Search

Mandatory Now: New Lithium Battery Marks and Labels for 2019

Posted on 2/4/2019 by Joel Gregier, CDGP and Hazmat Trainer

New Lithium Battery Markings/Labels for 2019

For those of us who experience the joys of shipping lithium batteries, you have probably come to the realization that the regulators like to change the rules regarding them and do that on a frequent basis.  Just when you finally get your operations in order, they change what is required.

Consider this a friendly reminder to start using the new lithium battery marks and labels!

Get training to ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or ocean in 2019. The Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course covers the latest rules that lithium battery shippers must know. 

The Two Year Phase-In Period is Over

Hopefully, you are already aware that there are new marks and labels for lithium batteries.  These new communications were added to all the different sets of regulations (whether DOT, IATA, or IMDG) at the start of 2017. 

As part of that rulemaking, they gave a two-year transition period to start using the new marks and labels.  During that two-year period, you could use either the “old” marks and labels or the new updated ones.
As of January 1, 2019, that transition period has ended.  As such, you can no longer use the “old” versions; you must use the newest options.

Comparing the “Old” and “New” Versions

Below are some visuals just to make sure you are using the correct marks and labels now that 2019 has rolled around.

Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries

If you ship what we call “excepted” lithium batteries, you will need to start using the “lithium battery mark” (seen below).  Excepted cells/batteries are defined as:
  • Lithium ion cells ≤ 20 Wh
  • Lithium ion batteries ≤ 100 Wh
  • Lithium metal cells ≤ 1 gram of lithium
  • Lithium metal batteries ≤ 2 grams of lithium
As an aside, the DOT has higher limits for ground only shipments (previously called “medium” sized batteries).

Here is the NEW “lithium battery mark” now mandatory for excepted sized batteries:
New lithium battery marking for 2019YES!
As a result of this new mark, you CAN NO LONGER USE the old “lithium battery handling label” seen here:
Old lithium battery mark pre 2019NO!

Shipping Fully Regulated Lithium Batteries

If you ship fully regulated lithium batteries (which are those larger than the limits listed above), there are many marks and labels that will need to go onto your package including the proper shipping name, UN identification number, etc.

In addition, you will need to place a Class 9 label on the package, and with the 2017 rulemaking, there is a new Class 9 label specific for lithium batteries. 

As such, you MUST use the following Class 9 Lithium Battery Label:
Lithium battery class 9 label fully regulated ion metalYES!

You are NOT allowed to use the “generic” Class 9 label shown here:

Old lithium battery label class 9 lithium ion batteriesNO!

As a reminder, this “generic” Class 9 label will still be used for other “Miscellaneous” hazards, just not lithium batteries anymore.

2019 Training for Lithium Battery Shippers

Be confident your lithium battery shipments will be accepted for transport and delivered safely by ground, air, or ocean. Whether you ship lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries, full-size or excepted size, in-equipment, with-equipment, or by themselves - find training to help you achieve and maintain full compliance with 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code regulations for 2019. 

Learn more at Lion.com/Lithium
 

Tags: hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, marks and labels, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.