Dangerous Goods Training: Lithium Batteries IATA, ADR, IMDG

Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods because they can short‑circuit, overheat and ignite under certain conditions. Dangerous goods training for lithium batteries teaches you how to move them safely and legally by air, road, sea and rail. In simple terms, it’s the structured knowledge and practical skills your team needs to classify batteries correctly, select compliant packaging, apply the right marks and labels, complete documentation, and meet competency requirements under international rules such as IATA, ADR and the IMDG Code.

This guide explains what you must know to ship lithium batteries with confidence and compliance. You’ll learn who needs training, which regulations apply (IATA, ADR, IMDG and RID), key battery types and UN numbers, common shipment scenarios, power and state‑of‑charge limits, the UN 38.3 test, and mode‑specific essentials including IATA PI 965–970 and ADR/IMDG provisions. We’ll cover packaging, marks, labels, documentation, Section II and “adequate instruction”, special cases (damaged, defective, waste), storage and handling, frequent mistakes, and how to choose the right training format and certification pathway. Let’s begin with who needs this training—and why.

Who needs lithium battery dangerous goods training

If you touch lithium battery shipments at any point, you need dangerous goods training. Regulations require competency for anyone who classifies, packs, marks/labels, documents, accepts, stores, loads, or transports lithium batteries—including supervisors who manage or sign off work and staff using “adequate instruction” provisions.

Shippers/consignors (manufacturers, e‑commerce, returns centres)
Packers and warehouse operatives
Freight forwarders, integrators and couriers
Air cargo and ground handlers; airline acceptance staff
Drivers and logistics teams moving ADR loads
Technicians/repair centres; compliance, DGSA and safety managers

The regulations you must follow: IATA, ADR, IMDG and RID

Lithium battery compliance is modal: you must apply the rules for every leg of the journey. All modes align to the UN Model Regulations, but each has mode‑specific requirements, so a multimodal shipment must meet each set in full. Always check current editions and any operator or national variations that apply to your route.

IATA DGR (ICAO TI) – Air: Governs all air shipments worldwide, with specific packing instructions, state‑of‑charge limits, passenger vs cargo aircraft rules, marking, labelling, documentation and training.
ADR – Road (Europe): Implements road rules, including special provisions and packing instructions for lithium batteries used on European roads.
IMDG Code – Sea: Covers maritime transport, aligning with UN requirements for packing, segregation, stowage and documentation.
RID – Rail (Europe): Harmonised with ADR for carriage by rail across European networks.

Lithium battery types, UN numbers and key definitions

Before you can choose a packing instruction or decide if any limited relief applies, you must identify the battery chemistry and its correct UN number. Lithium ion (rechargeable, including polymer) and lithium metal (primary) are treated differently across IATA, ADR and IMDG. Accurate classification drives everything—marks, labels, documents, quantity limits, and whether your consignment is acceptable by air—so it’s a core skill in dangerous goods training for lithium batteries.

UN 3480: Lithium ion batteries
UN 3481: Lithium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment
UN 3090: Lithium metal batteries
UN 3091: Lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment
Cell vs battery: A cell is a single electrochemical unit; a battery has two or more cells. A “battery pack” is treated as a battery.
Button/coin cell: Small round cells commonly used in watches/remotes; some specific small‑cell provisions apply.
Watt‑hour rating (Li‑ion): Energy capacity used for thresholds and marking; Wh = V × Ah.
Lithium content (Li‑metal): Grams of lithium per cell/battery used for classification thresholds.

Shipment scenarios and classification: alone, packed with, contained in equipment

How your batteries are presented in a package determines the correct classification—and everything that follows. In dangerous goods training for lithium batteries, you’ll learn to distinguish three shipment scenarios that map to the UN numbers already listed and drive packing choices, marks/labels and quantity limits, especially for air.

Batteries shipped alone: UN 3480 (lithium ion) or UN 3090 (lithium metal). Highest risk profile; the strictest limits and controls typically apply, with tight packaging and handling requirements.
Packed with equipment: UN 3481/3091 when batteries are in the same package as the equipment they power, but not installed. Extra internal packaging must prevent movement and short circuits.
Contained in equipment: UN 3481/3091 when the battery is installed in the device (e.g., laptops, scanners). Generally offers more relief but still requires protection against accidental activation and damage.

Classify per package, confirm chemistry, then select the correct modal packing instruction before you mark, label and document.

Power ratings, lithium content and state of charge limits

Power and lithium content are the levers that control your compliance route. For lithium ion, the watt‑hour (Wh) rating determines which provisions apply; for lithium metal, it’s the grams of lithium content per cell or battery. Crossing a threshold can move you from limited relief to fully regulated, change the maximum quantity per package, trigger extra marks/labels and documentation, and even make a consignment ineligible for passenger aircraft. For air, standalone lithium ion batteries are also subject to a restricted state‑of‑charge (SoC) cap under IATA, and some airlines or states apply stricter caps via variations, so you must verify what your route allows.

