minimum width of 5mm. The symbol (group of batteries, one damaged and emitting flame, above the UN number for lithium ion or lithium metal batteries or cells) must be black on white or a suitable contrasting background.
Lithium batteries are able to possess a lot of stored energy, and they tend to have a chemical composition that can present a hazard when being charged, used, or are damaged. To keep the aviation industry safe, there are additional measures which are applied when transporting lithium batteries.
With one exception noted in this article, the changes to the HMR made by this rule will not affect most shippers of lithium batteries. There are two types of lithium batteries: lithium metal and lithium ion. The transport regulations for lithium metal batteries are more strict than those for lithium ion batteries.
You can find the lithium battery marking and labeling guidelines inside Section 7 of the latest copy of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) or the Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations (LBSR). What do the Lithium Battery Marks and Labels Look Like? The lithium battery mark is required as specified in the DGR.
Lithium metal batteries contain metallic lithium and are primarily non-rechargeable. They have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Included in this group are lithium alloy batteries. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, and lithium is only present in the electrolyte in the ionic form.