Ups.com
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
Prepared on behalf of IHPA Note from Editors 1. Malaria - tiny mosquito that daunts the world 2. POPs contaminated sites 3. European Commission, Environment DG May 1, 2009 4. Conference of Parties COP4 to Stockholm Convention: Geneva, May 4-8, 2009 5. Brief notes on a HCH contaminated site in Brazil: Environmental (in)justice? 6. Obsolete pesticides a ticking time bomb and why we have to act now
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