7 Critical Elements on a Lithium Battery Shipping Label
What must appear on a lithium battery shipping label to ensure safety and compliance?
To meet global shipping standards, lithium battery packages must carry specific regulatory markings so carriers, handlers, and customs can instantly recognize the contents and associated risks. Depending on the shipment type and mode of transport, this can include the UN number (e.g., UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091), the lithium battery mark, the Class 9 hazard label for fully regulated shipments, appropriate handling warnings, and any additional marks or arrows required by packing instructions and carrier rules.
Shipping lithium batteries is never just a matter of “put it in a box and send it.” Every package must comply with a complex mix of IATA/ICAO (air), IMDG (sea) and ADR/road regulations to move legally and safely through the global supply chain. A correct lithium battery shipping label is your first line of defense against mis-handling, delays, fines, or even safety incidents.
In this article, we’ll break down the 7 most critical elements of a compliant lithium battery shipping label. You’ll learn what each element means, when it’s mandatory, how it differs for various UN numbers and shipment types, and how leading shippers apply these rules in real operations. We’ll also look at common mistakes, label types, and practical compliance tips based on IATA, ICAO, and ADR requirements so you can label your lithium battery shipments with confidence.
Part 1. What is a lithium battery shipping label?
A lithium battery shipping label is a dedicated safety and compliance mark used on packages that contain lithium-ion or lithium-metal cells and batteries. It is required under international dangerous goods regulations to clearly indicate that the package contains a regulated energy source with specific handling and transport risks.
A proper lithium battery shipping label serves four core purposes:
- Safe handling – It immediately tells ground staff, warehouse workers, pilots, and drivers that the package requires special care (no crushing, no heat exposure, no improper loading).
- Accident prevention – Clear identification helps prevent rough handling, incorrect stowage, or loading in prohibited aircraft or vessel locations, reducing the risk of fire, leakage, or short circuit.
- Emergency response – The label usually includes a UN number and telephone contact, giving responders vital information if an incident occurs in transit.
- Legal compliance – It demonstrates that the shipper has followed IATA/ICAO, IMDG, ADR, DOT and other applicable rules for lithium battery transport.
When lithium battery packages are incorrectly labeled, under-labeled, or not labeled at all, carriers are legally obliged to stop, return, or destroy the shipment. This can lead to:
- Shipment rejection or long delays
- Fines and enforcement action from regulators
- Carrier bans or loss of account privileges
- Increased risk of serious, potentially life-threatening incidents
In short, a lithium battery shipping label is not a formality—it is a mandatory safety tool and a critical part of compliant lithium battery logistics.
Part 2. Class 9 hazard label: Identifying lithium batteries as dangerous goods
The Class 9 hazard label is one of the most important markings for lithium battery shipments. This black-and-white diamond-shaped label identifies the package as containing miscellaneous dangerous goods, a category that includes lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.
Key features of the Class 9 label include:
- Black vertical stripes on the upper half of the diamond
- A white lower half with a bold “9” centered at the bottom
- A minimum size of 100 mm × 100 mm
When this label appears on a package, it signals to carriers, warehouse staff, and emergency responders that the contents require special handling, segregation, and stowage. For lithium batteries that exceed certain energy or quantity thresholds, the Class 9 label is mandatory under international regulations (such as IATA, ICAO, and IMDG) and is a critical part of ensuring safe transport and regulatory compliance.
Part 3. Lithium battery handling label: Safety warnings
Another key mark is the Lithium Battery Handling Label (often called the lithium battery mark), commonly used for shipments classified under UN3481 and UN3091.
A compliant handling label typically includes:
- A pictogram of a battery (or multiple batteries), with at least one shown damaged and emitting flames
- A warning statement such as “Lithium batteries – handle with care” or similar cautionary wording
- The correct UN number (e.g., UN3481 or UN3091) printed in clear, legible text
- A note that the package requires special handling and should be inspected if damaged
- A 24-hour emergency telephone number for additional information in case of an incident
This label alerts ground staff and carriers that the package can pose risks if crushed, punctured, short-circuited, or overheated, and is especially important when batteries are contained in equipment or packed with equipment, where they may not be immediately visible.
