Lithium battery labels are the hazard labels and handling marks that tell carriers a package contains lithium cells or batteries. The right one depends mainly on three things: the battery chemistry, the battery size, and how the battery is packed. Most shipments end up with either the lithium battery mark or the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label, and some air shipments add a Cargo Aircraft Only label on top.

 

Picking the wrong mark is one of the most common reasons battery shipments get held at a carrier counter or a sort facility. Phones, laptops, power tools, e bikes, vapes, and even greeting cards with sound chips can all fall under these rules. A few minutes spent learning how the marks work can save days of returned freight and repacking.

The Main Labels and Marks on Battery Shipments

Battery shipments draw from a small, fixed set of marks, and each one sends a different message to the people handling the box. In the United States, the rules sit in the federal Hazardous Materials Regulations, mainly 49 CFR 173.185. For air shipments, most airlines also follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

 

  • Lithium battery mark: a rectangle with a red hatched border, a battery symbol, and the UN number, used mostly for smaller batteries
  • Class 9 lithium battery hazard label: a diamond with seven black stripes on the top half and a battery symbol on the bottom half, used for fully regulated shipments
  • Cargo Aircraft Only label: an orange label showing that a package may not travel on a passenger plane

 

Understanding lithium battery labels starts with knowing that the mark and the Class 9 label are not interchangeable. The mark generally signals a lower risk shipment that qualifies for simpler rules, while the Class 9 diamond signals a fully regulated dangerous goods shipment. In most cases, a package carries one or the other, not both.

Start With the UN Number

Every lithium battery shipment falls under a four digit UN number, and that number drives almost every labeling choice that follows. The number depends on two questions: is the battery lithium ion (rechargeable) or lithium metal (usually single use), and is it shipped alone or with a device? Sodium ion batteries now have their own numbers too, UN3551 and UN3552, and follow a similar pattern.

 

  • UN3480: lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves, such as spare power banks
  • UN3481: lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (in the same box) or contained in equipment (installed in the device)
  • UN3090: lithium metal batteries shipped by themselves
  • UN3091: lithium metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment

 

A power bank sold alone is UN3480, while the same battery installed inside a tablet becomes UN3481. That small shift can change the label, the aircraft type, and the paperwork. Confirm the UN number on the Safety Data Sheet or with the battery manufacturer before you print anything.

The Lithium Battery Mark Explained

The lithium battery mark is the simplest way to flag smaller cells and batteries that qualify for reduced requirements. Some people still call it the lithium battery handling mark, a name left over from an older label it replaced in 2019. It tells handlers to take care with the package and to be aware of a possible fire risk if the package is damaged.

 

The mark does not replace good packaging, and it does not remove every rule. Shippers still need strong outer packaging, protection against short circuits, and batteries that passed UN 38.3 testing. Think of the mark as the label for shipments that qualify for simpler rules, not a way to skip them.

What the Mark Looks Like

Under federal rules, the mark must measure at least 100 mm wide by 100 mm high, with a red hatched border at least 5 mm wide. A smaller 100 mm by 70 mm version may be used when the package is too small for the full size mark. Symbols and letters appear in black on a white or other contrasting background.

 

The UN number or numbers for the batteries inside go in the space at the top of the mark. A box holding both lithium ion and lithium metal batteries in devices, for example, would show both UN3481 and UN3091. Where one face of the package has room for the full size version, carriers generally expect to see it used.

The Phone Number Change on January 1, 2027

Older versions of the mark included a spot for a telephone number, and many label rolls still carry one. The UN model rules dropped that requirement, and US, IATA, and sea regulations followed with a transition period. Under 49 CFR 173.185, the older design may continue to be used until December 31, 2026.

 

From January 1, 2027, shippers in the US and in international air and sea transport generally need the newer mark without the phone number. Canada has set a separate transition that runs until June 17, 2027. Now is a good time to check preprinted boxes, stored label stock, and label software templates for the old design.

When a Shipment Needs the Class 9 Lithium Battery Label

The Class 9 lithium battery hazard label is for shipments that are fully regulated as dangerous goods, which usually covers larger batteries such as lithium ion batteries over 100 watt hours or lithium metal batteries with more than 2 grams of lithium. Electric bike packs, large power stations, and industrial battery modules often land here. Fully regulated lithium battery labels come with extra steps like these:

 

  • UN specification packaging tested for the battery type
  • The proper shipping name and UN number marked on the box
  • Staff trained to prepare dangerous goods shipments
  • A Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods for most air shipments

 

The lithium battery version of the diamond shows seven black stripes on the top half and a group of batteries, one broken and burning, on the bottom half. It replaced the plain Class 9 diamond for lithium shipments under IATA rules at the start of 2019, and air carriers may reject old generic labels on lithium shipments. Keep the right version on hand so packers do not reach for the wrong roll.