Before you book, confirm and record:

Chemistry and UN number: Ion or metal, and the correct UN entry.
Energy metric: Wh for lithium ion; lithium content (g) for lithium metal.
Configuration and count: Cells/batteries per package and per overpack.
Aircraft type and operator variations: Passenger vs cargo acceptance and any tighter SoC or quantity limits.
Marking and control: Required battery markings and evidence of SoC control where applicable.

UN 38.3 test summary and quality management requirements

Every lithium cell or battery offered for transport must have evidence that it passed the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub‑section 38.3 (UN 38.3). The regime exposes representative items to mechanical, thermal and electrical stresses to verify safe carriage. Without a valid UN 38.3 test summary, the product isn’t permitted for air, road or sea. Training shows you how to obtain, verify and retain this evidence and how to meet regulatory quality‑management expectations.

Test summary availability: Provided by the manufacturer/test lab; kept on file and shown on request.
Check contents: Manufacturer, model identification, tests performed, results, test facility and responsible signatory.
Quality management: Documented procedures, change control, traceability, inspection, staff training and corrective action.

Air transport essentials (IATA/ICAO): PI 965–970 and passenger vs cargo rules

Air shipments follow the ICAO Technical Instructions as applied by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. For lithium batteries, everything hinges on Packing Instructions (PI) 965–970 and whether the consignment can go on passenger aircraft or must move cargo‑only. Select the PI by UN number and configuration, confirm UN 38.3 evidence, and apply the IATA state‑of‑charge limit to UN 3480.

PI 965 — UN 3480: Li‑ion, shipped alone; strictest controls.
PI 966 — UN 3481: Li‑ion, packed with equipment.
PI 967 — UN 3481: Li‑ion, contained in equipment.
PI 968 — UN 3090: Li‑metal, shipped alone; high restrictions.
PI 969 — UN 3091: Li‑metal, packed with equipment.
PI 970 — UN 3091: Li‑metal, contained in equipment.

Passenger vs cargo rules drive acceptance, per‑package limits, marks/labels and whether a Shipper’s Declaration is needed; some lithium battery consignments are restricted to cargo aircraft only. Always check the current IATA DGR plus any operator or state variations.

Road transport essentials (ADR): SP 188, P903 and DGSA duties

On European roads, ADR governs lithium batteries as Class 9 and mirrors the UN Model Regulations. Many everyday shipments travel under Special Provision 188 when specific conditions are met—cells/batteries are UN 38.3 tested, protected against short circuit and movement, placed in strong outer packagings, and the package displays the lithium battery mark. If SP 188 doesn’t apply, consignments move fully regulated under P903 (or another applicable packing instruction), with Class 9 labelling, correct UN number/proper shipping name and ADR transport documentation. Most undertakings involved in carriage, packing, loading or unloading must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) to oversee compliance.

SP 188 relief: Limited ADR provisions when design, packaging and marking conditions are met.
P903 (fully regulated): Robust inner/outer packaging and complete ADR marks, labels and documents.
DGSA duties: Advise, monitor procedures, verify training/records, investigate incidents and issue an annual report.

Sea transport essentials (IMDG): SP 188, packing and documentation

At sea, the IMDG Code governs lithium battery consignments and aligns with the UN Model Regulations. Special Provision 188 provides limited relief for small cells/batteries that are UN 38.3 tested, short‑circuit protected and placed in strong outer packagings; when it applies, you use the lithium battery mark and follow specified packing safeguards. If SP 188 does not apply, shipments move fully regulated under the IMDG Code with Class 9 requirements.

Dangerous goods training for lithium batteries shows you how to apply IMDG precisely:

Select the correct UN entry: UN 3480/3481 or UN 3090/3091.
Use the right packing instruction: Typically P903 for compliant, non‑damaged batteries.
Pack to CTU Code good practice: Restrain movement; prevent crushing and short circuits.
Apply marks/labels: Lithium battery mark; plus Class 9 label and UN number when fully regulated.
Complete documentation: Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form with accurate descriptions and counts.

Packaging, inner protection and preventing short circuits

Your first line of defence is packaging that prevents short circuits, movement and crushing from origin to destination. Across IATA, ADR and IMDG—whether shipping alone, packed with, or contained in equipment—the principles are the same: protect terminals, separate items, immobilise contents and use strong outers. If you move fully regulated consignments, select UN performance‑tested packaging as required by the relevant packing instruction; SP 188 relief still demands robust inner and outer packagings and effective terminal protection.