Part 4. UN number: The battery’s official ID
Every lithium battery shipment must display its correct UN number, which acts as the battery’s official identifier in the dangerous goods system. It tells regulators, carriers, and emergency responders exactly what type of lithium battery is inside the package.
Common UN numbers include:
- UN3480 – Lithium-ion batteries (shipped as batteries only)
- UN3481 – Lithium-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment
- UN3090 – Lithium-metal batteries (shipped as batteries only)
- UN3091 – Lithium-metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment
The UN number must be shown in uppercase black text, usually in close proximity to the lithium battery handling label or other shipping marks, so it is easy to locate and read during inspections and handling.
Part 5. Orientation arrows: This way up
When packages contain liquid electrolytes or when stability and stacking are a concern, orientation arrows are required on the outer packaging. These arrows indicate which side of the package must remain on top.
Why orientation arrows matter:
- They help prevent leakage of liquid electrolyte or other contents that must remain upright
- They reduce crushing and impact risk by encouraging correct stacking and handling
- They guide warehouse staff and carriers to load and store packages in the correct position
The arrows are printed as a pair of vertical arrows, usually in red or black, and are placed on at least two opposite vertical sides of the package. Many designs also include the words “THIS WAY UP” alongside the arrows to make the handling instruction even clearer.
Part 6. Limited Quantity label: For small battery shipments
In some cases, when batteries or battery-powered products meet specific limited quantity provisions, a Limited Quantity label may be used instead of full Class 9 hazard labels—primarily for road and sea transport where regulations allow it.
When it can apply:
- Shipments that meet limited quantity thresholds under rules such as ADR or IMDG
- Packages containing small amounts of dangerous goods that qualify for LQ relief
- Certain battery-powered products where the overall package remains within defined limits
The Limited Quantity label is a black-and-white square-on-point symbol (a diamond-shaped mark with a black border). It simplifies some aspects of marking and documentation while still signaling that the package contains regulated material.
Important: For air transport, lithium batteries generally do not use the Limited Quantity label and must follow the specific lithium battery packing instructions and marks defined in the IATA DGR. Always confirm mode-specific rules before choosing this option.
Part 7. Cargo Aircraft Only label: For restricted air shipments
Some lithium battery shipments—especially those above certain watt-hour (Wh) or lithium content limits—are prohibited on passenger aircraft and may only fly on dedicated cargo aircraft.
In these cases, the bright orange “Cargo Aircraft Only” label is mandatory.
This label ensures that:
- The shipment is loaded only on cargo aircraft, never on passenger flights
- Ground handlers and load planners are aware of additional safety constraints
- The package is not mistakenly routed through passenger networks
Ignoring this requirement is more than a paperwork error—it can lead to serious safety risks and significant regulatory violations.
Part 8. Overpack label: For bundled shipment units
When several fully labeled lithium battery packages are combined into a larger outer container (e.g., shrink-wrapped on a pallet or placed inside a master carton), that unit becomes an overpack.
In this situation, the outer container must:
- Be clearly marked with the word “OVERPACK”
- Show that all inner packages inside are properly labeled and marked
- Be arranged so that required labels and marks are visible, or they must be reproduced on the overpack
Overpacks are designed to protect and consolidate shipments, but they do not eliminate or replace the underlying labeling and marking obligations for each inner package.
Part 9. Emergency contact number: Fast response in danger
Lithium battery handling labels must include a 24-hour emergency contact telephone number. This number is critical if a package is leaking, overheating, or involved in a fire or incident.
Best practices include:
- Ensuring the number is reachable 24/7, not just during office hours
- Making sure the contact person or service is qualified to give guidance to carriers and responders
- Linking the number to the shipper, manufacturer, or an appointed safety/compliance officer
This emergency number is typically printed at the bottom of the lithium battery handling label and is a key element of incident response readiness.