What the UN3480 Label Means for Batteries Shipped Alone

People often search for a UN3480 label when they really need the full set of marks for loose lithium ion batteries. There is no single UN3480 label; instead, the UN number appears inside the lithium battery mark or next to the Class 9 label, depending on battery size. By air, these batteries are forbidden on passenger aircraft, so packages generally travel on cargo planes with a Cargo Aircraft Only label.

 

  • UN3480 by air: must ship at a state of charge no higher than 30 percent of rated capacity
  • UN3481 packed with equipment: a mandatory 30 percent limit since January 1, 2026, for cells or batteries over 2.7 watt hours
  • Batteries contained in equipment: a reduced state of charge is still recommended

 

These changes show how quickly lithium ion battery shipping rules can shift from one year to the next. The IATA lithium battery guidance is updated each year and is worth checking before air shipments. Carriers may also add their own stricter limits, so read your carrier's dangerous goods guide as well.

Small Batteries and the Section II Route

Most consumer electronics ship under simpler rules often called Section II in IATA terms, or the small battery exception in US rules. For lithium ion, this generally means cells of 20 watt hours or less and batteries of 100 watt hours or less. For lithium metal, the usual limits are 1 gram of lithium per cell and 2 grams per battery.

 

Shipments that fit these limits typically use the lithium battery mark instead of the Class 9 diamond, and the package usually needs to survive a 1.2 meter drop test without damage to the batteries. Some very small shipments may not need the mark at all, such as packages holding only button cells installed in equipment, or generally up to four cells or two batteries installed in a device, subject to limits on the number of packages. Checking these conditions carefully helps decide which lithium battery labels, if any, a box actually needs.

Quick Guide: Which Mark Does Your Shipment Need?

The table below gives a simplified starting point for common situations. Air rules, carrier rules, and quantity limits can change the answer, so treat it as a first check rather than a final one. When a shipment sits near a limit, confirm with the current regulations or a trained hazmat professional.

 

ShipmentTypical Mark or LabelSmall lithium ion batteries shipped alone (UN3480)Lithium battery mark, plus Cargo Aircraft Only label by airSmall batteries packed with or inside devices (UN3481, UN3091)Lithium battery mark, unless an exception for very small quantities appliesLarge lithium ion batteries over 100 WhClass 9 lithium battery hazard label, plus UN number and shipping nameLarge lithium metal batteries over 2 g lithiumClass 9 lithium battery hazard label, plus UN number and shipping nameLarge batteries shipped alone by airClass 9 label and Cargo Aircraft Only labelDamaged, defective, or recalled batteriesSpecial rules apply; generally forbidden by air

 

Getting lithium battery labels right usually starts with the watt hour rating printed on the battery case. If a rating is missing, ask the manufacturer or check the Safety Data Sheet before you decide on a mark. Build a simple reference sheet for your top selling products so your packing team can match each item to its label quickly.

Placement, Size, and Durability Tips

Where a mark sits on the box matters almost as much as which mark you choose. Hazard labels and marks generally go on the same surface as the UN number and shipping name, and they should stay fully visible. Tape, straps, and carrier tags should never cover any part of the mark.

 

  • Keep the mark or label on a side, not wrapped around an edge or corner
  • Leave space so barcode labels and shipping labels do not overlap it
  • Reproduce the marks on the outside of an overpack, or keep them visible through clear wrap
  • Replace any mark that is torn, faded, or smeared before the box leaves

 

Durability often gets overlooked until a mark peels off in transit. Battery shipments may face cold cargo holds, humid warehouses, and rough conveyor belts, and a label that fails halfway through the trip creates the same problem as no label at all. For harsh routes, specialty labels with stronger adhesives and weather resistant face stocks can help marks stay readable from dock to delivery.

Air, Ground, and Sea Rules Are Not Identical

Lithium battery rules share the same UN foundation, but each transport mode adds its own layer. Ground shipments in the US follow 49 CFR, air shipments generally follow IATA and ICAO rules, and sea shipments follow the IMDG Code. A box that passes for truck delivery may still be rejected at an airport.