Protect terminals: Use non‑conductive caps, tape or moulded covers; no exposed terminals.
Separate every item: Place cells/batteries in individual inner packagings or bags; use dividers.
Use non‑conductive cushioning: Fit-for-purpose inserts that prevent movement and contact.
Immobilise equipment: Secure devices; guard switches to avoid accidental activation.
Choose strong outers: Rigid, crush‑resistant boxes; fill voids and prevent box bulging.
Secure closures: Apply pressure‑sensitive tape/banding; perform a simple “shake test”.
Manage overpacks properly: Prevent shifting inside; maintain the integrity of each package.
Keep defective items out: Damaged, defective or recalled batteries require special handling.
Button/coin cells: Ship in retail blister or equivalent individual protection.

Marks, labels and documentation across modes

Across modes, two elements do most of the work: the lithium battery mark for eligible small consignments, and full Class 9 hazard communication when shipments are fully regulated. Then add mode‑specific signals and documents: Cargo Aircraft Only where required, overpack visibility rules, and the correct transport document for air, road or sea. Apply everything exactly as per the current IATA DGR, ADR and IMDG Code.

Lithium battery mark: For SP 188/Section II; shows the appropriate UN number and a contact telephone.
Class 9 lithium battery label: Use when fully regulated; add the UN number marking adjacent as required.
Cargo Aircraft Only label: Apply when IATA restricts the consignment to cargo aircraft.
Proper shipping name + UN: Display where required on packages/overpacks; mirror the paperwork precisely.
Overpack marking: Repeat all required marks/labels or make the underlying ones visible.
Documentation: IATA Shipper’s Declaration (when required); ADR transport document; IMDG Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form.

Section II and “adequate instruction” explained

For air, some small lithium battery consignments qualify for simplified provisions often referred to as “Section II” within the relevant IATA packing instructions (typically when batteries are contained in or packed with equipment and meet strict design and quantity limits). These shipments avoid a Shipper’s Declaration but still require precise packaging, the lithium battery mark and operator acceptance. Staff who prepare them must receive “adequate instruction”—a documented, task‑specific competency programme. It is not a shortcut for everything: if any condition is not met, you must follow the fully regulated route, and operators or states may still demand full dangerous goods training.

Define scope and tasks, by UN number and configuration.
Show current, step‑by‑step packing, protection and marking.
Verify UN 38.3 evidence and any applicable SoC control.
Assess competence, keep records and refresh when rules change.
Include escalation triggers when Section II relief does not apply.

Competency-based training and recurrent requirements

Across all modes, staff must be competent for the tasks they perform. Air now applies competency‑based training and assessment (CBTA) under IATA/ICAO; ADR and the IMDG Code require function‑specific training to the same effect. Your programme should map roles to tasks (classify, pack, mark/label, document, accept/handle), train the associated hazards and controls (UN 38.3, short‑circuit prevention, SoC, SP 188/PI 965–970), and verify performance through assessment with records retained. Recurrent training is required at intervals set by the rules and whenever duties, products or regulations change. “Adequate instruction” for Section II must follow the same discipline.

Special cases: damaged, defective, recalled and waste batteries

When lithium batteries are damaged, defective, leaking, swollen, recalled or shipped as waste, the risk profile changes dramatically. These items are not eligible for small-battery reliefs and must not be treated as routine consignments. In dangerous goods training for lithium batteries you’ll learn that these cases require escalation, specialist packaging and routing, and early engagement with your DGSA, carrier and (for air) the operator—many such batteries are not accepted by air and may need competent authority approval.

Quarantine and assess: Stop charge/discharge, isolate the item, record condition and provenance.
Do not “make safe” by ad‑hoc discharge: Only follow manufacturer or authority instructions.
Protect and contain: Rigid, strong outer packagings; non‑conductive separation; prevent movement and short circuits.
Treat as fully regulated: Apply the correct UN entry, Class 9 communication and complete documentation.
Coordinate early: Confirm carrier acceptance, any operator/state conditions, and route by road/sea if air is prohibited.
Waste streams: Apply applicable environmental/waste rules in addition to transport regulations, and keep clear records.

Micro‑mobility, spare batteries and consumer electronics

E‑bikes, e‑scooters, scanners, laptops and the spare batteries that support them make up a large share of lithium shipments. They can be shipped alone, packed with, or contained in equipment, and operator/state variations often tighten air acceptance—some items may be cargo‑only or not accepted at all. Returns add risk if condition is uncertain, so screening and escalation are essential. Dangerous goods training for lithium batteries shows teams how to apply the right route first time.

