Packaging & Labelling Guide

Practical points carriers look for — not a substitute for the packing instruction that applies to your UN number.

Batteries or cells packed on their own. Schematic: batteries or cells alone in an outer package, each protected against short circuit and movement. Commonly UN 3480 (lithium-ion) or UN 3090 (lithium metal). Original schematic, not to scale.

Short-circuit protection

Cover terminals; keep batteries from contacting metal objects
Use non-conductive inner packaging or separators between cells/packs
Avoid loose batteries rattling in a carton

Inner and outer packaging

Follow the packing instruction for your classification (alone / in / with equipment)
Outer packaging should be strong enough for the mode (air handling is harsher)
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries need special procedures and may be restricted

Labels and marks

Class 9 and lithium battery marks/labels as required for the mode
Orientation arrows and UN number marking where applicable
Labels must match the actual contents — mismatched labels cause rejections

State of Charge for air shipments

For 2026 air planning, standalone lithium-ion batteries and certain lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment are subject to a 30% State of Charge limit under their applicable packing instructions, absent the relevant approval path. Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment are covered differently: IATA guidance strongly recommends reduced State of Charge, but does not state the same blanket mandate. Confirm the exact UN entry, packing instruction, section and operator variation before packing.

Need a check? Include packing photos with your enquiry. We review; carriers decide.

Disclaimer: Final acceptance depends on cargo specs, packing, route, carrier and destination requirements. We assist with review and DG declaration support; we do not guarantee carrier approval.

Photo checklist

Show the pack before it reaches the carrier.

A small, structured photo set helps reviewers understand what text descriptions often miss.

Battery label

Model, rating and identifiers visible and legible.

Terminal protection

Insulation, caps, inner bags or separators shown clearly.

Inner arrangement

Batteries, devices, cushioning and movement controls visible.

Closed outer pack

Final marks, labels, package type and condition visible.

Exception cargo

Damaged, defective, swollen, leaking, recalled, prototype, untested or unknown-condition batteries must be declared at the start. Prohibitions, special provisions or competent-authority approvals may apply.

Do not repack exception cargo as ordinary new battery stock.

Current guidance

Use packing instructions, not a generic checklist alone.

The page helps you ask better questions, but the exact package, quantity limit, mark, label and documentation depend on the classification, mode and applicable section.

IATA 2026 battery guidance provides public orientation for air shipments. For sea, use the current IMDG Code and carrier instructions.

Marks and labels

Positions on the outer package

Packaging

Where marks and labels usually go on the outer package

Orientation arrowsWhen the packaging requires an upright position.
Lithium battery mark areaWhen the applicable provisions call for the mark instead of a hazard label.
Class 9 hazard label areaFor fully regulated consignments; the lithium battery variant where the rules specify it.
UN number and proper shipping nameMatching the declaration and the transport documents.
Shipper and consigneeNames and addresses as on the booking.

Original schematic of positions only; it does not reproduce the regulated mark and label designs. Which marks apply depends on the classification, the quantities and the transport mode.

A cordless drill with its battery pack attached

A shrink-wrapped lithium-ion battery pack for a small electric vehicle

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