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All Lithium-Metal Primary cells and batteries and all Lithium-ion batteries, regardless of size, are considered dangerous goods and must be shipped in conformance to specific rules and regulations. International shipments must conform to the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) 56th Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations; and Domestic shipments must further conform to the Federal Codes of Regulations, 49CFR Part 173.185.

A comprehensive list of Domestic and International Regulations and Documents is at the bottom of this page in downloadable .PDF format.

Lithium-Metal:

Lithium Metal (Primary) cells and battery packs are classified in the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) 56th Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations as UN3090 and when shipped with equipment or contained in equipment and as UN3091. They further must be shipped in accordance with Packing Instructions 968, for lithium cells and batteries; and Packing Instruction 969 & 970 respectively when shipped with equipment or contained in equipment. See the  IATA 2013 Lithium Packing Instructions PDF.

Lithium metal cells and batteries also must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3. (Rev 5.), Tests T1 - T6 & T8. See UN38.3 Tests.

Lithium metal cells and batteries are forbidden as cargo aboard Passenger Aircraft in the United States.

Small cells and batteries may be shipped by ground as provided under Section II of the Packing Instructions and Special Provision 188 described in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Part 172(c)(1). Medium cells and batteries, in the United States, may be shipped by ground as provided under Special Provision 189.

Lithium-Ion:

Lithium-Ion (Rechargeable) cells and battery packs are classified in the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) 56th Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations as UN3480 and when shipped with equipment or contained in equipment and as UN3481. They further must be shipped in accordance with Packing Instructions 965, for lithium-Ion cells and batteries; and Packing Instruction 966 & 967 respectively when shipped with equipment or contained in equipment. See the IATA 2013 Lithium Battery Packing Instructions PDF.

Lithium-Ion cells and batteries must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3. (Rev 5.), Tests T1 - T6 & T8. See UN38.3 Tests.

FedEx Guidance

International

U.S. DOT Rules

U.S. Postal Rules

UN 38.3 TEST MANUAL