How to Understand Lithium Battery Labeling

The chemical properties of Lithium make it easy to ignite, explode or possibly become very hot. Because of this there are some very restrictive regulations involved in transporting the batteries that contain it. The label will say what those restrictions are and how to handle them properly.

• Lithium batteries power many of the day-to-day electronic devices we use on a regular basis. Those would be our cell phones, radios, and cameras. They are some of the best batteries available. They can be found anywhere and are easy to purchase. Shipping them however is another story.


• Even if they are shipped within one of these pieces of equipment, they are considered a hazardous material and must be labeled correctly. They must be shipped according to the Federal government regulations handed down through the Department of Aviation.


• To ship a device with lithium batteries included or shipped with the device you must find out what the lithium content is. Basically there can be no more than three batteries with a content of not more than 1.5 grams of lithium in each battery. The battery must be secured if it is not in the device. It cannot be able to short circuit, move around or become damaged by the rest of the package.


• The package must be marked as follows in ¼ inch size letters of all capitals against a highly opposite colored background, “PACKAGE CONTAINS LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES (NO LITHIUM METAL).


• When shipping lithium batteries not in a device you still must know the amount of each battery’s lithium content.


• The container for shipping cannot weigh over 66 pounds and must pass a 4-foot drop test on all sides.


• Secure the batteries in the container and make certain they cannot shift and are protected from outside impact.


• There must be a clear delivery and return address on the container. They will not be sent without a return address.


• Batteries with over 2 grams per battery or 1 gram per cell must be labeled as above with letter sizing and background “PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIES – FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT” or “LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES – FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT." They must also have an additional label, which says “CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY."