Transporting Lithium Batteries: ADR 2026 Regulations and Safe Shipping
July 7, 2026
Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials. Their transport is governed by strict regulations—the ADR for road transport and IATA standards for air transport—which change every year.
An error in packaging, labeling, or documentation can hold up your shipment, result in fines, or make you liable. MTI Express, an IATA-approved and certified freight forwarder since 1996, handles your lithium battery shipments in full compliance with regulations.
Why are lithium batteries subject to specific regulations?
Lithium batteries pose a risk of thermal runaway in the event of an impact, short circuit, or overheating. This chain reaction can cause a fire that is difficult to control. This is why lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods under the ADR, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
This classification imposes specific obligations on the shipper: selecting the correct UN number, using approved packaging, applying regulatory markings, and providing compliant shipping documents.
Which UN numbers apply to your batteries?
The UN number determines all the rules that apply to your shipment. Each type of lithium battery has a separate UN number:
| Battery Type | Shipping Terms | UN Number |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion (rechargeable) | Shipped alone | UN 3480 |
| Lithium-ion (rechargeable) | In or with equipment | UN 3481 |
| Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) | Shipped alone | UN 3090 |
| Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) | In or with equipment | UN 3091 |
⚠️ An error in the UN number directly affects the shipment’s compliance, creates legal risks, and may result in the goods being held up.
What are the packaging requirements?
It is essential to use UN-approved packaging. The packaging must be designed to withstand impacts, prevent short circuits, and contain any leaks.
Before any shipment, the first step is to conduct a UN 38.3 test, which ensures the safety of lithium-ion batteries by simulating transport conditions.
✅ What your packaging should include:
- UN-certified packaging (Type 4G for cartons)
- Protected electrical contacts (adhesive tape, caps)
- Battery isolated to prevent short circuits
- Proper exterior labeling (UN number, shipper/consignee contact information)
What markings and labels are required?
Lithium labeling is required for all batteries, even those covered by an exemption. The labeling requirements vary depending on the quantity and capacity of the batteries being shipped.
Each package must include:
- The corresponding UN number (UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, or UN 3091)
- The “lithium battery” pictogram label (battery on fire)
- The Class 9 label for bulk shipments
- The sender's and recipient's contact information
What shipping documents are required?
A shipping declaration is required for batteries shipped alone (UN 3480 and UN 3090). For air freight, the requirements are even stricter: a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods and a air waybill indicating the dangerous nature of the cargo.
Small shipments may be subject to simplified rules—limited quantities—with fewer documentation and training requirements, provided they comply with the weight limits set by the ADR.
Why choose MTI Express for your lithium batteries?
MTI Express is one of the few French freight forwarders with the full range of expertise needed to handle your lithium battery shipments, regardless of the mode of transportation.
- IATA-certified — recognized authorization for the air transport of dangerous goods.
- Customs-Authorized Freight Forwarder — Comprehensive management of customs formalities for both imports and exports, in France and internationally.
- Delta X-Certified — simplified customs clearance, a rare certification in the industry.
- A global network —partnerships with DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS, and Geodis to deliver to every continent within 24 to 48 hours.
- A single point of contact — MTI Express selects the right carrier for you, arranges pickup, and tracks your shipment all the way through delivery.
- 30 years of expertise — operating in Paris, Dubai, Casablanca, and New York since 1996, with a 98% customer satisfaction rate.
FAQ — Shipping Lithium Batteries
Are lithium batteries considered hazardous materials?
What is the difference between UN 3480 and UN 3481?
Can lithium batteries be shipped by air?
What is the UN 38.3 test?
What are the penalties for noncompliance?
How do I get a quote for my lithium batteries?
MTI Express handles the transport of your lithium batteries by road and air freight, including full management of customs formalities —in France and internationally. Fill out the form to receive your quote: mti-express.fr/contact