Lithium Batteries Packaging
DGM California provides Dangerous Goods and Hazmat Packaging, Crating, Marking and Labeling Services for Lithium Ion batteries (UN3480), Lithium metal batteries (UN3090) and all equipment that contain such batteries (UN3481 and UN3091)
The constantly changing regulations surrounding shipping of UN3090 Lithium metal and UN 3480 Lithium ion batteries shipping poses significant challenges to most manufacturers, distributors, retailers and end-consumers. Lithium batteries power more devices, cell phones, automobiles, computers than ever before but also are extremely dangerous. We specialize in Lithium Ion and Lithium metal batteries transportation. Proper Packaging, Marking and Labeling are a critical aspect of preparing Lithium batteries for transportation. Choosing the right inner and outer packaging to ensure that there is no damage to the batteries during transit is an essential component for the safe transportation of Lithium batteries. For heavy shipments, additional requirements about how to palletize, shrinkwrap or crate the freight have to be considered. Lithium batteries by themselves can only be transported via Cargo Aircraft Only
After proper packaging, the outer packaging has to be labeled and marked correctly with the proper labels and other critical information that goes alongside the label. Additionally, if the shipment is declared as an Overpack or has special handling requirements, then those appropriate labels and markings have to be applied as well.
DGM California can help with the design, selection and performing the packaging for all regulated goods and correctly marking and labeling the consignment.
Lithium Batteries Classification
Lithium batteries come in a variety of classifications and the regulations surrounding that have been changing continually over the past few years, as dangers associated with Lithium Ion batteries have been better understood. Lithium batteries sometimes need to be transported by themselves (for example, a power bank or a regular cell) and sometimes are installed in equipment (for example in a laptop) or packed along with the equipment (for example, a spare battery). The variety of configurations has resulted in a need for a lot of regulations that vary by ground, air and ocean as well as the configuration during transport.
DGM California can help you with the right classification:
- UN 3480 vs UN 3481 or UN3090 vs UN3091
- Section I vs II
- Passenger Aircraft OK vs Cargo Aircraft only
- UN rated packaging vs Strong Fiberboard Box
- Lithium Battery Statement vs. Shipper’s declaration for Dangerous Goods.
Lithium batteries Marking and Labeling
The shipper is responsible for all necessary marking and labeling of each package of dangerous goods and each overpack, in compliance with the relevant regulations.
Lithium batteries require different combinations of labels and documentation depending on the
- Quantity of Lithium (in grams) for UN 3090 (Lithium Metal batteries)
- Cell configuration and quantity of cells
- Total weight of the package
- Whether batteries are traveling by themselves or packed with or contained in equipment
