Lithium-ion battery types and transportation requirements
In maritime transport, fires are mainly caused by lithium-ion batteries. Industry insiders note that lithium batteries have a degree of instability. Data shows that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have a relatively low rate of spontaneous combustion (around 21%), while ternary lithium batteries have a much higher rate (up to 69%). Lithium batteries are prone to thermal runaway in high-temperature environments, which can lead to spontaneous combustion.
Lithium batteries are widely used in personal consumer goods, industrial production, and vehicle manufacturing. However, due to their classification as dangerous goods, especially their tendency to catch fire or explode during transport, ensuring safety during shipment is critical.
A freight forwarder commented: “Considering the above information, customs and maritime authorities are expected to conduct strict inspections soon. It’s important to ensure that the shipped goods are safely packaged, with accurate documentation, and to avoid any instances of concealment, false reporting, or misreporting.”
In terms of lithium battery exports, Linkway Freight Limited has compiled relevant information.
It is understood that conventional lithium batteries are mainly categorized into three types: lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and batteries containing both lithium metal primary cells and lithium-ion cells. The United Nations’ Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) assigns different UN numbers (UN codes) to various dangerous goods based on their hazardous characteristics and regulatory requirements. Batteries are divided into the following categories based on different circumstances:
Export Lithium Battery and Related Products Customs Supervision Requirements
(For reference only, please refer to official guidelines for specifics)
I. Requirements for Lithium Batteries Shipped Separately or Installed in Devices
Lithium batteries or batteries shipped with devices that meet the exemption clauses of Section 188 must satisfy seven technical requirements to be transported as “general cargo” and be exempt from other regulatory requirements.
Seven Technical Requirements:
- Lithium Content and Watt-Hour Limits:
- For lithium cells: Lithium content must be ≤1g, Watt-hours ≤20Wh.
- For lithium battery packs: Lithium content must be ≤2g, Watt-hours ≤100Wh.
- UN38.3 Test Certification:
- The lithium battery must pass the UN38.3 test to ensure safety during transport.
- Packaging Requirements:
- Lithium batteries and devices must be packaged together in sealed inner packaging.
- Batteries Installed in Devices:
- The battery must be securely installed to prevent damage, short-circuits, and accidental activation during transport.
- Battery Labeling:
- Packaging must include a lithium battery rectangular mark.
- Drop Test:
- Packaging (except those with batteries installed in devices) must pass a 1.2m drop test.
- Weight Restrictions:
- The gross weight of each package must not exceed 30kg (except for batteries installed in devices or packaged together with the device).
- “Device” here refers to equipment powered by the lithium battery or battery pack.
Documentation Required:
- Identification Certificate for Marine Cargo Transport
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- UN38.3 Test Report
Labeling:
- Packages must include a lithium battery rectangular label (dimensions: 120mm x 110mm).
II. Requirements for Exporting Lithium Batteries as Dangerous Goods
When exporting lithium batteries separately, if they are classified as dangerous goods, they must be handled according to dangerous goods transport regulations. The following documents are required:
Required Documents:
- Cargo Packaging Performance Test Results (Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate)
- Identification Certificate for Marine Cargo Transport
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- UN38.3 Test Report
Labeling:
- The product packaging must display the dangerous goods symbol with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm.
III. Requirements for Exporting Lithium Battery-Powered Vehicles
For vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as electric cars, electric bicycles, balance scooters, electric wheelchairs, etc., a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate (危包证) is not required. However, they must still be transported as dangerous goods. The following documents are necessary:
Required Documents:
- Identification Certificate for Marine Cargo Transport
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- UN38.3 Test Report
Labeling:
- The product packaging must display the Class 9 Dangerous Goods label (for miscellaneous dangerous substances) with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm.
For buyers/sellers of lithium battery related products, when exporting goods, they must strictly comply with the relevant regulations and must not withhold or misreport information to avoid unnecessary problems.
