There are new labeling requirements affecting shipments that include any lithium battery in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations and international air transportation requirements established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
What is changing: Labels on a lithium battery package no longer needs the The telephone number to contact, now it only needs to display applicable UN identification number and required battery hazard symbol.
When is it effective: Beginning January 1, 2027, the transition period allowing the use of lithium battery marks displaying a telephone number will end.
Action needed: If you ship lithium batteries, including batteries packed with or contained in equipment, pleasae review current packaging and labeling practices to ensure compliance ahead of the deadline.
Labeling Changes Overview
The lithium battery mark is used to identify packages containing certain lithium ion and lithium metal batteries. Historically, this mark included a telephone number that could be contacted for additional information about the shipment.
Under the updated requirements:
The telephone number is no longer required and is removed from the current lithium battery mark design.
The mark must continue to display the applicable UN identification number and required battery hazard symbol.
The updated design maintains the familiar red hatched border, battery and flame symbol, and applicable UN number.
Timing:
The transition period permitting the older version of the mark ends December 31, 2026.
Beginning January 1, 2027, shippers should use the updated mark without a telephone number.
Which Shipments Are Affected?
The change affects shipments that require a lithium battery mark, including applicable shipments classified under the following UN numbers:
UN Number | Description |
UN3480 | Lithium ion batteries |
UN3481 | Lithium ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment |
UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries |
UN3091 | Lithium metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment |
The update applies to lithium battery marking requirements across applicable transportation modes, including ground and air transportation.
Not every shipment containing lithium batteries requires this mark. Existing regulatory exceptions and applicable packaging instructions continue to determine when marking is necessary.
Action Needed, What You Should Be Doing Now
All brands should review their existing packaging and labeling practices before January 1, 2027, particularly when using preprinted packaging or supplying their own lithium battery marks.
We recommend taking the following steps:
Review existing lithium battery marks and identify any versions displaying telephone numbers.
Update packaging artwork, preprinted cartons, and label templates to reflect the current mark design.
Coordinate with packaging suppliers to ensure replacement materials are available before the deadline.
Notify your DCL account representative if your products arrive with preprinted lithium battery marks or if you supply your own battery labels.
Confirm that the correct UN identification numbers and other applicable dangerous goods markings remain in place.
Customers shipping products containing lithium batteries should also ensure their product classifications and dangerous goods information remain accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does This Change Other Lithium Battery Shipping Requirements?
No. This update specifically addresses the design of the lithium battery mark.
All other applicable requirements for lithium battery transportation remain in effect, including:
Proper classification and applicable UN identification numbers
Packaging and short-circuit protection
Required hazard labels and markings
Applicable air transportation restrictions
Dangerous goods documentation, when required
Removing the telephone number does not eliminate any other dangerous goods shipping obligations.
Where can I find more information?
Regulatory references:
U.S. DOT / PHMSA – 49 CFR § 173.185(c)(3): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-173.185
PHMSA Lithium Battery Guide: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2024-12/Lithium-Battery-Guide-2024.pdf
IATA Battery Shipping Regulations: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/manuals/battery-shipping-regulations/