Lithium and sodium‑ion batteries are regulated as Class 9 dangerous goods due to the risks associated with thermal runaway, short‑circuiting, fire and chemical instability during transport. Clear hazard communication is essential to ensure safe handling across the entire supply chain, from packaging and warehousing to multimodal transport operations.
Lithium‑ion Batteries – UN3480 / UN3481
UN3480 applies to lithium‑ion batteries shipped on their own, while UN3481 covers lithium‑ion batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment. These batteries can generate intense heat or ignite if damaged or improperly handled.
The Class 9 lithium battery label, featuring the striped upper half and the battery‑with‑flame symbol, ensures immediate recognition by carriers, warehouse operators and emergency responders.
Lithium‑metal Batteries – UN3090 / UN3091
UN3090 refers to lithium‑metal batteries shipped on their own, and UN3091 applies to lithium‑metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment. Lithium‑metal batteries present increased fire risk due to their non‑rechargeable chemistry and must be clearly identified with the appropriate Class 9 lithium‑metal label.
Sodium‑ion Batteries – UN3551 / UN3552
UN3551 applies to sodium‑ion batteries transported on their own, while UN3552 covers sodium‑ion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment.
Sodium‑ion batteries are an emerging alternative to lithium‑ion systems. Although they generally present lower fire risk, they remain regulated as Class 9 dangerous goods due to potential hazards such as thermal instability, short‑circuiting or chemical release.
These shipments must display the correct Class 9 miscellaneous label to ensure safe handling and regulatory compliance.
Lithium Battery Mark (Updated)
The updated Lithium Battery Mark is required for shipments of lithium‑ion and lithium‑metal batteries that meet reduced‑regulation criteria under IATA/DGR and ADR.
The mark includes the battery‑with‑flame symbol and space for the applicable UN numbers (UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091), ensuring clear identification for limited‑quantity lithium battery shipments.
Regulatory Compliance
All lithium and sodium‑ion battery labels and marks are mandatory under IATA/DGR, ADR, IMDG, ADN and RID, supporting safe multimodal transport by air, road, sea, rail and inland waterways.
These labels are essential for electronics manufacturers, battery distributors, logistics operators, e‑commerce fulfilment centres and any business shipping battery‑powered devices or standalone cells.
Available Materials and Formats
We offer all lithium and sodium‑ion battery labels and marks in polypropylene (100×100 mm), with text, without text or customised on‑demand printing. Packs of 10, 50 and 100 units are available, as well as rolls of 250, 500 and 1000 to support all dangerous goods operations.
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only; customers must always consult the applicable regulations.
