Policies and Laws on the Transport of Lithium Batteries

On the one hand, the use and distribution of lithium batteries and lithium-ion cells is steadily increasing due to the described advantages — on the other hand, energy carriers pose a serious hazard, especially with improper storage, improper transport, or a defect in the cells. Therefore, safe and proper storage and transport of lithium-ion batteries are even more important to prevent a defect and at the same time minimize the dangers and damages in case of a defect.
Please note that the provisions are not legally binding information and we recommend always checking the latest requirements, laws, and guidelines with the appropriate authority/administrative body.

• Regulations and laws for the transport of lithium batteries
  • Special provisions from the ADR set the requirements for safe transport of lithium batteries
  • Packaging instructions from the ADR for the transport of Li-ion batteries
  • UN numbers for the transport of Li-ion batteries

Regulations and laws for the transport and handling of lithium batteries

The most important collection of regulations and laws for the storage and transport of lithium batteries is documented in the so-called ADR. The ADR (European Agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road) classifies certain goods as dangerous goods and simultaneously sets the necessary safety measures that must be taken for a safe transport. The most important terms in this context are the Special Provisions from the ADR, the packaging instructions according to the ADR, and the UN numbers for dangerous goods transport.

Special provisions from the ADR set the requirements for safe transport of lithium batteries

The area of lithium batteries and lithium-ion cells is still a comparatively new area within the ADR and is currently subject to frequent changes. The rapid development in the context of e-mobility and the resulting increasing distribution of batteries with ever larger capacities pose great challenges for legislators, who continuously adapt the ADR and the guidelines contained therein. Accordingly, a number of special provisions have been recorded in the ADR that regulate the transport on road and rail of intact and defective Li-ion batteries. The most important special provisions in this area are SV 376, SV 377, SV 387, but also for example SV 636, SV 188 and others are relevant.
==> For a detailed explanation of the ADR special provisions for battery transport

Packaging instructions from the ADR for the transport of Li-ion batteries

In the aforementioned special provisions, the requirements for a correct and safe packaging of lithium batteries and cells are defined. Within the packaging instruction of the ADR, it is specified exactly how the different transport containers for Li-ion batteries must be designed to ensure safe transport. Depending on the amount to be transported and the condition of the batteries or the battery types, different ADR special provisions apply, which in turn determine specific packaging instructions. The packaging instructions relevant to battery transport are P 903, P 908, P 909, P 910, P 910, as well as the instructions LP 903, LP 904, LP 905 and LP 906. When purchasing transport containers for Li-ion batteries, it is especially important: they must be certified/approved according to the respective packaging instructions.

UN numbers for the transport of Li-ion batteries

Besides the ADR and the included special provisions and packaging instructions, the UN number is an essential component that plays a role in the transport of lithium batteries and Li-ion cells. The four-digit number provides information about the hazard potential of the substance, so every transport of Li-ion batteries must be labeled accordingly. The important UN numbers in the context of lithium batteries are UN 3090, UN 3091, UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3171 and 3166, as well as UN 3536. Before purchasing battery transport containers, it is therefore particularly important to check the respective container approvals according to the UN numbers.