Lithium batteries must be transported as dangerous goods and so they must follow the relevant mode regulations. This topic summarises the requirements for the transport of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries by road and considers some of the differences for the transport by air.
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.
Lithium metal batteries are generally used to power watches, calculators, cameras, etc; Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries) are a type of secondary (rechargeable) battery commonly used in consumer electronics. Also included within lithium-ion batteries are lithium polymer batteries.
Lithium batteries are being used more and more as technology grows and they are becoming more heavily regulated. Lithium batteries must be transported as dangerous goods and so they must follow the relevant mode regulations.
In accordance with USG-02, primary (non-rechargeable) lithium metal batteries and cells (UN3090) are forbidden for transportation aboard passenger-carrying aircraft. Such batteries transported in accordance with Section I of Packing Instruction 968 must be labelled with the cargo aircraft only label.
Yes. All the applicable provisions for lithium batteries will need to be followed by the shipper of such devices, including the limitations for devices that are “active” (on) during transport. The IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) also apply to such shipments. AA.