Lithium Batteries

All batteries and cells containing lithium must be shipped as dangerous goods under UN numbers 3090, 3091, 3480, or 3481. This includes those that are inside of equipment or packed with equipment. Electrical lithium batteries can cause fire if their case ruptures because of improper construction or contact with contaminants. All lithium batteries and cells must meet testing requirements and include a safety venting device. Lithium batteries and cells need to be equipped to avoid short circuits. Parallel circuit connections between lithium batteries or cells must be designed to avoid dangerous reverse current flow. All cells and batteries must be manufactured under quality control programs. A Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods label, SP384, must be used when shipping lithium metal and lithium ion cells and batteries. Under 5.2.1.10 a new mark for lithium batteries must be applied to packages containing lithium cells or batteries prepared in accordance with SP 188.

To learn more about IMDG visit our International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Online Training web page.