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Effective February 6, 2015 U.S. lithium battery regulations Regulations applicable to shipments of as Dangerous Goods do not require a lithium batteries within the United States UPS Dangerous Goods contract, provided Lithium battery types have changed. Compliance with the restrictions below are satisfied.
There are two major kinds of lithium new regulations is mandatory effective batteries, both of which contain very February 6, 2015.
Shipping lithium batteries high levels of energy: All shippers are required to understand and by air service Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are comply with the applicable regulations. Regulations differ depending upon This guide provides general information what type of lithium battery you are about shipping to, from or within the • Sometimes called "secondary shipping (lithium ion or lithium metal) U.S. and is for illustrative purposes only. and whether you are shipping batteries Please reference regulations published by packed without equipment, batteries • Includes lithium polymer the U.S. Department of Transportation's packed with equipment, or batteries (Li-Po) batteries Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety contained in equipment. Please see • These batteries are often found Administration (PHMSA), which may be Figure 3 (Page 5) and Figure 5 (Page 7) in common electronic devices found online at.
for additional information.
such as cell phones and laptops Note: For information about shipping
Because of changes to the IATA Lithium metal batteries are lithium batteries globally, please refer to Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO regulations published by the International Technical Instructions, shipments of • Sometimes called "primary Air Transport Association (IATA), which lithium metal batteries without equip- may be found at ment are limited to the UPS International Dangerous Goods (IDG) network. Please Note: In recent years, there have been
About lithium batteries see the origins and destinations that are authorized for IDG occasional recalls of defective lithium Because lithium batteries are designed batteries. Never send recalled lithium to provide high levels of power, the batteries by air; doing so can be very electrical energy in these batteries is dangerous and may result in fines or Effective July 1, 2015, only pre-approved significant, meaning that such batteries penalties against you, the sender. In customers are allowed to ship lithium can sometimes generate a great amount addition, UPS does not transport recycled metal batteries without equipment of heat if short circuited. In addition, batteries by air. UPS ® services that have (UN3090) via UPS® Air services. Learn the chemical contents of these batteries the potential to travel by air include: more about pre-approval: may catch fire if damaged or if improp- UPS Next Day Air ®, UPS 2nd Day Air ®, erly designed or assembled. For these UPS Express Critical ®, UPS Worldwide reasons, there are safety regulations Express Plus ®, UPS Worldwide Express ®, controlling the shipment of these types UPS Worldwide Express Freight ®, UPS of batteries. Shippers must conform to Several passenger and cargo airlines that Worldwide Saver ® and UPS Worldwide the applicable regulations published by UPS uses to serve some markets around PHMSA and/or IATA.
the world now prohibit shipments of lithium ion batteries packaged without While all lithium batteries are classified equipment (UN3480, shipped in accor- as hazardous materials (also referred to dance with Section II of IATA Packing as dangerous goods), there are exceptions Instruction 965) on their aircraft. As for common small sizes of these batter- a result, some countries are no longer ies that simplify the rules for shipping available as origins or destinations for these items. This document describes these shipments, or in some cases, addi- the rules for shipping these small lithium tional time in transit may be required. batteries. Shipments not fully regulated Visior more information.
2012-2015 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 8/15 U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 Shipping lithium batteries by ground serviceAdditional weight and labeling requirements now apply to ground shipments of lithium batteries in the U.S. The requirements differ depending upon what type of lithium battery you are shipping (lithium ion or lithium metal) and whether you are shipping batteries packed without equipment, batteries packed with equipment, or batteries contained in equipment. Please see Figure 4 (Page 6) and Figure 6 (Page 8) for additional information.
These requirements also apply to cross-border ground shipments from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico.
UPS® Ground service to or from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and many small islands also must travel by aircraft for at least one flight segment. Shipments to or from these destinations are thus treated as air shipments. General regulations and FAQs
What do the abbreviations "IATA" and "PHMSA" mean?
IATA is the International Air Transport Association. It is a global trade organization that
develops commercial standards and publishes the Dangerous Goods Regulations, con-
taining standards for the transport of dangerous goods by air. IATA's Dangerous Goods
Regulations are based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical
Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. ICAO is the United Nations
body with jurisdiction over international aviation issues.
PHMSA is the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which develops regulations for transport of dangerous goods by all modes within the U.S.
What are some ways I can help prevent a short-circuit or activation
of lithium batteries in my shipment while in transport?