 

Carriers also set their own policies, sometimes called operator variations, that can be stricter than the base rules. Some airlines limit battery shipments on certain routes, and postal services apply their own restrictions to international mail. The PHMSA lithium battery resources offer plain language guides for US shippers who want to check the basics.

Common Labeling Mistakes That Delay Battery Shipments

Many rejected battery shipments trace back to a small set of repeat mistakes. Most are easy to prevent once the packing team knows what to look for. Here are some of the most frequent problems carriers report:

 

  • Using the wrong UN number, such as UN3480 for batteries installed in a device
  • Placing both the lithium battery mark and the Class 9 label on a Section II package
  • Using the old plain Class 9 diamond instead of the lithium battery version
  • Leaving an old mark with a phone number on packages after the 2026 transition ends
  • Shipping UN3480 batteries by air without the Cargo Aircraft Only label
  • Covering the mark with a shipping label or packing slip pouch

 

Another common mix up involves product labels versus transport marks. Electrical warning labels on a device or charger speak to the end user about shock or heat risks, while transport marks speak to carriers about the package. Both have a role, but neither one replaces the other.

Paperwork and Training Behind Lithium Battery Labels

Marks on the box are only part of the picture, because paperwork and testing sit behind them. Cell and battery manufacturers, and later distributors, generally need to make a UN 38.3 test summary available on request. This summary shows the battery design passed a set of UN safety tests covering altitude, heat, vibration, shock, and short circuit.

 

US rules require hazmat training for anyone whose job affects the safety of hazardous materials in transport, including people who pack and mark battery shipments. Training generally happens within 90 days of starting the role and gets refreshed at least every three years, and air shipping often calls for IATA specific training as well. Well trained staff are usually the best protection against applying lithium battery labels to the wrong shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lithium battery mark used for?

A lithium battery mark shows that a package contains lithium cells or batteries that qualify for simpler shipping rules. It uses a red hatched border, a battery symbol, and the UN number for the batteries inside. Handlers use it to recognize a possible fire risk if the package is damaged, and it is common on shipments of phones, laptops, and small electronics.

Is there a specific UN3480 label?

There is no standalone UN3480 label; the number appears on other required marks. For small batteries shipped alone, UN3480 goes inside the lithium battery mark. For larger batteries, it appears as a separate marking next to the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label, and air shipments generally add a Cargo Aircraft Only label.

Do I need a Class 9 label for a laptop battery?

Most laptop batteries do not need a Class 9 label because they typically rate below 100 watt hours. These usually ship with the lithium battery mark under the small battery rules. A battery over 100 watt hours generally moves into fully regulated territory and needs the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label.

What changed about the lithium battery mark phone number?

The telephone number is no longer required on the lithium battery mark. Older marks with a phone number may continue to be used until December 31, 2026, under US, IATA, and sea rules. From January 1, 2027, shippers generally need the newer design without the number, while Canada allows a transition until June 17, 2027.

Can lithium batteries ship on passenger planes?

Lithium ion and lithium metal batteries shipped alone are generally forbidden as cargo on passenger aircraft. Batteries packed with or installed in equipment can often travel on passenger planes, subject to quantity limits and packing rules. Individual airlines may set stricter policies, so shippers typically confirm with the carrier before booking.

What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?

UN3480 covers lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves, while UN3481 covers lithium ion batteries packed with or installed in equipment. The difference affects the aircraft type, the state of charge limits, and sometimes the label. A spare power bank is UN3480, but a battery inside a phone is UN3481.

Do damaged lithium batteries follow the same labeling rules?

Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries follow separate and much stricter rules. They are generally forbidden from air transport and often need special packaging for ground shipping. Shippers usually contact their carrier or a hazmat specialist before moving batteries that are swollen, leaking, or recalled.

Check Your Battery Shipments Before the Next Pickup

The right mark comes down to a short chain of questions: battery type, size, packing method, and transport mode. Pull the watt hour ratings and UN numbers for the products you ship most often and write down which mark each one needs. Share that list with your packing team so every box leaves with the right marks on the first try.

 

With the phone number transition ending on December 31, 2026, this is also a good moment to audit your label stock and printing templates. Swap out old marks, generic Class 9 diamonds, and faded rolls before they end up on a shipment. A quick review now can prevent rejected freight, delays, and repacking costs in the months ahead.