Marking & Labeling

The ICAO and IATA Air Regulations require cells and batteries contained in equipment to follow packing instructions outlined for lithium-ion batteries and lithium-metal batteries as described in the following publications:

• The 2019-2020 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instruction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
• The 61st Edition of the IATA DGR
• The IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Guidelines

Each package must be labeled with the Lithium Battery Handling label.

Exceptions can be made for the following types of packages and shipments:

• Packages that contain only button cell batteries installed in equipment
• Shipments of two packages or less where each package contains no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment

A completed package must adhere to the following guidelines:

• The package must display a Class 9 hazard label, in addition to markings that identify the proper shipping name and UN number.
• The border of the label must have red diagonal hatchings with text and symbols in black on a contrasting background.
• The Lithium Battery Handling label may be printed directly on the outer packaging provided that there is sufficient contrast between the elements of the lithium battery label and the color of the packaging material.
• The minimum dimensions for the label are 4.72 inches wide by 4.33 inches high.
• If the package is so small it can only bear smaller labels, the label dimensions may be 4.13 inches wide by 2.91 inches high, but the design specifications must otherwise remain the same.

Packages of lithium batteries that require the Lithium Battery Handling label must be accompanied by a document called an airway bill that states the following information:

• The package contains lithium ion cells or batteries.
• The package must be handled with care. If the package is damaged, a label must communicate that a flammability hazard exists.
• Special procedures should be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary.
• The package includes a telephone number for additional information.

The document should be separate from the package, as the package already contains a pictorial representation of the hazard communication in the form of the Lithium Battery Handling label.

Shipping lithium batteries via road and rail is regulated in §173.185. These shipments must be marked with "LITHIUM BATTERIES - FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT AND VESSEL." Alternatively, a "CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY" label may be used.

To learn more about Lithium Batteries HAZMAT visit our DOT Lithium Batteries HAZMAT Online Training web page.