UN3480 vs UN3481: Lithium Battery UN Numbers Explained

What's the lithium battery UN number?

Lithium batteries are classified as hazard category 9 (miscellaneous dangerous goods) and are assigned to different UN numbers depending on their chemical system and mode of transport. The correct identification of UN numbers is the first step in the regular transport of lithium batteries.

Four core UN numbers comparison

Distinction of lithium ion vs lithium metal

Li-ion batteries (Li-ion)Chargeable, high energy density, widely applied to mobile phones, notebooks, electric vehicles, etc. UN number begins with "348".

Li-metal: usually non-chargeable for small equipment such as watches, calculators, hearing aids, etc. UN number begins with "309. "

Transport requirements

Confirm requirements for the actual model, configuration and route:

• Match the UN 38.3 test summary to the applicable tested design type. Not every product undergoes all eight tests. Keep the summary available; provide a full report if separately required.
• Provide model, specifications, quantity, state of charge and product photos. Confirm supplementary MSDS requests with the proposed channel; an MSDS does not replace test evidence.
• Apply the relevant packing instruction, short-circuit protection, marks, labels and declarations. Requirements differ between shipping configurations.
• For an A88 prototype or low-production proposal, separately confirm approvals, packaging and operator acceptance.

FAQ

Q: Does the equipment contain lithium batteries that need to be declared separately?
A: Need. Even if the batteries are embedded in the equipment, a declaration of hazardous materials, using corresponding packagings, is required under UN3481/UN3091.

Q: Can a pure lithium battery walk a regular delivery?
A: Can't. Lithium pure batteries (UN3480/UN3090) are dangerous goods that must be transported through the DG channel, where the receipt of the shipment is confirmed, and packaged and declared as specified by IATA DGR.