Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Lithium batteries are classified as regulated hazmat. They are dangerous if not safely packed and handled when transported. The new Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ruling on lithium batteries can stop your shipments. Labelmaster can help your company comply with hazardous materials and dangerous goods regulations.

We have the products that will help you with your lithium battery packaging, labeling, and shipping.

Lithium Battery Labels

Lithium Battery Packaging

Lithium Battery Forms

Lithium Battery Books and Training

Battery Packaging Application

Labelmaster's Battery Packaging Application is designed to help you choose appropriate packaging for your battery shipments.

Lithium Battery Advisor

Lithium Battery Advisor is an easy-to-use online tool that can guide your company to classify and safely ship lithium batteries by air.

Lithium Battery Shipping News

Shippers of Lithium Batteries and Equipment Experience Delays
as New Air Transport Requirements Take Effect.
Bob Richard, VP of Regulatory Affiars, Labelmaster Services.

Published in the May/June 2013 issue of Battery Power magazine.

Lithium batteries are classified as regulated hazmat and are dangerous if not safely packed and handled when transported. As the new PHMSA ruling on lithium batteries for air transportation are taking effect, some shippers are experiencing delays. Learn how to comply with the new regulations and avoid delayed or stopped shipments of lithium batteries.

Is your company prepared for the lithium battery regulation changes?

These common lithium battery questions and answers will help your company prepared
for the lithium battery regulation changes.

How would the new PHMSA ruling change how I ship lithium batteries?
The PHMSA proposal adds restrictions to the shipment of all types of lithium batteries by air. These tighter restrictions encompass not just lithium batteries and cells, but batteries packed with and contained in equipment. Exceptions for small and medium lithium batteries are essentially removed from the regulations. Most lithium batteries would become regulated Class 9 hazardous materials when offered for air transportation. This new requirement could mean that many types of small batteries that are currently excepted from the regulations will require the use of UN performance packaging, hazard class labeling and expanding documentation requirements. This requirement could stretch to small consumer electronics such as laptop computers and medical devices. Further, lithium metal batteries (non-rechargeable) would be packaged in even more restrictive battery packaging than currently required when offered for transportation on a cargo aircraft.

How does the new PHMSA ruling define the different types of lithium batteries?
PHMSA intends to harmonize the proper shipping names of all types of lithium batteries with those found in the UN Model Regulations, the ICAO Technical Instructions and IMO Dangerous Goods Code. Most of the changes PHMSA is proposing to lithium battery regulations are made to the packaging and hazard communication requirements for shipping lithium batteries.

How would the new PHMSA ruling affect international shipments of lithium batteries?
Shipments of lithium batteries globally will be affected by this proposal. Lithium batteries of all types shipped into, out of or through the United States will fall under the requirements of these rules. Importers and exporters of lithium batteries and the equipment they power will be required to package, mark and label their articles in accordance with the new U.S. regulations. Further, all shipments performed by U.S. flagged air carriers, no matter the origin or destination of the flight, will be required to comply with the requirements in this proposal.

What products do I need to help with safely shipping lithium batteries?