Part 10. Label placement, size, and durability
For lithium battery labels, compliance is not only about the information itself—it’s also about how and where the label is applied.
Key guidelines:
- Labels must be durable, weather-resistant, and clearly visible after loading and handling
- Do not place labels over corners, seams, or closures where they can be damaged or obscured
- Lithium battery handling marks are typically required to be at least 120 mm × 110 mm in size (unless a smaller format is specifically allowed for small packages)
- Use strong, permanent adhesive so labels do not peel off during transport, storage, or customs inspections
Incorrect placement, damaged labels, or unreadable marks can lead to non-compliance findings, fines, or rejected shipments, even if the rest of the documentation is correct.
Part 11. Do lithium battery labels differ by transport mode?
Yes. While the core information is similar, detailed labeling requirements can vary depending on whether the shipment moves by air, sea, or road.
For example:
- Air (IATA/ICAO): Stricter limits on watt-hours, state of charge (SoC), and package configurations. Label formats and wording follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations very closely.
- Sea (IMDG Code): Label content is largely harmonized with UN rules but may differ in placement and documentation requirements on containers and pallets.
- Road (ADR and similar): Within regions such as the EU, some limited quantity or small battery exemptions may apply, with slightly different labeling and marking rules.
Because these rules are updated regularly, shippers should always consult the latest editions of IATA DGR, IMDG Code, ADR, and local regulations before dispatching lithium battery cargo.
Part 12. Can you customize lithium battery labels?
Yes, some customization is allowed—but only within strict limits.
Acceptable customizations:
- Adding your company logo, branding, QR codes, or barcodes
- Linking a QR code to your SDS (Safety Data Sheet), emergency instructions, or tracking portal
Non-negotiable compliance rules:
- You cannot change, resize below minimum, or alter required elements such as the UN number, hazard symbols, lithium battery pictogram, or standardized wording
- Custom graphics must be secondary and must not obscure or reduce the legibility of mandatory information
Done correctly, customized labels can improve traceability and professionalism while still meeting all international lithium battery shipping requirements.
Part 13. FAQs about lithium battery shipping labels
What are the 7 main types of lithium battery shipping labels?
The seven core label types used for lithium battery shipments are:
- Class 9 Hazard Label
- Lithium Battery Handling Label (lithium battery mark)
- UN Number Marking (e.g., UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091)
- Orientation Arrows (“This Way Up”)
- Limited Quantity Label (where applicable)
- Cargo Aircraft Only Label
- Overpack Label
Together, these markings ensure the package is correctly identified, handled, and transported in line with dangerous goods regulations.
What happens if I forget to include one of the required labels?
Missing or incorrect labels can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Shipment delays or returns
- Fines and regulatory penalties
- Refusal or destruction of the shipment by carriers or customs
- Increased safety risk during handling and transport
Regulators and airlines treat mis-labeled lithium battery cargo as a high-risk compliance issue.
Can I print lithium battery labels myself?
Yes, you can print lithium battery labels in-house, provided they:
- Meet the minimum size requirements (e.g., 100 mm × 100 mm for Class 9)
- Follow the correct color, layout, and symbol formats defined in the regulations
- Are printed on durable, water-resistant material with adhesive strong enough to withstand normal transport conditions
Home-printed labels are acceptable as long as they are fully compliant and clearly legible.
Are lithium battery labels standardized across all countries?
Not entirely. The core requirements are based on UN, IATA, ICAO, ADR, and IMDG frameworks, which are widely harmonized. However, local authorities and carriers may impose additional requirements, restrictions, or formatting preferences. Always check both international rules and destination-country guidance.
Where can I find the most up-to-date lithium battery labeling regulations?
Refer to the latest editions of:
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) – for air transport
- ICAO Technical Instructions – overarching air safety framework
- ADR – for road transport within Europe
- IMDG Code – for sea transport
These are updated regularly, so always work from the current edition when preparing labels and documentation.
