PHMSA’s Lithium Battery Guide

If you are regularly shipping lithium batteries, you know that there are many factors involved that affect the way you prepare your shipment. These factors can include the UN number, watt hour rating, lithium metal content, weight, and mode of transportation to name a few. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some type of guide you can find that will help you comply with the regulations when you are shipping lithium batteries? Look no more! The PHMSA Lithium Battery Guide can be your go-to resource. It’s packed with all the info you need to understand how to handle these powerful little energy packs safely. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, knowing the ins and outs of lithium battery regulations can save you from potential headaches down the line.

What Does the Guide Include?

The PHMSA Lithium Battery Guide clearly lays out the guidelines on packaging, labeling, and marking lithium battery shipments. The guide was created to help shippers safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport across all transportation methods, in line with the latest regulatory standards. Given the specific risks associated with lithium batteries, it’s essential for shippers to understand and use the right packaging techniques to reduce risks during transport.

The guide offers scenario-based examples that highlight the requirements shippers need to follow. These scenarios cover various shipping conditions, such as domestic vs. international shipments, different battery types, and specific packing methods. By using practical examples, the guide simplifies complex regulations and ensures adherence to safety standards. For example, the guide includes several different flowcharts, depending on the type of lithium battery you are looking to ship. The flowcharts first breaks down whether the lithium battery passed UN testing for starters. Based on whether the lithium battery passed the UN testing, the guide offers several choices that the shipper will choose from which will define what type of lithium battery is being shipped. This would include a standalone lithium battery, contained in equipment, packed with equipment, powered vehicle or equipment, or is installed in a cargo transport unit. Depending on which category your lithium battery falls under, and some other factors listed, this resource will send you to a guide numbered between 1-10 that is assigned to your specific type of lithium battery. At this point, the guide will tell you exactly how to package, label, mark, and overpack your specific type of lithium battery. In addition, the guide will also show you the training requirements and tell you whether a shipping paper is required. Also included are various restrictions that may exist depending on the mode of transport and a visual packaging and labelling example of what the shipment should look like. A copy of the full guide, which was updated in October 2024, can be found here.

Keep in mind, this is a guide and is not meant to replace any required training or the regulations. My suggestion before using this guide is to get acquainted with the regulations by taking the necessary training and obtaining the appropriate regulatory publication. Here at ICC, we offer a variety of training options as well as the necessary publications to suit your needs. Our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.