Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods that include both lithium metal batteries (generally primary non-rechargeable) with lithium metal or compounds as an anode and lithium-ion batteries where lithium is present only in ionic form in the electrolyte, including lithium polymer batteries. They can be carried by air depending on configuration and Watt-hour rating for rechargeable or lithium content for non-rechargeable types. They are classified under UN 3090 (lithium metal), UN 3480 (lithium-ion), UN 3091 (lithium metal with/in equipment), or UN 3481 (lithium-ion with/in equipment), with strict transport regulations due to safety risks if not properly handled.

An Emirates SkyCargo shipment carries AWB number 176-12345675 containing UN 3480 lithium-ion batteries shipped under Packing Instruction 965, requiring a Cargo Aircraft Only label since they exceed Section II limits. A FedEx Express cargo flight transports AWB 023-98765432 with UN 3481 lithium-ion batteries contained in laptop computers under Packing Instruction 967, which can be accepted on both passenger and cargo aircraft when meeting Section II requirements.

• lithium cells
• ELI
• ELB
• Section II batteries
• Section IA lithium
• lithium ion batteries air cargo

What are the UN numbers and state of charge limits for lithium batteries in air cargo?

UN 3090 (lithium metal batteries), UN 3480 (lithium-ion batteries), UN 3091 (lithium metal with equipment), UN 3481 (lithium-ion with equipment), and UN 3551 (sodium-ion batteries). UN 3480 lithium-ion batteries must be shipped at state of charge not exceeding 30% of rated capacity, with higher charges requiring approval from State of Origin and State of Operator under Special Provision A331.

Which lithium batteries are forbidden on passenger aircraft and which packing instructions apply?

All lithium metal cells and batteries shipped by themselves (UN 3090) and lithium-ion batteries by themselves (UN 3480) are forbidden on passenger aircraft. UN 3480 can be shipped on cargo aircraft when packed according to Packing Instruction 965. Equipment containing batteries uses Packing Instructions 966-967 (lithium-ion) or 969-970 (lithium metal).