Classify precisely: Match device/battery to UN 3480/3481 or UN 3090/3091 and the correct configuration.
Verify evidence: UN 38.3 test summary, model identification and traceability; reject unknown/untested items.
Air controls: Apply any SoC limits; secure switches and prevent accidental activation.
Pack for safety: Individual inner protection, non‑conductive terminal covers, strong outers; treat fully regulated if reliefs don’t apply.
Plan the route: Check operator/state variations and passenger vs cargo rules early; consider road/sea for large packs or restricted devices.

Safe storage and handling before transport

Compliance starts before packing. Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from heat sources, ignition risks and heavy traffic. Keep stock identifiable and traceable, separate suspect items, and handle with care to prevent crushing, piercing or short circuits. Your site procedures should mirror what you’ll do in transit.

Segregate smartly: Keep batteries from flammables, oxidisers and metal objects; quarantine damaged/unknown items.
Protect terminals: Fit non‑conductive covers; never stack where pressure could deform packs.
Use fit‑for‑purpose bins: Rigid, non‑conductive containers with internal separation; no loose mixing.
Control charging: Don’t charge in storage; confirm any required SoC for air movements.
Housekeeping and access: Clear aisles, no exposed wiring, anti‑static good practice.
Readiness: Keep UN 38.3 evidence accessible; maintain an emergency plan and suitable firefighting media per risk assessment.

Common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them

Small oversights with lithium batteries become big problems in transit. Most non‑compliances trace back to rushed classification, missing evidence, or misapplied reliefs. Build a simple pre‑shipment checklist, verify against current modal rules, and document every decision—then your shipments pass acceptance first time.

Wrong UN number/chemistry: Confirm ion vs metal and configuration; match to UN 3480/3481 or UN 3090/3091 using manufacturer data.
No UN 38.3 evidence: Obtain and retain a valid test summary for each model; reject unverified items.
Misusing Section II/SP 188: Check every threshold (Wh/grams, piece counts, configuration); if in doubt, ship fully regulated.
Missing/incorrect marks and labels: Apply the lithium battery mark with correct UN number and phone; add Class 9 and CAO labels when required; replicate on overpacks.
Ignoring operator/state variations: Verify passenger vs cargo acceptance and any tighter limits before booking.
Breaching air SoC limits (UN 3480): Control and record state‑of‑charge; keep evidence of the method used.
Inadequate short‑circuit protection: Cover terminals, separate items, immobilise contents with non‑conductive cushioning.
Overpack errors: Prevent shifting; ensure all required marks/labels are visible or repeated on the overpack.
Paperwork mismatches: Align proper shipping name, UN number, counts and descriptions across all documents (DGD/ADR/IMDG and waybills).
Shipping suspect items as routine: Escalate damaged, defective, recalled or waste batteries; confirm carrier acceptance and use specialist packaging.
Lapsed competency: Keep CBTA/function‑specific training and “adequate instruction” current; update when rules or products change.

Choosing the right training format with Logicom Hub

Choose a format that matches your roles, routes and timelines. Logicom Hub delivers dangerous goods training for lithium batteries in flexible formats that build competence fast without disrupting operations—ideal for onboarding, refreshers or full modal qualifications.

E‑learning: Self‑paced, interactive modules for awareness and refreshers.
Virtual classroom (CAA approved): Live trainer‑led with exercises; minimal travel.
Public classroom: Immersive, exam‑focused sessions with peer learning.
In‑house/on‑site: Tailored to your SOPs and products; hands‑on.
Blended: E‑learning pre‑work plus workshops and coaching for role‑based competency.

Assessment, certification and post‑training support

Competency is proven through role‑based assessment. Expect scenario questions, classification and packing tasks, mark/label identification, and documentation checks aligned to your duties. On successful completion you receive a certificate recording your role scope, modes (air/road/sea/rail) and coverage (UN 3480/3481, UN 3090/3091), supporting CBTA/function‑specific obligations under IATA, ADR, IMDG and RID. Assessment records are retained, and you’ll be prompted when recurrent training or scope changes are due.

Evidence pack: Checklists, SOP templates, UN 38.3 verification and SoC controls.
SOP alignment: Apply PI 965–970 and SP 188/P903 to your workflows.
Post‑course support: Shipment reviews, operator/state variation checks and DGSA coordination.

Next steps

You now have the framework to move lithium batteries safely across air, road and sea: classify accurately, select the right PI/SP, prove UN 38.3, package to prevent shorts, and communicate hazards correctly. Turn this into action by aligning roles to tasks, tightening SOPs and planning recurrent assessment. If you want help or a faster route to competency, talk to the trainers at Logicom Hub and we’ll guide your team end‑to‑end.

Audit: Check current shipments against IATA PI 965–970, ADR SP 188/P903 and the IMDG Code.
Gather: File UN 38.3 test summaries; verify SoC controls for UN 3480 by air.
Build: Create packaging and marking checklists for alone/with/contained configurations.
Choose: Pick the right training format and book dates; schedule refreshers.