A lithium battery label for shipping stand-alone lithium batteries or lithium battery-powered electronic gadgets is very crucial. Printable and self-adhesive labels are the easiest way to create labels that comply with safety regulations for shipping lithium batteries. Source: Pexels The proper use of a lithium battery label for shipping is a crucial safety practice that every business and personnel in the shipping industry must master. Lithium batteries power most watches, laptops, cellular phones and other gadgets, but they belong to the long list of dangerous goods. As thousands of these hazardous materials criss-cross miles in transit, safety regulations require shipping companies to pack and label packages with lithium batteries properly. 4″ x 6″ Direct Thermal Labels 1″ Core We outline this guide on properly creating a lithium battery shipping label in line with regulations. This guide complies with regulations created by safety organizations and agencies such as the PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), the DOT (Department of Transportation), the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), and the IATA (International Air Transport Association) for this purpose. CONTENT Do I Need a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? What are Lithium Batteries? How Do I Use a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? Where Can I Get a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? How Do I Pack Lithium Batteries for Shipping? Do I Need a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? We emphasize the need and importance of a lithium battery label for shipping to ensure the relay of information to shipping companies and consumers for the safe handling of packages and products that contain lithium batteries. As a shipper, you are responsible for declaring the dangerous goods in your package and informing your carriers and customers that lithium batteries contain hazardous materials that can cause chemical burns, electric shock, explosions, and extreme heat when improperly handled. A lithium battery shipping label serves this purpose and warns handlers to pack, store, and ship the packages that contain lithium batteries properly and according to regulations. The US DOT sets a piece of comprehensive information on shipping lithium batteries and the penalties accompanied by non-compliance with these regulations. We strongly urge you to read through the guidelines. Direct Thermal Fanfold Labels Labels per stack : 2,000 Size (inch) : 4″ x 6″ Printer Technology : Direct Thermal SHOP NOW What are Lithium Batteries? Lithium batteries top the list of most preferred power sources for electronic devices. With the growing demand for this electronic device, we need to look at the basics of lithium batteries to label your package properly. Source: Unsplash Lithium batteries include 1) lithium metal batteries and 2) lithium-ion batteries. Separate labeling regulations govern these two different types of lithium batteries. Lithium Metal Batteries Lithium metal batteries have a variety of uses and are popular power sources for most electronic devices. These batteries have the following characteristics. Basic Feature. Lithium metal batteries contain a primary cell construction or an anode from metallic lithium. Advantages. Lithium metal batteries are high-capacity and high-density power sources. Disadvantages. Lithium metal batteries have a primary cell construction and are, therefore, non-rechargeable. Due to their high density and high capacity, lithium metal batteries pose serious safety concerns and environmental requirements. Uses. Lithium metal batteries are a power source for mobile cameras, defibrillators, handheld games, remote controls, smoke detectors, and watches. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries differ from lithium metal batteries because they are more stable. These batteries have the following characteristics. Basic Feature. Lithium-ion batteries contain a secondary cell construction and are rechargeable. Advantages. Lithium-ion batteries are safer than lithium metal batteries because they are in a more stable form. They are also rechargeable. Disadvantages. Lithium-ion batteries have lower lithium and lower density versus lithium metal batteries. Uses. Lithium-ion batteries power common electronic devices such as children’s toys, digital cameras, cellphones, laptops and tablets, power tools, e-cigarettes, and small and large appliances. How Do I Use a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? Half Sheet Shipping Label Total Labels : 200 (100 sheets) Size (inch) : 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ Printer Technology : Deskjet & Laser Printers AS LOW AS $11.77/PACK As a general rule, the package must be labeled accordingly with the following information. (a) Battery Classification Lithium Metal Battery Lithium-ion Battery (b) UN Number UN3480: Lithium-ion Battery UN3090: Lithium Metal Battery UN3481: Lithium-ion Battery contained in equipment UN3481: Lithium-ion Battery packed with equipment UN3091: Lithium Metal Battery contained in equipment UN 3091: Lithium Metal Battery packed with