8
Shipping Process Overview
Table 2 provides an overview of the steps typically required to ship a product that contains lithium ion cells both
internationally and in the U.S.
Table 2 – Steps required to transport a lithium ion battery
Step
Number Process Step
Comments
1
Design the battery pack. Design the battery pack to ensure it will pass UN Manual of Tests and
Criteria.
2A
Ship the battery pack to
the UN 38.3 test house if
using an outside test
laboratory.
Use the “Prototype” shipping special provisions. Ship by ground (or cargo
air with special approval) only.
2B
Test the battery pack.
Refer to “UN Test
Types”, below.
Perform UN testing T1-T5, & T7 for batteries.
3
Obtain UN compliant
packaging.
All Class 9 Dangerous Goods (DG) must be shipped in UN compliant
packaging.*
4
Package the cell or
battery.
Follow the packaging manufacturer's instructions.
5
Mark and label the
package.
Insure that packaging container has all the required labeling. Refer to
“Lithium Ion UN Numbers” below. *
6
Fill out the shipping
documentation.
Complete shipper's declaration for dangerous goods, airway bill, and so
on. *
7
Ship the package.
Ensure that shipping company can ship dangerous goods and that a Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) and any Competent Authority Approval accompanies the
package. *
* U.S. and international regulations require that anyone involved in the packaging, documentation, and labeling of
Dangerous Goods for transportation must be officially trained to do so.
