A Complete Guide to Transportation Specifications for Small Capacity Polymer Batteries: 

Safety and Compliance

In today's era of mobile devices, lithium polymer batteries have become the preferred power supply for many electronic products due to 

their high energy density and light weight. However, there are potential safety risks during the transportation of such batteries, which 

require strict compliance with international and domestic transportation regulations. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of 

the transportation requirements for small-capacity polymer batteries to help you conduct logistics operations safely and compliantly.

Ⅰ.Risk perception of polymer battery transportation Compared with traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries, polymer 

lithium batteries (Li-Po) use gelatinous or solid-state electrolytes, which have the advantages of being thinner, lighter, 

and customizable. But it is precisely this high energy density that makes it subject to the following risks during 

transportation:

1. Thermal runaway risk: 

A short circuit or damage inside the battery can cause a sharp rise in temperature, triggering a chain reaction

2. Burning risk: 

In some cases, it can lead to open flames and lithium battery fires are difficult to extinguish with conventional fire extinguishers

3. Pressure build-up: 

Sealed batteries can generate gases under abnormal conditions, causing expansion or even explosion According to the International Air 

Transport Association (IATA), Between 2016 and 2020, a total of 338 air transport accidents related to lithium batteries were reported, most 

of which were related to improper modes of transport. This highlights the importance of regulating transportation.

Ⅱ. Capacity Definition and Transportation Classification

The definition of small-capacity polymer batteries is crucial to the choice of transportation mode:

Lithium metal battery: lithium content≤1g

Lithium-ion battery: Rated watt-hour (Wh) ≤ 20Wh

Calculation method: Rated capacity (Ah) × rated voltage (V) = Watt-hour (Wh)

For example: 3.7V/1000mAh battery = 3.7×1=3.7Wh, which belongs to the category of small capacity Different capacities correspond to different 

transportation requirements: ≤ 20Wh small-capacity battery: can be transported relatively loosely, But basic protection is still required

Medium capacity of 20-100Wh: Tighter packaging and labeling is required

Large capacity batteries of 100Wh: the most restricted for transportation

1. Regulatory framework for international transport

UN38.3 Test: All lithium batteries must pass 8 safety tests including height simulation, thermal shock, and vibration before transportation

Packing Specifications:

UN3480 (Lithium-ion batteries transported separately)

UN3481 (Lithium-ion battery packaged with device)

IATA DGR: The International Dangerous Goods by Air Code 63 (2024) has detailed regulations for the transport of lithium batteries

IMDG CODE: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

ADR: European Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road

China also needs to comply with national standards such as the "Lithium Battery Air Transport Code" (MH/T1020-2018).

Ⅲ.the practical guide to the transportation of small-capacity polymer batteries

1. Packing Specifications

Inner packaging: Each battery should be individually insulated (such as original packaging or plastic bag) to prevent short circuits

Cushioning material: Fill the void with a non-conductive cushioning material (e.g., foam, corrugated paper).

Outer packaging: sturdy rigid container, can pass the 1.2m drop test

Quantity limit: The number of batteries in a single package is usually not more than 8 (air freight limit)

2. Tags & Documents

Lithium battery marking: must be affixed with a complete lithium battery label (white on a red background, 7cm× 7cm or more)

UN number: UN3480 or UN3481 is clearly marked

Contact number: 24-hour emergency contact number should be indicated on the package

Shipping documents: Contain information such as battery type, quantity, rated capacity, etc

3. Choice of shipping method

Air Freight: Subject to IATA Special Regulation A188 or A189

SEA FREIGHT: ACCORDING TO THE SP188 CLAUSE OF THE IMDG CODE

Ground Transportation: Comply with local regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods

4. Special Considerations

State of charge: It is recommended to discharge to 30%-50% of the charge before transportation

Temperature control: avoid extreme temperature environments (ideally 15-25°C)

Measures to prevent short circuits: The electrodes should be covered with insulating tape or a special battery box should be used

5. Common problems and misunderstandings

Myth 1: "Small-capacity batteries can be transported casually"

Fact: Even < 20Wh requires basic protection and identification

Myth 2: "Original packaging can be used directly for transportation"

Fact: Case-pack packaging is usually sales packaging only and requires additional reinforcement

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What are the special procedures for sample delivery?

A: Samples must also be fully labeled, and no more than 2 sample batteries should be sent at a time

Q: How do I transport a device with a battery installed?

A: The device needs to have anti-accidental start measures, and the battery is firmly fixed in the device

6. Legal consequences of illegal transportation

Administrative penalties: China's Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals stipulate a fine of up to 100,000 yuan

Civil liability: full compensation shall be made for losses caused by illegal transportation

Criminal liability: Serious consequences may constitute the crime of causing an accident with dangerous goods

Logistics blacklist: Repeated violations may be put on the rejection list by major courier companies

In 2023, an electronics company in Shenzhen will be fined 85,000 yuan for failing to declare the transportation of lithium batteries, and will bear 

370,000 yuan in compensation for accident losses.

7. Industry best practice recommendations

Employee training: Conduct regular training on the safe transportation of lithium batteries and keep records

Supplier audit: Ensure that the battery supplier provides a complete UN38.3 test report

Pre-Shipment Inspection: Establish a pre-shipment checklist for batteries (voltage, appearance, insulation, etc.)

Emergency plan: Prepare an emergency response plan for battery transportation accidents

The "five-step method of lithium battery transportation" (test-packaging-identification-document-tracking) implemented by a well-known drone 

company has reduced its transportation accident rate by 92%, which is worth learning.

epilogue

Regulating the transportation of small-capacity polymer batteries is not only a legal requirement, but also a manifestation of corporate social 

responsibility. With the increasingly strict supervision of lithium battery transportation in the world, the establishment of a sound battery 

transportation management system will become one of the core competitiveness of electronic product-related enterprises. It is recommended 

that enterprises regularly review the transportation process and cooperate with professional logistics service providers to ensure supply chain 

security and compliance.