equipment Below are examples of required marks and labels for shipping lithium batteries. (c) Battery Label A lithium battery label for shipping is a label that contains a battery symbol and a red border of 5mm placed on the packaging. The full label measures a minimum of 4” x 4” (100mm x 100mm) and contains the following graphic and text information, such as the UN number and contact details. You can reduce the size of the label to a minimum of 4” x 2.75” for packages smaller than 4”x4.” (d) CAO (Cargo Aircraft Only) Label The CAO Label is a lithium battery label in bright orange that warns carriers to load the package on cargo aircraft and not on passenger aircraft. (e) Class 9 Dangerous Goods Label A lithium battery label for shipping contains a Class 9 Dangerous Goods mark if the product falls under a fully regulated shipment. The white label measures a minimum of 4” x 4” (100mmx 100mm) (4 inches) on each side. The diamond-shaped marking contains seven black vertical stripes on the upper half, a battery symbol, and the number 9 on the lower half. (f) Lithium Batteries Forbidden For Transport Labels This lithium battery label for shipping is a white label with a red text marked “LITHIUM ION BATTERIES – FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD AIRCRAFT.” The text may vary depending on the regulation. Where Can I Get a Lithium Battery Label for Shipping? Enko Products offers different types of high-quality and printable lithium battery labels compatible with Zebra, Dymo, and regular inkjet and laser printers. The affordable labels are pre-size and self-adhesive for easy print, peel, and stick. We recommend the 4”x6” labels for Zebra and Dymo label printers and the half-sheet labels for regular inkjet and laser printers. Source: Enko Products Zebra-compatible and Dymo-compatible labels use direct thermal printing technology. Instead of expensive toners and inks, these labels use heat to create markings. The labels come in rolls or fan-folded for longer uninterrupted printing. The printers produce labels quickly and mess-free and are ideal for mass label printing. Our Avery compatible labels are printable in regular inkjet and desktop printers. This type of label is ideal for small businesses, home offices, and personal printing of labels. How Do I Pack Lithium Batteries for Shipping? After learning the risks associated and the different labels required with shipping lithium batteries, we will now tackle how to pack lithium batteries for shipping properly. 1. Check the overall condition of your battery for transport Watch out for the 5 warning signs of damage such as: reduced capacity low voltage high self-discharge rate Overheating bloating If your battery shows any of these signs, replace it with an undamaged battery. 2. Check that your lithium battery or electronic device has adequate certifications that ensure quality and safety standards such as ISO, CE, EN, and other UN tests Foam Wrap Cushioning Roll 12″ x 600″ [Perforated] 3. Classify your lithium batteries accordingly As a general rule, the package must be labeled accordingly with the following information. Battery Classification Lithium Metal Battery Lithium-ion Battery UN Number UN3480: Lithium-ion Battery UN3090: Lithium Metal Battery UN3481: Lithium-ion Battery contained in equipment UN3481: Lithium-ion Battery packed with equipment UN3091: Lithium Metal Battery contained in equipment UN 3091: Lithium Metal Battery packed with equipment 4. Check the lithium content of your battery/cell for mailability and prepare the requirements FOR LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES Lithium Metal Batteries Only (UN3090): For lithium metal cells more than 1g and batteries with an aggregate lithium content in excess of 2g: Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details UN specification packaging required (PGII standards) Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) label Limit per package: Must be on CAO = 35kg Lithium Metal Batteries Only (UN3090): For lithium metal cells equal to or less than 1g and Batteries the aggregate lithium content is not more than 2g. Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details Strong rigid outer packaging Completed Lithium Battery Mark Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) label Limit per package: Must be CAO = 2.5kg Source: Hazmat Team Lithium Metal Batteries Packed with Equipment (UN3091): For lithium metal Cells greater than 1g; and Batteries with an aggregate lithium content greater than 2g. Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details UN specification packaging required (PGII standards) Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label The number of cells or batteries in each package does not exceed the number required for each equipment’s operation plus two spare sets Limit per package (batteries only): PAX = 5kg CAO = 35kg OR Requirements: No Shipper’s Declaration Strong rigid outer packaging Completed Lithium Battery Mark The number of cells or batteries in each package does not exceed the number required for each equipment’s operation plus two spare sets Limit per package (batteries only): If Special Provision A213 is applicable, 1.5 g and 10 Wh limits per battery apply PAX = 5kg CAO = 5kg Lithium Metal Batteries Contained in Equipment (UN3091): For lithium metal Cells greater than 1g; and Batteries with an aggregate lithium content greater than 2g. Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details Strong rigid outer packaging Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Limit per package (batteries only): PAX = 5kg CAO = 35kg OR Requirements: No Shipper’s Declaration Strong rigid outer packaging Completed Lithium Battery Mark if more than 4 cells and 2 batteries per package Limit per package (batteries only): If Special Provision A213 is applicable, 1.5 g and 10 Wh limits per battery apply PAX = 5kg CAO = 5kg Source: Hazmat Team FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries Only (UN3480): For lithium-ion Cells greater than 20Wh; and Batteries greater than 100Wh. Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details UN specification packaging required (PGII standards) Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) label State of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% Limit per package: CAO = 35kg Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries Only (UN3480): For lithium-ion Cells equal to or less than 20Wh; and Batteries equal to or less than 100Wh. Requirements: Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details Strong rigid outer packaging Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Completed Lithium Battery Mark Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) label State of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% Limit per package: CAO = 10kg Source: Hazmat Team Lithium Ion Batteries packed with equipment (UN3481): For lithium-ion Cells greater than 20Wh; and Batteries greater than 100Wh. Requirements (for dangerous goods location): Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details UN specification packaging required (PGII standards) Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label The number of cells or batteries in each package does not exceed the number required for each equipment’s operation plus two spare sets. Limit per package (excludes equipment): PAX = 5kg CAO = 35kg OR Requirements (for most locations) No Shipper’s Declaration Strong rigid outer packaging Completed Lithium Battery Mark The number of cells or batteries in each package does not exceed the number required for each equipment’s operation plus two spare sets. Limit per package (excludes equipment): PAX = 5kg CAO = 5kg Lithium Ion Batteries contained in equipment (UN3481): For lithium-ion Cells greater than 20Wh; and Batteries greater than 100Wh. Requirements (for dangerous goods locations): Shipper’s Declaration UN number, Battery proper shipping name, Sender’s contact details Strong rigid outer packaging Lithium Battery Class 9 Hazard label Limit per package (batteries only): PAX = 5kg CAO = 35kg OR Requirements (for most locations): No Shipper’s Declaration Strong rigid outer packaging Completed Lithium Battery Mark if more than 4 cells and 2 batteries per package No Dangerous goods surcharge Limit per package (excludes equipment): PAX = 5kg CAO = 5kg Source: Hazmat Team 5. Ensure that the battery terminals have protection against short circuits. Use the appropriate inner and outer packaging. Place the lithium battery in a sealed blister pack. Separate the batteries from equipment if possible. Cushion the battery with bubble wrap and tape the wrap securely in place. Add more cushioning to prevent movement while the package is in transit. Bubble Cushioning Wrap – 36 feet/Roll Packing Tape 2″ x 110 Yards Place a non-conductive divider between batteries or between battery and equipment. Place in a rigid outer box according to prescribed size. Source: FedEx 6. Place the appropriate marks and lithium battery labels for shipping. Using the guide we have provided, attach the necessary labels on your outer package. Here are tips to attach your lithium battery label for shipping. Place the lithium battery label for shipping on the surface of the package (side visible) without folding it or overlapping it with other labels. Add an emergency contact number. Use a lithium battery label for shipping that is durable, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant. The labels should be printed clearly and according to recommended colors. 7. Attach the required documentation. After you have secured your package, attach the necessary documentation required such as your Shipper’s Declaration Completion Form and material data sheets. Source: IATA Lithium Battery Handling We have outlined in our guide the basic information you need to get you started with creating a lithium battery label for shipping. Lithium batteries are in-demand power sources for various electronic gadgets but belong to the dangerous goods classification, and shipping these items requires compliance with safety regulations. Enko Products make sure you have, at your disposal, heavy-duty and self-adhesive labels for printing your lithium battery labels for all your shipping needs. Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions ! Gene Paul Lim
