Labeling Packages with Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are now found almost everywhere, from electric vehicles to portable devices and e-bikes.

With their increasing prevalence, the number of questions we receive about proper labeling and transportation is also rising. Since this topic has become highly relevant, I decided to update this post from 2022. The content I published back then remains entirely valid. 

Recently, I received an interesting question regarding the labeling of packages containing lithium batteries:

“We are currently looking for information related to the sale of LITHIUM batteries and whether there are any packaging standards prescribed for end consumers in our area, and whether we can sell these same batteries without packaging.”

“I am attaching a picture of one of the batteries we sell with packaging, which has certain labels.”

My response was:

“The labels shown in the picture pertain to transport regulations – ADR. In your case, lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods for transport, as they have a specific UN number (UN 3480 – LITHIUM ION BATTERIES). For the transport of lithium batteries, it is necessary to comply with the provisions prescribed by ADR (e.g., appropriate packaging, labeling of transport packaging, preparation of a transport document, etc.).”

“For consumer sales, however, there is an ADR exception related to the purpose of transport. The ADR provisions do not apply to the transport of dangerous goods packaged for retail sale and transported by individuals for personal or household use. This means that in stores, you can sell batteries without packaging (retail sales can thus be without transport packaging).”

“In the case of battery distribution (e.g., from one location to another), all ADR provisions must be met, including the labeling of transport packaging.”

You can read about what to pay attention to with ADR packaging in this article.

If you have any specific questions regarding the transport and labeling of transport packaging, feel free to write to me at simona.miklavcic@bens-consulting.eu.