Explanation of Lithium Battery UN Numbers and Shipping Classifications

UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, and UN3091 all belong to Class 9 Dangerous Goods. The logic behind these UN numbers is based on two main factors: Battery Chemistry and Transport Configuration.

1. Battery Chemistry
• Lithium-ion: Rechargeable batteries.
• Lithium Metal: Primary (non-rechargeable) batteries containing metallic lithium.

2. Transport Configuration
• Standalone: Batteries shipped alone.
• Packed with Equipment: Batteries shipped in the same package as the device but not installed inside it.
• Contained in Equipment: Batteries installed inside the device.

Further reading:

"Sensitive goods" list in international logistics

UN Number	Proper Shipping Name	Description of Form	Air Transport IATA Packing Instruction PI	Typical Cargo Examples
UN3480	Lithium-ion batteries	Lithium-ion batteries, transported alone, no equipment	PI965	Power banks, bare cells, spare lithium battery packs, box contains only batteries
UN3481	Lithium-ion batteries packed with/contained in equipment	Lithium-ion batteries: in the same box as equipment, or already installed in the equipment	PI966 (packed with) PI967 (contained in)	PI966: Camera + spare batteries in the same box; PI967: Mobile phones, laptops, Bluetooth headphones (batteries installed in the device)
UN3090	Lithium-metal batteries	Lithium-metal batteries, transported alone	PI968	Loose CR2032 coin lithium-metal batteries, primary lithium cylindrical batteries
UN3091	Lithium-metal batteries packed with/contained in equipment	Lithium-metal batteries: packed with equipment, or built-in inside the equipment	PI969 (packed with) PI970 (contained in)	PI969: Calculator + spare coin batteries; PI970: Car keys, remote controls (coin batteries already installed in the device)

Battery Type [IMP Code]
UN3480 \| PI965 [ELI] Lithium Ion Cells / Batteries ONLY	Cell / Battery ≤ 2.7Wh
	Cell > 2.7Wh but ≤ 20Wh
	Battery > 2.7Wh but ≤ 100Wh
UN3481 \| PI966 [ELI] Lithium Ion Cells / Batteries Packed with Equipment
UN3481 \| PI967 [ELI] Lithium Ion Cells / Batteries Contained in Equipment
UN3090 \| PI968 [ELM] Lithium Metal Cells / Batteries ONLY	Cell / Battery ≤ 0.3g lithium
	Cell > 0.3g but ≤ 1g lithium
	Battery > 0.3g but ≤ 2g lithium
UN3091 \| PI969 [ELM] Lithium Metal Cells / Batteries Packed in Equipment
UN3091 \| PI970 [ELM] Lithium Metal Cells / Batteries Contained in Equipment

Contact our sales to discuss your shipments: sales12@senghorlogistics.com

Why distinguish between these configurations?

The core fire risk of lithium batteries comes from short circuits, crushing, or punctures leading to thermal runaway. The risk level varies significantly across these three configurations, which dictates different transport regulations, packaging requirements, and air cargo restrictions.

UN3480 / UN3090 (Standalone Batteries): Highest Risk
The package contains only batteries without the protection of equipment casing. If they rub against or crush each other, electrode short circuits can easily cause fires.
- Air Freight: Large specifications (Section IA) are forbidden on passenger aircraft and must go via cargo aircraft only.
- Packaging: Strictest requirements. Must be insulated to prevent short circuits, with strict weight limits per box.

UN3481 / UN3091 (Packed with Equipment): Medium Risk
The device and spare batteries are in the same outer box, but the batteries are separate and not installed in the machine.
- Risk: Spare batteries are still exposed and carry a short-circuit risk, but the quantity is usually lower than standalone shipments.
- Air Freight: Allowed on passenger aircraft, but batteries must be independently insulated and isolated.
- Packaging Instructions: PI966 (Li-ion) / PI969 (Li-metal).

UN3481 / UN3091 (Contained in Equipment): Lowest Risk
The battery is fixed inside the product housing. The casing provides physical protection, making it difficult to crush or short-circuit.
- Risk: Significantly lower probability of thermal runaway (e.g., mobile phones, smartwatches, electric toothbrushes).
- Air Freight: Allowed on passenger aircraft with relatively relaxed packaging conditions.
- Packaging Instructions: PI967 (Li-ion) / PI970 (Li-metal).

In simple terms:
• A box of naked batteries = Highest Risk (UN3480 / UN3090)
• Machine + spare batteries in the same box (not installed) = Medium Risk (UN3481/PI966 or UN3091/PI969)
• Battery locked inside the machine casing = Lowest Risk (UN3481/PI967 or UN3091/PI970)

Common Operational & Booking Pitfalls

1. Same UN Number ≠ Same Packaging: For example, under UN3481, PI966 and PI967 cannot be used interchangeably. The Booking Note and Dangerous Goods Declaration must specify the correct PI number.

2. Mixed Configurations: If a box contains both equipment with built-in batteries AND extra spare batteries, it must be declared as "Packed with" (PI966), not "Contained in" (PI967).

3. UN38.3 Test Summary: Regardless of the UN number (3480/3481/3090/3091), a UN38.3 Test Summary is mandatory for both Sea (IMDG) and Air (IATA) transport.

4. Lithium Metal Risks: Lithium metal batteries (3090/3091) are generally more dangerous than lithium-ion. Large specifications of UN3090 are forbidden on passenger aircraft.

If you have products that need to be shipped from China, please feel free to discuss this with our logistics specialist, Icey.

sales12@senghorlogistics.com