Sample Packaging
Lithium Batteries
A major risk of shipping lithium batteries is short-circuit of a battery or inadver-tent acti vation while in transport. All batteries should be packed to eliminate the possibility of a short-circuit or activation (see Figure 1 for an example). Ensure no batteries can come in contact with other batteries, conductive surfaces or metal objects while in transport. IATA regulations require packing cells and batteries in fully enclosed inner packaging made of non-conductive material (e.g., plastic bags) and ensuring that exposed terminals or connectors are protected with non-conductive caps or tape or by other similar means. They also recommend securely cushioning and require packing batteries to prevent shifting during trans-port or loosening of terminal caps. Do not use envelopes or other soft-sided packs. Please see the IATA website for additional tips and guidance: .
2012-2015 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 8/15 U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 General regulations and FAQs (cont.)
Do quantity limits on cells and batteries apply to the overpacks? For the purposes
of the regulation, what is considered the "package"?
An overpack may be used to consolidate several packages that have been properly
prepared for shipment. Provided the individual packages are in compliance with the
regulations, then at this time the limits apply only to the package(s) within the over-
pack. However, it is required that the individual packages comply with the necessary
requirements (such as the ability to withstand a 1.2 meter drop test). The overpack
must be marked with the word "overpack" and labeled with the appropriate lithium
battery handling label. See Figure 2 below.
Individual packages (with labeling) within overpack Lithium Battery label and OVERPACK statement What does the abbreviation "Wh" mean?
"Wh" stands for "watt-hour." It is a measure used to indicate the energy capacity
of a lithium ion cell or battery.
What is a "button battery"?
A button battery is a small round battery where the height is less than the diameter1
also commonly referred to as "coin batteries." Examples can be found in watches,
calculators, electronic clocks, toys and other applications.
What is a "cell" versus a "battery" under this regulation?
• A battery is two or more cells electrically connected together by permanent means,
including case, terminals and markings.
Note: "Battery packs," "modules" or "battery assemblies" are treated as batteries
under this regulation.
• A cell is a single encased electrochemical unit. It has one positive and one negative electrode that exhibit a voltage differential across its two terminals.1 Note: Many cells can be termed "battery" or "single-cell battery" in common
conversation, but under this regulation a single cell must use the requirements related
to "cells" only. Examples of a "cell" would be a CR123 primary lithium cell used for
cameras and flashlights.
1 Source: "IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document: Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries." IATA. 2014. Web 2012-2015 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 8/15 U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 package containing lithium ion batteries. For smaller packages that can only bear smaller labels, the label dimensions may Requirements for the use of the labels be 105 mm wide × 74 mm high.
and markings described on this page vary depending upon the type of battery being Distinctive handling label
shipped (lithium ion or lithium metal) and (Lithium Metal Batteries)
how the batteries are packed (without
This label must be at least 110 mm × equipment, with equipment, or contained 120 mm and be on the outside of a pack- in equipment).
age containing lithium metal batteries. For smaller packages that can only bear See pages 5 and 7 for how and when smaller labels, the label dimensions may these labels and markings must be used be 105 mm wide × 74 mm high.
Note: Customers who wish to ship
for air shipments, as required by U.S. lithium metal batteries without equip- DOT regulations. See pages 6 and 8 for ment (UN3090) via UPS Air services must labeling and marking requirements for obtain pre-approval from UPS Airlines. ground shipments.
Labels and markings
for ground shipments
Many shipments must be accompanied IF DAMAGED
Ground shipments must display a marking by documentation (which may be affixed that identifies the presence of lithium ion to a UPS® package in a document pouch) Lithium Metal Battery
DO NOT LOAD OR TRANSPORT or lithium metal batteries and that states that must state the following: PACKAGE IF DAMAGED • The package must be handled with For more information, call .
care because a fire hazard exists if • The package must be handled with care because a fire hazard exists if it is damaged • Special procedures are to be followed Cargo Aircraft Only markings
if the package is damaged, to include • Special procedures are to be followed If you plan to ship lithium metal batteries inspection and repacking if necessary if the package is damaged, to include packed without equipment by air, the inspection and repacking if necessary • A telephone number for additional package must display the Cargo Aircraft • A telephone number for additional Only label shown on this page. Ground Distinctive handling label
shipments may display either of the two The distinctive handling labels (shown (Lithium Ion Batteries)
following statements, in letters at least 6 mm high: on this page) may be used. Other stickers This label must be at least 110 mm × or markings may be used, but they must 120 mm and be on the outside of a "PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIES—
provide all the required information.
FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT
ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT"
"LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES—
FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT
IF DAMAGED
ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT"
Lithium Ion Battery
DO NOT LOAD OR TRANSPORT PACKAGE IF DAMAGED For more information, call .
2012-2015 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 8/15 U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 Figure 3
Air Shipments of Lithium Ion Batteries
Is my Lithium Ion Battery air shipment* fully regulated, requiring UPS® Dangerous Goods service?
