Guidelines and laws on the transportation of lithium batteries
On the one hand, the use and spread of lithium batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries is steadily increasing due to the advantages described above - on the other hand, these energy sources pose a serious risk, especially if stored or transported incorrectly or in the event of a defect in the cells. This makes it all the more important to store and transport lithium-ion batteries safely and properly in order to prevent a defect and at the same time minimize the risks and damage in the event of a defect.
Please note that the information provided does not constitute legally binding information and we recommend that you always contact the relevant authority / administrative body for the latest specifications, laws and guidelines.
Regulations and laws for the transportation of lithium batteries
The most important collection of regulations and laws for the storage and transportation of lithium batteries are listed 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 at the same time specifies the necessary safety measures that must be taken to ensure safe transportation. The most important terms in this context are the special provisions from the ADR, the packaging instructions in accordance with and the UN numbers for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Special provisions from the ADR specify the requirements for the safe transportation of lithium batteries
The area of lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries is still a comparatively new area within the ADR and is currently still subject to frequent changes. The rapid development in the context of electromobility and the resulting increasing spread of rechargeable batteries and batteries with ever greater capacities present legislators with major challenges in constantly adapting the ADR and the guidelines contained therein. Accordingly, a number of special regulations have been included in the ADR that govern the transportation of intact and defective lithium-ion batteries by road and rail. The most important special regulations in this area are SV 376, SV 377, SV 387, but SV 636, SV 188 and others are also relevant.
==> For a detailed explanation of the special regulations from the ADR for battery transport
Packaging instructions from the ADR for the transportation of Li-ion batteries
The above-mentioned special regulations set out the requirements for the correct and safe packaging of lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries. The ADR packaging instructions specify exactly how the various transport containers for Li-ion batteries must be designed to ensure safe transportation. Depending on the quantity to be transported and the condition of the batteries or the battery types, different ADR special regulations apply, in which specific packaging instructions then apply. The packaging instructions relevant for 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. Particularly important when purchasing transport containers for Li-ion batteries: These must be certified / approved in accordance with the relevant packaging instructions.
UN numbers for the transportation of Li-ion batteries
In addition to the ADR and the special regulations and packaging instructions contained therein, the UN number is an essential component that plays a role in the transportation of lithium batteries and Li-ion batteries. The four-digit number provides information about the hazard potential of the respective substance, meaning that 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 corresponding approval of the containers according to the UN numbers.