Lithium Battery Transportation
  Rules of Thumb for Transportation of BiPOWER Lithium Batteries

Updated U.S. and International rules and Regulations for Lithium Battery Transportation, both primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells/batteries.

U.S. Department of Transportation New Lithium Battery Interim Final Rule

The transportation of non-rechargeable lithium and rechargeable lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries is regulated in the United States in accordance with Part 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, (49 CFR Sections 100-185) of the US Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations - 49 CFR § 173.185 - Lithium cells and batteries 

The international transportation of lithium cells and batteries is regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions and corresponding International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

Current IATA Guidance Document on Transport of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries
IATA Lithium Battery Packaging Instructions

Under United Nations transportation regulations primary lithium and rechargeable lithium ion and lithium polymer cells and batteries must comply with the UN T1 - T8 testing requirements. The UN tests listed below are specified in the Fourth Revised Edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods,
UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (ST-SG-AC10-11-Rev5-Amend1e).

    T1: Altitude Simulation
    T2: Thermal
    T3: Vibration
    T4: Shock
    T5: External Short Circuit
    T6: Impact
    T7: Overcharge
    T8: Forced Discharge

These tests only have to be performed once for each cell or battery type of a given design. Additional testing is required when a previously tested cell or battery undergoes design or construction changes as follows:

(a) A change of more than 0.1 g or 20% by mass, whichever is greater, to the cathode, to the anode, or to the electrolyte; or
(b) A change that would materially affect the test results.