Which Class of Dangerous Goods Do Lithium Batteries Belong To? | WuSin Transport

Which Class of Dangerous Goods Do Lithium Batteries Belong To?

With the rapid growth of mobile devices, electric vehicles, power tools, and energy storage systems, the demand for lithium battery transport is increasing quickly.

What many people don't realize is that lithium batteries are officially classified as dangerous goods, and their transport must strictly follow regulatory and packaging requirements.

 

In this article, WuSin Transportations Co., LTD. explains:

which dangerous goods class lithium batteries belong to, what to pay attention to during transport, and how to handle them in a compliant way.

 

1. Which Dangerous Goods Class Are Lithium Batteries?

According to the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) and IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association), lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods.

 

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

This class covers various substances and articles that present a transport risk but do not fall under Classes 1 to 8.

 

Lithium batteries are not primarily explosive or acutely toxic,

but during charging, discharging, or under abuse conditions they can:

• Generate significant heat
• Catch fire
• Even explode

Because of these risks, they are clearly categorized under Class 9.

 

2. Common UN Numbers and Categories for Lithium Batteries

 

Lithium battery type	UN Number	Class	Proper Shipping Name (PSN)
Lithium ion batteries (rechargeable)	UN 3480	Class 9	Lithium ion batteries
Equipment containing lithium ion batteries	UN 3481	Class 9	Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment
Lithium metal batteries (non-rechargeable)	UN 3090	Class 9	Lithium metal batteries
Equipment containing lithium metal batteries	UN 3091	Class 9	Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment

These UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Names (PSN) must be used correctly and consistently on:

• Transport documents
• Packaging
• Labels and marks

to ensure both regulatory compliance and transport safety.

 

3. Transport Risks and Special Requirements for Lithium Batteries

The main risks of lithium battery transport include:

• Overheating, short circuits, or impact may lead to self-ignition or explosion
• Contact with moisture may trigger unwanted chemical reactions (especially for some lithium metal types)
• In bulk storage or transport, insufficient ventilation or heat dissipation can cause thermal runaway

Because of these risks, the IMDG Code and IATA DGR specify strict requirements, including:

 

✔ Packaging Requirements

• Use tested and certified outer packaging with sufficient strength
• Provide internal insulation and protection to prevent movement and short circuits
• Ensure batteries cannot touch each other or conductive materials directly

✔ Labels and Marks

• Apply the Class 9 hazard label (for lithium batteries)
• Affix the Lithium Battery Mark with:
  • Relevant UN Number (e.g. UN3480, UN3090)
  • A contact telephone number for emergency inquiries

✔ Documentation Requirements

• Prepare a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) when required
• Attach MSDS/SDS and, where applicable, UN 38.3 test reports as evidence that the batteries meet transport test standards

 

4. How WuSin Transportations Co., LTD. Supports Lithium Battery Dangerous Goods Transport

Although lithium batteries are common in everyday life, their transport regulations are very strict.

 

WuSin Transportations Co., LTD. specializes in IMDG dangerous goods transport and provides the following professional services:

 

1. Classification and declaration assessment

• Determine whether your product is classified as dangerous goods
• Confirm whether lithium batteries need formal dangerous goods declaration

2. UN Number and PSN selection

• Assist in identifying the correct UN Number and Proper Shipping Name (PSN) based on battery type, configuration, and packaging

3. Compliant packaging and labeling support

• Recommend or provide compliant packaging materials and labels
• Help plan container loading and segregation for lithium batteries

4. Document preparation and review

• Prepare and review dangerous goods documents to ensure they meet the requirements of:
  • Shipping lines
  • Ports and terminals
  • Regulatory authorities

5. Safe co-loading advice

• Provide recommendations on whether and how lithium batteries can be loaded together with general cargo in the same container, while maintaining safety and compliance

 

Conclusion: Lithium Batteries Are Class 9 Dangerous Goods—Leave Them to the Experts

Although lithium batteries may appear harmless in daily use, they carry significant risk during transport.

For this reason, they are officially classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, and must follow complete transport and declaration procedures.

 

If you need to export or transport lithium battery products, or want to confirm whether your goods require dangerous goods declaration,

you are welcome to contact WuSin Transportations Co., LTD.

 

We provide professional, compliant, and reliable dangerous goods transport solutions, ensuring your lithium battery shipments move safely, efficiently, and with full regulatory compliance.