DG Knowledge

3.9.2.6.0 Assigned entries:

• UN 3090 Lithium metal batteries

• UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment or Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment

• UN 3480 Lithium ion batteries

• UN 3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment or Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment

• UN 3536 Lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit

3.9.2.6.1 Cells and batteries, cells and batteries contained in equipment, or cells and batteries packed with equipment, containing lithium in any form must be assigned to UN 3090, UN 3091, UN 3480 or UN 3481, as appropriate. They may be transported under these entries if they meet the following provisions:

(a) each cell or battery is of the type proved to meet the requirements of each test of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. Cells and batteries manufactured according to a type meeting the requirements of subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, Amendment 1 or any subsequent revision and amendment applicable at the date of the type testing may continue to be transported, unless otherwise provided in these Regulations. Cell and battery types only meeting the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, are no longer valid. However, cells and batteries manufactured in conformity with such types before 1 July 2003 may continue to be transported if all other applicable requirements are fulfilled.

Note:

Batteries, including those which have been refurbished or otherwise altered, must be of a type proved to meet the testing requirements of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3, irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed are of a tested type.

(b) each cell and battery incorporates a safety venting device or is designed to preclude a violent rupture under conditions normally incident to transport;

(c) each cell and battery is equipped with an effective means of preventing external short circuits;

(d) each battery containing cells or series of cells connected in parallel is equipped with effective means as necessary to prevent dangerous reverse current flow (e.g., diodes, fuses, etc.);

(e) cells and batteries must be manufactured under a quality management program that includes:

      1. a description of the organizational structure and responsibilities of personnel with regard to design and product quality;   

      2. the relevant inspection and test, quality control, quality assurance and process operation instructions that will be used;

      3. process controls that should include relevant activities to prevent and detect internal short circuit failure during manufacture of cells;

      4. quality records, such as inspection reports, test data, calibration data and certificates. Test data must be kept and made available to the appropriate national authority upon request;

      5. management reviews to ensure the effective operation of the quality management program;

      6. a process for control of documents and their revision;

      7. a means for control of cells or batteries that are not conforming to the type tested as mentioned in (a) above;

      8. training programs and qualification procedures for relevant personnel; and

      9. procedures to ensure that there is no damage to the final product.

Note:

In house quality management programs may be accepted. Third party certification is not required, but the procedures listed in 1. to 9. above must be properly recorded and traceable. A copy of the quality management program must be made available to the appropriate national authority upon request.

(f) lithium batteries, containing both primary lithium metal cells and rechargeable lithium ion cells, that are not designed to be externally charged (see Special Provision A213) must meet the following conditions:

      1. the rechargeable lithium ion cells can only be charged from the primary lithium metal cells;

      2. overcharge of the rechargeable lithium ion cells is precluded by design;

      3. the battery has been tested as a lithium primary battery;

      4. component cells of the battery must be of a type proved to meet the respective testing requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3.

(g) manufacturers and subsequent distributors of cells or batteries manufactured after 30 June 2003 must make available the test summary as specified in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5.

 

The above article is reference from IATA – DGR Edition 63