Lithium Cells and Batteries
Definitions
The term "lithium battery" or "lithium cell" refers to a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising of many types of cathodes and electrolytes. They are separated into:
Lithium ion batteries (including lithium polymer batteries)
Rechargeable batteries commonly used in consumer electronics such as:
Laptops
Mobile phones
MP3 players
Portable DVD players
GPS/navigation systems
Cameras
Camcorders
Scuba-diving lamps
Power tools, etc.
Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)
Non-rechargeable/disposable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode and generally used in small, portable electronic devices, such as:
Watches
Thermometers
Calculators
Remote car locks
Back-up batteries in computers and communication equipment, etc.
Why are Lithium Batteries classified as DG?
Lithium batteries are considered as hazardous goods due to the fact that they can overheat and ignite under certain conditions.
Following several serious (fire) incidents during transport, the regulations for this product type were adjusted and the more stringent regulatory requirements were introduced in 2009.
Classification/Identification
All shipments containing Lithium Batteries are subject to dangerous goods regulations for air, road and sea transport.
All lithium batteries are Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Lithium Ion Batteries are classified as follows:
| Class | UN Number | Proper Shipping Name | Comments |
| 9 | UN3480 | Lithium ion batteries | Batteries (that are not packed with or installed in equipment) e.g. loose mobile phone batteries/laptop batteries/ power tool batteries |
| 9 | UN3481 | Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment | Batteries packed together with equipment but not attached to the device e.g. mobile phone + loose (spare) unattached battery, power tool with loose (spare) battery) |
| 9 | UN3481 | Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment | Batteries contained in equipment, i.e. installed/integrated in the device e.g. MP3 player with integrated battery/ Mobile phone with integrated battery/laptop with integrated batter/power tool with integrated battery |
Lithium Metal Batteries are classified as follows:
| Class | UN Number | Proper Shipping Name | Comments |
| 9 | UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries | Batteries (that are not packed with or installed in equipment) e.g. replacement batteries for watches or calculators |
| 9 | UN3091 | Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment | Batteries packed together with equipment but not attached to the device e.g. watch with loose battery (not installed in the watch) |
| 9 | UN3091 | Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment | Batteries contained in equipment, i.e. installed/integrated in the device e.g. watch with integrated battery/calculator with integrated battery |
How to ship Lithium Batteries
Lithium Batteries can be transported in 2 different ways:
As a class 9, full dangerous goods shipment
TNT Express will accept Lithium Batteries in Dangerous Goods shipments for transport but only from specifically approved customers and with restrictions for the different origin/destinations, and services/products offered.
For details on shipping Lithium Batteries in Dangerous Goods shipments through TNT Express, please contact your local TNT Express Dangerous Goods Manager.
As an "Excepted" Lithium Battery shipment
TNT Express will accept "Excepted" Lithium Batteries for transport but only if they are shipped in line with the applicable regulations.
Air : Section II of the relevant Packing Instructions of the IATA DGR
Road (Europe) : ADR special provision 188
Sea (Ferry): IMDG code special provision 188
"Excepted" Lithium Battery Shipments