Importance and Challenges

In a world fueled by innovation, the number of applications where rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells and batteries are used is ever-growing. They are widely used in electronics, electric vehicles, and as reliability enhancements of renewable energy sources. The need for Li-ion batteries led to an increase in battery production, which consequently has increased the number of batteries needed to be transported.

During the transport of Li-ion batteries, many incidents occurred and caused discussions on the safety hazards of battery transport, the environmental impact of battery transport, and its influence on the global supply chain. Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, are considered safety hazards because they can be prone to overheating, short-circuits, or even self-combustion if mishandled, damaged, or exposed to certain conditions during transport. Their improper transport can result in battery leakage and the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. Efficient and safe transport of Li-ion batteries avoids costly accidents and ensures smooth operation of global supply chains, ensuring batteries reach manufacturers, retailers, and end-customers.

Regulatory Frameworks

The UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods [1] (hereafter referred to as “UN Recommendations”) is a comprehensive document that encompasses nearly all major modes of transport. UN Recommendations categorize lithium cells and batteries under Class 9 – Miscellaneous Substances and Articles. This means that lithium cells and batteries are classified as dangerous goods.

Each dangerous good is attributed with a UN four-digit number, specifically lithium-ion batteries are attributed with numbers:

• UN3480 Lithium Ion batteries,
• UN3481 Lithium Ion batteries contained in equipment,
• UN3481 Lithium Ion batteries packed with equipment.

In chapter 2.9.4 Lithium batteries of the UN Recommendations, the UN further defines provisions that must be met to transport batteries. Among the provisions of the UN Recommendations are the battery design requirements (e.g. having means of preventing external short circuits) and requirement for type testing of cells or batteries according to the UN Manual [2]. Test summaries of these tests shall be made available by manufacturers and subsequent distributors for cells and batteries manufactured after June 30th, 2003.

If the certain battery has met the stated provisions, it can be transported as a standalone, contained in equipment, or packed with equipment.

Air transport of lithium batteries is the most strictly regulated mode of transport. UN Recommendations are furthermore adapted for air transport by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA offers detailed guidance through its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), including the Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries document [3] and Packing Instruction 965 [4]. Along with other information, the documents specify the following:

„Lithium-ion cells and batteries must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30 per cent of their rated capacity “.

To transport batteries or other dangerous goods, shippers need to prepare a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. The declaration includes the statement: “I declare that all of the applicable air transport requirements have been met.” By signing the Shipper’s Declaration, the shipper is making a legal statement that all the applicable provisions of the DGR have been complied with, including the provision referring to the state of charge (SOC) of 30%. In the event of an incident, this statement serves as a legal document for determining liability.

To discover why a 30% SOC was selected and learn how to achieve it using DV Power equipment, log in and access the full article using this link

October 17, 2024