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Guide to shipping lithium ion batteries (Hazmat)

To avoid pickup and delivery delays, ensure all hazmat information is entered exactly as follows. Incorrect details will result in shipment holds, refused delivery, corrected BOL requests, and transit delays.

Required Hazmat Information

1. UN Number

Must be entered as: UN3481

Do not enter “3481” only.

2. Proper Shipping Name

Must match exactly one of the following:

  • Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment

  • Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment
     Do not shorten or modify the wording.

3. Hazard Class

Class 9

4. Packing Group

Typically Not Applicable for UN3481. Do not enter an incorrect packing group.

5. Emergency Contact Information

  • Company name (not the shipper or receiver)

  • 1-800 emergency phone number only

  • Must be valid and reachable

    If unsure, enter: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300

Final Verification Before Submitting

Confirm the following before completing your booking:

  • UN number includes prefix (UN3481)

  • Proper shipping name is exact and complete

  • Hazard class is 9

  • Emergency contact details are accurate

Common Errors That Cause Delays

  • Missing “UN” prefix

  • Incorrect or incomplete proper shipping name (e.g., “Lithium Ion Batteries” only)

  • Incorrect packing group

  • Missing or invalid emergency contact number

If hazmat details are entered incorrectly, the carrier will not move the shipment, and a corrected BOL will be required.

If you are unsure which lithium battery category applies, please confirm before booking.

How is an item with small built-in batteries (e.g., LED strips with button batteries) classified?

Whether a product with batteries is regulated depends on how the batteries are packed:

  • Batteries packed with or contained in equipment (e.g., a device shipped with its batteries) generally falls under UN3481 (lithium-ion) or UN3091 (lithium-metal) and needs the appropriate hazmat marking and documentation.
  • Very small batteries already installed in equipment (like button/coin cells in LED strips) are often subject to lighter requirements or exceptions, but this depends on battery type, watt-hour/lithium content, and quantity.

Because the thresholds are specific, confirm the exact classification for your product before shipping (and see the full lithium-battery requirements above).