Lithium Battery
Transportation Regulations

Lithium battery transportation regulations

Please read the Department of Transportation's final rule for the transportation of lithium batteries, including both primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries.

The transportation of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium Ion and lithium Polymer cells and batteries is regulated in the United States in accordance with Part 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, (49 CFR Sections 100 – 185) of the US Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)

Please read 49 CFR 173.185 – Lithium cells and batteries – US regulations.

The international transportation of lithium cells and batteries is regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions and corresponding International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

Under United Nations transportation regulations primary lithium and rechargeable lithium Ion and polymer cells and batteries must comply with the UN T1 – T8 testing regulations.

The UN tests listed below are specified in the latest revision of the recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods, manual of tests and criteria (ST/SG/AC.10.46/Rev.7)

T1: Attitude Simulation
T2: Thermal
T3: Vibration
T4: Shock
T5: External Short Circuit
T6: Impact
T7: Overcharge
T8: Forced Discharge

These tests only must be performed once for each cell or battery type of a given design. Additional testing is required when a previously tested cell or battery undergoes design or construction changes as follows:

1. A chance of more than 0.1 g or 20% by mass, whichever is greater, to the cathode, to the anode, or to the electrolyte; or
2. A change that would materially affect the test results.