Are any lithium ion batteries in your shipment >100 Wh or lithium-ion cells >20 Wh? A UPS Dangerous Goods Are you shipping lithium batteries contract will be required.** contained in equipment or packed UN spec packaging, class 9 label, hazmat shipping papers and package markings are required. Please se Is the combined net weight Are the batteries >2.7 Wh? of all lithium batteries in your for further details about shipping package >5 kg? Does your package of lithium batteries Does your package contain contain >8 cells or >2 batteries? >2.5 kg of batteries? A UPS Dangerous Goods Your package does not need to be shipped as
contract will be required.** UPS Dangerous Goods. Please see Goods contract will be does not need
required.** Please see to be shipped as details about shipping requirements.
Goods. Required: Lithium battery handling label and lithium details about shipping for further details about battery safety document is required for: (a) all packages of lithium batteries packed
with equipment and (b), any package of equipment containing >4 cells or >2 batteries. However, equipment containing button batteries does not require the handling label or safety document.
A UPS Dangerous Goods contract Your package does not
will be required.** Please see need to be shipped as UPS Dangerous Goods. Required: for further details Lithium battery handling label about shipping requirements.
and lithium battery safety document.
* Packaging for all shipments of lithium batteries must be able to withstand a 1.2 meter drop test, and all batteries must be packed to eliminate the possibility
of a short-circuit or activation. Do not use envelopes or any other soft-sided packs. Please see page 2 for more information. Service limitations may apply for some shipments of lithium ion batteries. Visit ups.com for more information.
** Contracts are required for UPS® Small Package and UPS Air Cargo® services but not UPS® Air Freight hazmat shipments; please contact your customer representative for details.
2012 2015 United P arcel Service of America, Inc . UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United P arcel Service of America, Inc , the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United P All rights reserved. 8/15 All rights reserv U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 Figure 4
Ground Shipments of Lithium Ion Batteries*
Is my Lithium Ion Battery ground shipment fully regulated, requiring UPS® Dangerous Goods service?
(For detailed information about required documentation and labeling noted below, please see Page 4.)
Note: Ground shipments of lithium batteries must not be sent to any address in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or destinations on islands such as Avalon, CA.
Are lithium ion batteries >100 Wh or lithium-ion cells >20 Wh? Are batteries >100 Wh but ≤300 Wh, Does the package contain lithium ion or cells >20 Wh but ≤60 Wh? batteries packed with equipment? Does the package contain lithium ion Does the package contain lithium ion batteries packed with equipment? batteries contained in equipment? Does the package contain Is the gross weight of Is the gross weight of lithium ion batteries the package >30 kg? the package >30 kg? contained in equipment? Your package does not need
to be shipped as UPS Dangerous
Your package does not need to be shipped
as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please see A UPS Dangerous Goods contract for further details about shipping will be required.** UN spec details about shipping requirements.
packaging, class 9 label, hazmat shipping papers and package Required: Warning markings stating "Lithium Lithium ion battery handling label markings are required. Please Batteries – Forbidden for Transport Aboard and lithium ion battery safety Aircraft and Vessel." document is required for packages for further details containing >4 cells or >2 batteries.
Lithium ion battery handling label and lithium about shipping requirements.
ion battery safety document is required for May not be eligible for air
packages containing >4 cells or >2 batteries.
service. See Figure 3 on Page 5.
Not eligible for air service.
Your package does not need to be shipped as UPS Dangerous Goods.
Your package does not need to be shipped
Please see for further details as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please se about shipping requirements.
for further details about shipping requirements.
Required: Warning markings stating "Lithium Batteries – Forbidden for Transport Aboard Aircraft and Vessel," lithium ion battery handling label, Required: Lithium ion battery handling label and lithium ion battery safety document.
and lithium ion battery safety document.
Not eligible for air service.
May not be eligible for air service.
See Figure 3 on Page 5.
* Packaging for all shipments of lithium batteries must be able to withstand a 1.2 meter drop test, and all batteries must be packed to eliminate the possibility
of a short-circuit or activation. Do not use envelopes or any other soft-sided packs. Please see page 2 for more information.
** Contracts are required for UPS® Small Package and UPS Air Cargo® services but not UPS® Air Freight hazmat shipments; please contact your customer representative for details.
f America, Inc. UPS, t S he UPS brandmark and the co o n are trademarks of United Parc All rights reserve U.S. lithium battery regulationsEffective February 6, 2015 Figure 5
Air Shipments of Lithium Metal Batteries
Is my Lithium Metal Battery air shipment* fully regulated, requiring UPS® Dangerous Goods service?
Note: Pre-approval is required to ship lithium metal batteries packed without equipment via UPS Air services. Visior additional informtion.
