---
title: Guide to shipping lithium ion batteries (Hazmat)
description: How to ship lithium-ion batteries and items containing batteries (UN3481/UN3091), including small installed cells.
---

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# Guide to shipping lithium ion batteries (Hazmat)

## How lithium batteries are classified and shipped, including batteries built into equipment.

To avoid pickup and delivery delays, ensure all [hazmat](https://help.mothership.com/hazmat-service?hsLang=en) 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).

### How are items with small built-in batteries (e.g., LED strips with button cells) classified?

It depends on how the batteries are packed. Batteries **packed with or contained in equipment** generally fall under UN3481 (lithium-ion) or UN3091 (lithium-metal) and need the appropriate hazmat marking and documentation. Very small batteries already installed in equipment may be subject to lighter requirements or exceptions, depending on battery type, watt-hour/lithium content, and quantity. Confirm the exact classification for your product before shipping.

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