Special regulations from the ADR

In the ADR, the basic regulations for the transportation of hazardous substances by road and rail, the special provisions contain information on how to handle the different types and quantities of lithium batteries. The most important special provisions (SV for short) from the ADR are therefore presented below. For the transport of Li-ion batteries, the most important special provisions are SV 376, SV 377, SV 387 and SV 636. In addition, the special provisions SV 188, SV 230, SV 310 and SV 348 are also relevant.

Special provision SV 310 Transportation of prototypes or small productions

For lithium-ion batteries and lithium batteries from small series or in the status of a prototype, SV 376 or SV 377 do not apply, but SV 310. Here, for example, it is specified that the batteries must be packed for transport in accordance with packing instruction P910. They must be labeled accordingly.

Defective batteries - SV 376 must be consulted

If the battery prototypes or small series cells are defective or exhibit mechanical damage, they must be transported in accordance with SV 376 listed below in order to minimize any risk. Other packaging instructions from SV 376 (P 908, LP 904) apply accordingly.

For transportation for disposal: SV 377 applies

If the battery prototypes are to be disposed of, but are neither mechanically damaged nor otherwise defective, SV 377 applies, which must be used for all batteries for disposal. The packaging instructions from P 909 also apply to these battery prototypes.

Special provision SV 376 from the ADR - for defective Li-ion batteries

Special provision SV 376 from the ADR specifies measures for the transportation of lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries that are defective and damaged. Examples of such defects are leaking battery cells, degassed batteries, mechanically or externally damaged battery cells and, for example, battery cells that can no longer be diagnosed and which must therefore be assumed to be no longer intact. Both the documents and the packages must be marked accordingly.

Increased precautions required during transportation

For this type of lithium battery, which poses a potential risk of fire or explosion, increased precautionary measures apply during transportation, which are detailed in SV 376. In SV 376 from the ADR, reference is made to the respective packaging instructions, where the exact details are formulated. In general, lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries that fall under SV 376 must be transported in special battery containers that are approved in accordance with SV 376.

Particularly hazardous cells must be packed in accordance with packing instruction P911 / LP 906

If the defective Li-ion batteries pose a particularly high risk, they must be packed in accordance with the packing instructions P 911 / LP 906. These are, for example, battery cells which, under normal transport conditions, are likely to form flames, disintegrate, develop uncontrolled heat or emit gas, for example.

Special provision SV 377 from the ADR - for the disposal and recycling of rechargeable batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries / LiPo batteries that are transported for disposal or recycling must be labeled in accordance with SV 377 from the ADR. This special regulation stipulates that these packages may be packaged in accordance with packaging regulation P 909. Before transportation, however, it must be ensured that the lithium batteries are not damaged or defective, in which case special provision SV 376 applies (see above).
The packages must contain an appropriate label indicating that lithium batteries are being transported for disposal or recycling.