Shipping Lithium Batteries: IATA Rules Every Exporter Must Know

Why Lithium Batteries Are Classified as Dangerous Goods

Lithium batteries — lithium ion (Li-ion) and lithium metal — are classified as Dangerous Goods (Class 9 Miscellaneous) by IATA and IMDG because they can overheat, catch fire, or explode under certain conditions. Several aircraft fires have been attributed to improperly packaged lithium batteries, leading to increasingly strict international regulations.

Indian electronics exporters shipping devices with built-in batteries or batteries as standalone products must comply with these regulations for every shipment — by air and by sea.

Key Definitions: Battery Types and UN Numbers

IATA Packing Instructions for Air Freight

IATA assigns specific Packing Instructions (PI) that must be followed for each UN number. The packing instruction specifies packaging requirements, quantity limits per package, and documentation.

• PI 965: Li-ion cells and batteries (UN 3480) — standalone
• PI 966: Li-ion batteries in equipment (UN 3481)
• PI 967: Li-ion batteries with equipment (UN 3481)
• Each PI has Section I (full regulations) and Section II (relaxed for small batteries)
• Section II applies to smaller batteries and has simpler requirements

State of Charge (SoC) Requirements

IATA regulations require lithium ion batteries shipped as standalone cargo (Section I, PI 965) to be at a state of charge not exceeding 30%. This is one of the most commonly violated requirements by Indian electronics exporters.

• Standalone Li-ion batteries (PI 965 Section I): max 30% SoC
• Batteries in or with equipment (PI 966/967): no SoC restriction under Section II
• SoC must be measurable — battery management system or voltage check
• Document SoC compliance in shipping records

Documentation Required for Lithium Battery Shipments

• Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDG) — for Section I shipments
• For Section II: no SDG required but Airway Bill must state DG exemption
• UN test summary (UN 38.3 test report) — proves battery meets safety tests
• Packaging certificate — confirming outer packaging meets UN spec
• Handling label: Class 9 DG label on outer packaging
• Lithium battery mark on outer packaging (required for all lithium shipments)
• Commercial Invoice with UN number and gross weight declared

Sea Freight (IMDG) Rules for Lithium Batteries

Sea freight regulations for lithium batteries follow IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code, which is slightly less restrictive than IATA for air. However, many shipping lines impose their own additional restrictions.

• IMDG Class 9 — same classification as air
• No SoC restriction for sea freight under IMDG
• Packaging must meet IMDG packing group requirements
• Many shipping lines refuse to accept large quantities of standalone batteries
• Emergency Response Guides (ERG) must be available on vessel
• Declare accurately — misdeclaration is a serious legal offence

Frequently Asked Questions