Lithium Ion FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lithium Ion Batteries and Transportation Regulations
  1. Must consumer-type lithium ion batteries always be shipped as Class 9 dangerous good?

    No. Almost all small, consumer-type lithium ion batteries sold on the market today are provided an exception from dangerous goods regulations and thus do not require Class 9 labeling, marking, or packaging. Special Provision 188 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations and Packing Instructions 965 - 970 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation and ICAO Technical Instructions provide exceptions to these regulations for small lithium ion batteries that contain no more than 100 Watt-hours.

  2. What are some of the typical uses for lithium ion batteries?

    Small lithium ion batteries excepted from the dangerous goods regulations are used primarily in consumer applications. They are commonly found in cellular phones and laptop computers. Often these batteries are packed with or contained in consumer products when transported. These products do not require a Class 9 designation.

  3. In what quantities are lithium ion batteries generally shipped?

    Lithium ion batteries are shipped in large and small quantities. For example, a single package may contain as few as five batteries, while a pallet may contain more than 1,000 batteries. They also may be packed with or contained in equipment.

  4. If most consumer lithium ion batteries are excepted from regulation, why do some packages of lithium ion batteries now contain a "Caution" marking and shipping papers carry similar information?

    In the U.S., this marking is mandatory for packages containing more than 24 lithium ion cells or 12 lithium ion batteries that are excepted from the regulations. These packages also must be accompanied by a document indicating that the packages contain lithium ion batteries and that special procedures should be followed in the event that the packages are damaged.  The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation and ICAO Technical Instructions require a lithium battery handling label be placed on packages that are excepted from regulation.

  5. What is the difference between "lithium metal" and "lithium ion" batteries?

    The biggest differences are that lithium metal batteries contain metallic lithium and are not rechargeable. Lithium ion batteries, however, are not manufactured with metallic lithium and they can be recharged.

  6. Must lithium ion batteries be tested pursuant to the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria?

    Starting in 2003, new testing requirements took effect that require testing for all lithium ion cells and batteries shipped internationally.  In the U.S., UN testing requirements for small, consumer-size lithium ion  cells and batteries went into effect on October 1, 2009.

  7. How is the "equivalent lithium content" for a lithium ion cell and battery determined?

    Equivalent lithium content means, for a lithium ion cell, the product of the rated capacity, in ampere-hours of a lithium ion cell times 0.3. The total equivalent lithium content is expressed in grams (g). The equivalent lithium content of a battery equals the sum of the grams (g) of equivalent lithium content contained in the component cells of the battery.

    Example: A lithium ion cell in a laptop battery pack may have a rated capacity of 2.2 ampere-hours. Applying the conversion factor of 0.3, a battery pack with 9 of these cells contains 5.94 grams of equivalent lithium content.

    (2.2 x 0.3 x 9 = 5.94 grams of equivalent lithium content)