Lithium Metal Batteries and Cells

Batteries and cells that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode.

They are non-rechargeable and you will often find lithium metal batteries in devices such as calculators, watches, car key fobs and cameras.

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Cells

These are secondary batteries (rechargeable) where the lithium is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. Lithium polymer batteries are also included in this category.

These rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can be found in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, ebikes and escooters to name a few.

There are different stages in a lithium battery’s lifecycle and these come with different packing instructions. Generally, cells and batteries must be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III Subsection 38.3. There are however, other types of batteries including; prototypes, damaged or defective and waste batteries requiring disposal/ recycling.

Lithium batteries are classified in Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods as:

• UN 3090, Lithium metal batteries; or
• UN 3480, Lithium-ion batteries

or, if inside a piece of equipment or packed separately with a piece of equipment to power that equipment as:

• UN 3091, Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment; or
• UN 3091, Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
• UN 3481, Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment; or
• UN 3481, Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment.

We have provided a summary of UN numbers and their corresponding Packing Instruction for each mode of transport. Shippers must refer to the relevant transport regulations for detailed regulations, including applicable Special Provisions for each UN number. you can Find the table in our ‘Beginners guide to lithium batteries’