If you ship lithium batteries, the first question every carrier, freight forwarder and airline asks is: “Which UN number?” Picking the wrong one is one of the fastest ways to get freight rejected at the dock. This guide explains what the four common lithium battery UN numbers mean and how the right one changes your packaging, labels and paperwork.
The four lithium battery UN numbers at a glance
All four entries are Class 9 (miscellaneous dangerous goods). The differences come from two questions: what chemistry is inside, and how is the battery packed?
- UN3480 – Lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer batteries), shipped on their own.
- UN3481 – Lithium ion batteries packed *with* equipment, or contained *in* equipment.
- UN3090 – Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries), shipped on their own.
- UN3091 – Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment, or contained in equipment.
Lithium ion cells are the rechargeable ones in laptops, power tools, e-bikes and phones. Lithium metal cells are usually non-rechargeable, such as coin cells and some specialty industrial batteries.
Why “packed with” and “contained in” matter
A battery installed inside a device is better protected from short circuits and crushing than a loose battery. That is why the equipment entries (UN3481 and UN3091) generally carry lighter requirements than the stand-alone entries (UN3480 and UN3090), especially by air.
For air shipments under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, stand-alone lithium ion batteries (UN3480) are restricted to cargo aircraft only and must be offered at a limited state of charge. Batteries packed with or contained in equipment follow different packing instructions. The exact packing instruction depends on the UN number and on whether the battery is packed with or contained in the device, so always confirm against the current edition of the regulations.
Watt-hours and lithium content decide how “regulated” you are
Under U.S. DOT rules in 49 CFR 173.185, smaller lithium cells and batteries can qualify for reduced requirements. As a general guide, lithium ion cells up to 20 Wh and batteries up to 100 Wh, and lithium metal cells up to 1 gram and batteries up to 2 grams of lithium content, may be eligible for the small-battery provisions when all conditions are met. Larger batteries are fully regulated and need the complete set of hazmat requirements.
The Watt-hour rating should be printed on the battery or listed in the manufacturer’s specification. If it is not, you will need that data before you can classify the shipment.
UN 38.3 testing is not optional
Every lithium cell and battery type must be tested to the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3, before it ships. Manufacturers should be able to provide a test summary. Without it, a carrier cannot accept the freight. Prototype and low-production batteries have their own special provisions, so flag them early.
Damaged, defective or recalled batteries
Damaged, defective or recalled (DDR) batteries have separate, stricter rules and different packaging. Do not ship them under the standard UN numbers above. If you are dealing with a recall or a swollen battery, contact a compliance specialist before anything leaves your building.
What changes on your paperwork
The UN number appears in the basic description on your shipping paper, followed by the proper shipping name, hazard class and any packing instructions the mode requires. Packages need the lithium battery mark or the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label depending on the shipment, plus a shipper’s declaration where the regulations call for one. For a deeper look at air paperwork, see our guide to the IATA DGR checklist for lithium battery air shipments, and for sea freight read about shipping lithium batteries by ocean through the Port of Miami.
A simple way to pick the right code
- Identify the chemistry: lithium ion or lithium metal.
- Decide the packing arrangement: battery alone, packed with equipment, or contained in equipment.
- Find the Watt-hour rating or lithium content.
- Confirm UN 38.3 test documentation exists.
- Choose the mode (ground, air or ocean) and apply that mode’s rules.
If any step is unclear, our hazmat compliance team can review your product data before pickup.
Need help classifying a lithium battery shipment?
GoHazmat supports Miami, Fort Lauderdale and South Florida shippers with documentation, packaging guidance and carrier coordination for lithium batteries. Request a hazmat shipping quote or call (786) 449-4020.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?
UN3480 is for lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves. UN3481 is for lithium ion batteries packed with equipment or installed in equipment. The packing arrangement changes the packaging and handling requirements.
Are lithium batteries always Class 9?
Fully regulated lithium batteries are Class 9. Some small cells and batteries qualify for reduced requirements under the small-battery provisions, but they still must meet testing, packaging and marking conditions.
Do I need UN 38.3 test results to ship lithium batteries?
Yes. Each lithium cell and battery design must pass UN 38.3 testing, and the manufacturer should be able to supply the test summary on request.
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