Lithium Battery Boxes - 4G & 4DV Boxes

Our 4G lithium battery fibreboard boxes are have been specifically designed for batteries with a gross weight of up to 12kg. They are lighter and a cost-effective option, come in various sizing options.

4GV boxes are fibreboard boxes required for heavier batteries that exceed 12kg gross weight. They come in various sizes and require vermiculite as cushioning.

4DV boxes are wooden boxes required for heavier batteries that exceed 12kg gross weight. They are a more durable outer packaging option and require vermiculite as cushioning.

Each box types are UN tested to dangerous goods standards and approved for UN3480, UN3481, UN3090,UN3091, UN3551 and UN3552 classifications, shippers must follow the relevant packing instructions to ensure compliance.

Shipping lithium batteries can be a complicated task and the regulations can differ depending on the type of lithium battery and the mode of transport.

Lithium batteries are a “Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods”. This corresponds to any one of the following classifications:

• UN 3090
• UN 3480
• UN 3091
• UN 3481
• UN3551
• UN3552

Each of these UN numbers has specific regulations to adhere to. Full regulations can be found in the relevant Dangerous Goods Regulations for your mode of transport, or for a quick overview of the regulations, view our handy guide to lithium battery regulations.

Due to the dangerous goods classification, there are a number of requirements for packaging lithium batteries ready for shipment.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Cells and batteries passing relevant 38.3 UN tests.
• Battery terminals are protected against short circuits.
• Following the correct packaging requirements (outer packaging, cushioning and labels).
• Following packaging limits.
• Adding the correct marks and labels to the packaging.
• Supplying the required documentation.
• Following the correct packing instruction

There are tougher regulations when it comes to shipping prototypes, damaged/defective and batteries for disposal or recycling. Air transport of these batteries is forbidden and can lead to fines if not adhered to. If you are transporting these types of batteries via air, you need to ensure that you refer to the state of origin, the state of operator, as well as special provisions set out in IATA regulations.

At Air Sea Containers, we recommend speaking to trusted experts in the packaging industry to ensure that you are following the correct rules and regulations.

Before sending lithium batteries out for delivery, you need to make the courier service aware of what you are sending. That allows them to provide the right service and take the right precautions with dangerous goods. Along with the correct packaging for lithium batteries, there needs to be the right documentation that accompanies the delivery.

Boxes need to be marked clearly with the required labels such as:

• Battery handling label
• Class 9 – Dangerous Goods label
• Cargo aircraft only label (if applicable for Air)
• Lithium Batteries Forbidden for transport label (if applicable)
• Relevant battery mark
• Any other related marks/labels

Different batteries require different labels, so it is important to consult the correct transport regulations before shipping your batteries.

As well as these labels, you will also be required to provide relevant documentation depending on the size and type of battery you are shipping. Consult your preferred courier to understand the relevant documentation that you require.

While UN 3481 and UN 3091 both pertain to lithium battery products, they have different regulations and meanings.

UN 3481

UN 3481 lithium ion batteries are class 9 dangerous goods.

They can be either of the following:

• A lithium ion battery contained in the equipment.
• A lithium ion battery packed with the equipment,.

UN 3091

UN 3091 lithium metal batteries are class 9 dangerous goods.

They can be either of the following:

• A lithium metal battery contained in the equipment.
• A lithium metal battery packed with the equipment.

Depending on the features of the battery you are sending, for both UN 3841 and UN 3091 there are different requirements that need to be considered. These include:

• Mode of Transport
• Type of Battery (Damaged, prototype, 38.3 tested etc)
• Weight of the battery
• Watt-hour rating
• State of Charge

It is important to ensure you follow the correct regulations for your lithium batteries. That will allow for the safe transport and delivery of your lithium battery products.