Shipping Classes for Lithium-Ion Batteries / Lithium Cells
Due to the varied sources of danger that can come from intact but even more from damaged Li-Ion batteries, different shipping classes are distinguished for the transport / shipment of these products. In combination with the respective transport medium (road or rail on one side or air freight on the other), the packaging instructions and special provisions derived from the shipping classes must be observed during transport, and must be adhered to, for example, by the different battery transport containers.
Terminology – Cell and Battery, Li-Ion or Lithium Metal
In the classification of shipping classes, a distinction is made between cells and batteries, as well as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-metal cells. These terms are therefore briefly explained below.
A battery is a collection of individual cells
In battery technology, one usually distinguishes between the individual cells, each representing a separate unit, and an assembly of these individual cells, which is then referred to as a battery. The term battery also includes accumulators, i.e., rechargeable battery units. The individual cells fulfill the actual function of supplying power, as a voltage difference exists between the two terminals when charged.
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries
In addition to the assembly size (the single assembly is the cell, the total assembly is the battery), the chemical elements contained are also distinguished. Lithium-metal batteries are typically non-rechargeable and contain, as the name suggests, lithium in metallic form. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and are therefore also referred to as Li-Ion batteries. This product group also includes lithium polymer batteries (often found as LiPo batteries).
Distinction based on the batteries to be transported
For the selection of an appropriate transport container for shipping lithium batteries, the type or condition of the batteries is used. Depending on the condition and quantity, the requirements that must be observed for battery transport differ.
Regular shipping of intact Li-Ion batteries
Regular shipping of intact lithium batteries will be the most common case in practice. When distinguishing between regular and relaxed shipping, besides the condition of the batteries (they must be intact), the power or nominal energy of all Li-Ion batteries to be transported is decisive. If the lithium-ion batteries have a power of more than 100 Wh or the individual lithium-ion cells have a total power of more than 20 Wh, they fall into the category of regular shipping. When lithium-metal batteries are transported, the lithium content is decisive: for cells the limit is 1 g of lithium content, for batteries this value is 2 g of lithium. Then the requirements of regular shipping must also be observed.
Relaxed shipping of intact Li-Ion batteries
If the total energy of the lithium batteries is less than 100 Wh or less than 20 Wh (for cells), they may be transported under the provisions of relaxed shipping. The same applies if the total lithium content of Li-metal batteries is less than 2 g, for individual cells less than 1 g .
Shipping in the context of recycling / disposal
If lithium-ion batteries, LiPo batteries, or Li-metal batteries are to be routed for recycling, there are special requirements. Important to note that the shipping pieces must not be damaged or defective, but must be intact. For damaged Li-Ion batteries, the transport has significantly increased requirements.
Shipping of battery prototypes
If batteries or cells with lithium content are still in pre-production or prototype status, they do not fall under the regular shipping or relaxed shipping provisions, but must be transported with special care due to the lack of UN certification. This applies, for example, to pre-production types intended for testing, but also to production runs with very small quantities. The guideline here is annual production of less than 100 Li-Ion batteries / battery cells. The lithium-ion batteries transported here accordingly do not yet have a battery test.
Shipping of defective / damaged lithium batteries
The highest shipping requirements by far apply to defective and damaged Li-Ion cells / batteries. This includes all batteries that show obvious damage visible externally (e.g., deformations, mechanical damage), but also cells that have vented and leaked. In addition, Li-Ion batteries are considered damaged if a test has shown a defect. If the condition of a lithium-ion battery is unclear, i.e., it cannot be stated with certainty that there is no defect / damage, this battery must also be treated the same as if it were defective and is thus subject to the strict regulations for shipping damaged lithium batteries.
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