Are any lithium metal batteries in your shipment >2 g or lithium metal cells >1 g? A UPS Dangerous Goods Are you shipping lithium batteries contract will be required.** contained in equipment or packed UN spec packaging, class 9 label, hazmat shipping papers and package markings are required. Please see Is the net weight of Are any of the batteries >0.3 g? lithium batteries in your for further details about package >5 kg? Does your package of lithium batteries Does your package contain contain >8 cells or >2 batteries? >2.5 kg of batteries? A UPS Dangerous Goods Your package does not need to be shipped
contract will be required.** as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please see Your package does not
further details about shipping requirements.
need to be shipped will be required.** as UPS Dangerous Lithium battery handling label and lithium details about shipping battery safety document are required for: battery handling (a) All packages of lithium batteries packed
label, lithium battery details about shipping safety document, and (b) Any package of equipment containing Cargo Aircraft Only >4 cells or >2 batteries.
label/markings are required. UPS® service (Equipment containing button batteries, is limited to origins such as a circuit board with an installed and destinations button cell, does not require the handling identified as countries label or safety document.) authorized for IDG.*** A UPS Dangerous Goods contract Your package does not need to be shipped
will be required.** Please see as UPS Dangerous Goods. Lithium battery handling label, lithium battery safety for further details document, and Cargo Aircraft Only label about shipping requirements.
are required. UPS® service is limited to origins and destinations identified as countries authorized for IDG.*** * Packaging for all shipments of lithium batteries must be able to withstand a 1.2 meter drop test, and all batteries must be packed to eliminate the
possibility of a short-circuit or activation. Do not use envelopes or any other soft-sided packs. Please see page 2 for more information. Pre-approval requirements may apply-approval process.
** Contracts are required for UPS® Small Package and UPS Air Cargo® services but not UPS® Air Freight hazmat shipments; please contact your customer representative for details.
***Visit for a list of countries approved for IDG.
2012- 2012 2015 United P arcel Service of America, Inc . UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United P arcel Service of America, Inc , the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United P All rights reserved. 8/15 All rights reserv U.S. lithium battery regulations Figure 6
Ground Shipments of Lithium Metal Batteries*
Is my Lithium Metal Battery ground shipment fully regulated, requiring UPS® Dangerous Goods service?
(For detailed information about required documentation and labeling noted below, please see Page 4.)
Note: Ground shipments of lithium batteries must not be sent to any address in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or destinations on islands such as Avalon, CA.
Are lithium metal batteries >2 g Li metal or lithium metal cells >1 g Li metal? Are batteries >2 g but ≤25 g Li metal, Does the package contain lithium or cells >1 g but ≤5 g Li metal? metal batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment? Does the package contain lithium metal batteries packed with equipment? Is the gross weight of Does package hold >5 kg the package >30 kg? net weight of lithium metal batteries? Does the package contain Is the gross weight of lithium metal batteries the package >30 kg? contained in equipment? Your package does not need to be
shipped as UPS Dangerous Goods.
Please see for further details about Your package does not need to be shipped
A UPS Dangerous Goods contract as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please se will be required.** UN spec Required: Warning markings stating packaging, class 9 label, hazmat "Lithium Batteries – Forbidden for details about shipping requirements.
shipping papers and package Transport Aboard Passenger Aircraft," markings are required. Please Required: Warning markings stating "Lithium lithium metal battery handling label, Batteries – Forbidden for Transport Aboard and lithium metal battery safety for further details Aircraft and Vessel." about shipping requirements.
Lithium metal battery handling label and lithium May not be eligible for air service.
metal battery safety document is required for See Figure 5 on Page 7.
packages containing >4 cells or >2 batteries.
Your package does not need to
"packed with equipment" Not eligible for air service.
be shipped as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please se "contained in equipment" for further details about shipping Your package does not need to be shipped as UPS
Your package does not need to be shipped
Dangerous Goods. Please see as UPS Dangerous Goods. Please see for further details about shipping Required: Lithium metal battery handling label and lithium metal details about shipping requirements.
battery safety document.
Required: Warning markings stating "Lithium Batteries – Lithium metal battery handling label and lithium Forbidden for Transport Aboard Aircraft and Vessel," May not be eligible for air serv-
metal battery safety document is required for lithium metal battery handling label, and lithium meta l ice. See Figure 5 on Page 7.
packages containing >4 cells or >2 batteries.
battery safety document.
May not be eligible for air service.
Not eligible for air service.
See Figure 5 on Page 7.
* Packaging for all shipments of lithium batteries must be able to withstand a 1.2 meter drop test, and all batteries must be packed to eliminate the possibility
of a short-circuit or activation. Do not use envelopes or any other soft-sided packs. Please see page 2 for more information.
** Contracts are required for UPS® Small Package and UPS Air Cargo® services but not UPS® Air Freight hazmat shipments; please contact your customer representative for details.

Source: https://www.ups.com/media/news/en/us_lithium_battery_regulations.pdf