Fulfillment Wiki

Lithium Battery Shipping

Lithium battery shipping is the shipment of lithium ion or lithium metal batteries, alone, packed with equipment, or installed in equipment, under dangerous goods rules that set packaging, labeling, and quantity limits.

Why it matters for ecommerce brands

Lithium battery rules decide whether a product can fly at all, and which packaging, labels, and fees apply. Rules are strictest for batteries shipped alone, lighter for batteries packed with equipment, and lightest for batteries installed in the device. Since January 1, 2026, IATA limits lithium ion batteries over 2.7 Wh packed with equipment to 30% state of charge by air. For example, 500 headphones a month with a spare battery in the box ship under packed with equipment rules, while spare batteries sold alone face stricter ones. Get a UN 38.3 test summary from your supplier.

Origin

Lithium battery shipping tightened in April 2016, when ICAO banned lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own as cargo on passenger aircraft amid concern over battery-fed cargo fires.

Common questions

Can I ship lithium batteries by USPS?
USPS accepts some lithium batteries when they are installed in or packed with the device they power, within size and quantity limits. Loose lithium batteries face tighter restrictions, so check the current USPS Publication 52 before shipping.
What is the difference between UN3480 and UN3481?
UN3480 covers lithium ion batteries shipped alone, while UN3481 covers lithium ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment. Lithium metal batteries use UN3090 and UN3091 in the same way.
What is a UN 38.3 test summary?
It is a document showing that a battery type passed the UN transport safety tests, such as vibration, shock, and external short circuit. Manufacturers and distributors must make it available, and carriers or 3PLs often ask for it before accepting products.

Laws and regulations