Compliance labels for shipping lithium ion and lithium metal batteries by ground, air, and sea. Produced to meet DOT and IATA regulatory requirements — custom print or blank stock available in standard and custom sizes.
Standalone lithium ion batteries shipped alone
Lithium ion batteries packed with or in equipment
Standalone lithium metal batteries shipped alone
Lithium metal batteries packed with or in equipment
Lithium batteries — both lithium ion (rechargeable) and lithium metal (primary/non-rechargeable) — are classified as hazardous materials for shipping purposes. They carry a risk of fire and thermal runaway if damaged or improperly handled in transit.
Regulatory bodies including the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) require specific labels on packages containing lithium batteries. These labels must display the correct UN number, the lithium battery symbol, and other required markings depending on the battery type, quantity, and mode of transport.
Shipping lithium batteries without the correct labels risks shipment rejection at the carrier, regulatory penalties, and liability if an incident occurs in transit. LabelData produces battery shipping labels that meet the required format specifications — contact us to confirm the right label for your specific shipment type.
Governs hazmat labeling requirements for ground transport within the US under 49 CFR
Sets labeling and packaging requirements for lithium battery shipments via air freight worldwide
Covers labeling for lithium batteries shipped via ocean freight internationally
Each carrier has specific acceptance and labeling requirements for lithium battery shipments above certain thresholds
The correct battery shipping label depends on whether you are shipping lithium ion (rechargeable) or lithium metal (primary/non-rechargeable) batteries, and whether the batteries are standalone or packed with equipment.
Rechargeable — phones, laptops, power banks, EVs
Non-rechargeable — primary cells, coin cells, military
Battery shipping label requirements apply across ground, air, and sea transport — with air freight carrying the strictest requirements.
DOT regulations under 49 CFR require lithium battery marks on packages shipped by ground (UPS, FedEx Ground, LTL, freight) above certain quantity and watt-hour thresholds.
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations set the strictest requirements for lithium battery air shipments. Many lithium batteries are prohibited from passenger aircraft and require specific labeling for cargo-only flights.
The IMDG Code governs lithium battery labeling for international sea freight. Required labels and documentation vary by battery type, quantity, and packaging configuration.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Label Types | Lithium ion battery labels and lithium metal battery labels — custom print and blank stock available |
| UN Numbers Supported | UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, UN 3091 |
| Material | Adhesive label stock — material confirmed at time of order based on application requirements |
| Sizes | Standard compliance sizes and custom sizes available — confirm with your carrier or regulatory requirement |
| Custom print from your data or pre-formatted compliance layouts | |
| Application | Ground, air, and ocean freight — label format depends on mode of transport |
Important: Battery shipping label requirements change periodically with regulatory updates. Always confirm your current label requirements with your carrier, freight forwarder, or a qualified hazmat compliance advisor before ordering. LabelData produces labels to your specification — we do not provide regulatory compliance advice.
* Contact us to confirm exact specifications for your battery type, quantity, and mode of transport.
Standard 4×6 direct thermal shipping labels for UPS, FedEx, and USPS. No ribbon required.
Hazardous materials labels for regulated shipments across ground, air, and ocean freight.
Permanent and removable adhesive label options across direct thermal and thermal transfer materials.
All barcode label types — LPN, inventory, pallet, shipping, and size-specific options.
The right battery shipping label depends on your battery type (lithium ion or lithium metal), whether batteries are standalone or packed with equipment, and your mode of transport. Give us those details and we will get back to you with the right label and pricing.
Tell us your battery type and shipping requirements.
We respond within one business day. No commitment required.
Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials for shipping because they carry a risk of fire and thermal runaway if damaged, short-circuited, or improperly packaged in transit. Regulatory bodies including the US DOT and IATA require specific labels on packages containing lithium batteries to alert handlers to the hazard and ensure proper handling throughout the shipment.
Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable and are found in consumer electronics, power tools, and electric vehicles. They ship under UN 3480 (standalone) or UN 3481 (in or packed with equipment). Lithium metal batteries are non-rechargeable primary cells — coin cells, some camera batteries, and medical device batteries are common examples. They ship under UN 3090 (standalone) or UN 3091 (in or packed with equipment). The correct UN number determines which label format is required.
Whether a label is required depends on the battery type, the quantity of batteries or watt-hours in the shipment, and the mode of transport. Requirements are set by the DOT for ground shipments, IATA for air freight, and IMDG for ocean freight. We recommend confirming your specific requirements with your carrier, freight forwarder, or a qualified hazmat compliance advisor. LabelData produces labels to your specification once requirements are confirmed.
Yes. We produce battery shipping labels in standard compliance sizes and custom sizes based on your requirements. Tell us your required dimensions and the format needed when you submit your quote request.
No. LabelData produces labels to your specification — we do not provide regulatory compliance advice or determine which labels are required for your shipment. Always confirm your label requirements with your carrier, freight forwarder, or a qualified hazmat compliance professional before placing your order.
