Air Transport of Lithium Batteries: Key Labeling & Marking Requirements for Outsourcing & Compliance Teams
If you're sourcing products from China that include lithium batteries — whether standalone or installed in equipment — proper labeling and marking are critical steps in ensuring safe, compliant air transport. Under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 hazardous materials. Any misdeclared or improperly labeled shipment risks delays, fines, or refusal by carriers.
Below is a practical breakdown of what your suppliers and freight forwarders must implement on outer packaging for air shipments.
Required Labels
1. Class 9 Lithium Battery Hazard Label
- Design: White background with black graphic (seven vertical stripes above a flaming battery).
- Minimum size: 100 × 100 mm.
- Applies to: PI 965-IA/IB, PI 966-I, PI 967-I, PI 968-IA/IB, PI 969-I, PI 970-I.
2. Cargo Aircraft Only Label (where applicable)
- Design: Orange background (Pantone 151U) with black text/graphic.
- Minimum size: 120 × 110 mm.
- Mandatory for:
- All PI 965 and PI 968 shipments;
- PI 966-I, 967-I, 969-I, 970-I where total net weight of lithium batteries exceeds 5 kg but does not exceed 35 kg.
- Placement: Must appear on the same face as the Class 9 hazard label.
Mandatory Marks
Lithium Batteries Handling Mark
- Rectangular/square with red hatched border (≥5 mm wide).
- Black graphic of damaged flaming battery above UN number.
- Minimum size: 100 × 100 mm (or 100 × 70 mm for small packages).
- Transition rule: Older marks sized 120 × 110 mm may still be used until December 31, 2026.
- Exemptions: Does not apply to packages containing only button cells installed in equipment, or up to 4 cells / 2 batteries per package with no more than two such packages per consignment.
Additional required markings (must be clearly visible):
- UN Number (e.g., UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, UN 3091)
- Proper Shipping Name
- Shipper and consignee name and address
All markings should ideally be grouped on the same side of the package.
Quick Reference by Battery Type & Packing Instruction
| Battery Type | UN No. | Configuration | PI | Labels/Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium Ion (alone) | 3480 | Not packed with equip. | 965-IA | Class 9 label + Cargo Aircraft Only |
| Not packed with equip. | 965-IB | Class 9 label + Cargo Aircraft Only + UN 3480 mark | ||
| Lithium Ion (with equipment) | 3481 | Packed with equipment | 966-I | Class 9 label (+ Cargo Aircraft Only if 5 kg ≤35 kg) |
| Packed with equipment | 966-II | UN 3481 mark | ||
| Lithium Metal (alone) | 3090 | Not packed with equip. | 968-IA | Class 9 label + Cargo Aircraft Only |
| Not packed with equip. | 968-IB | Class 9 label + Cargo Aircraft Only + UN 3090 mark | ||
| Lithium Metal (with equip.) | 3091 | With/in equipment | 969/970-I | Class 9 label (+ Cargo Aircraft Only if 5 kg ≤35 kg) |
| With/in equipment | 969/970-II | UN 3090 mark |
Critical Placement Rules
- No part of any required mark or label should be covered by straps, tape, or other labels.
- If multiple labels/marks are needed, affix them on the same external face without folding.
- Package dimensions must allow sufficient space for full-size labels — otherwise upsize the packaging.