IATA Class 9 Lithium Batteries Labels

A lithium battery handling label must be used if the packages containing lithium batteries meet the requirements of Section II of Packing Instructions 965, 967, 968, 969, and 970. Also, the lithium battery handling label must be used in addition to the Class 9 hazard label if the packages meet the requirements of Section IB of Packing Instruction 965 and 968.

The lithium battery handling label must be a minimum dimension of 120 mm wide by 110 mm high. If the package is too small to bear that size label, it may use a label dimension of 105 mm wide by 74 mm high. The label must show "Lithium metal batteries," "Lithium ion batteries," or both, as applicable, and a telephone number to call for additional information.

The border of the label must have red diagonal hatchings, and the text and symbols are printed in black. The label must be printed in English.

A lithium battery handling label is NOT required for packages that are prepared in accordance with Section IA of Packing Instructions 965 and 968 and Section I of Packing Instructions 966, 967, 969, and 970. However, a Class 9 hazard label and Cargo Aircraft Only label must be applied if applicable. The lithium battery handling label is also NOT required when a package contains no more than four cells or two batteries installed in equipment and prepared in accordance with Section II of Packing Instructions 967 and 970. A new update provides further limitations on this exception. The exception from the application of the lithium battery handling label will only apply if there are no more than two such packages in the consignment. However, the change has been added to the DGR to encourage Shippers to take steps to implement the more limited exception as soon as possible.

Each consignment of packages required to have a lithium battery label (Section IB and Section II of the applicable Packing Instruction) must be accompanied by a document such as an air waybill or similar document that contains the following information:

• Indication that the package contains lithium cells or batteries
• Notice that the package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged
• Special procedures that should be followed in the event the package is damaged
• A telephone number to call for additional information

To learn more about IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations visit our IATA DGR Online Training Certification Courses web page.