Lithium batteries power everything from cameras and flashlights to medical and metering devices.
But when it comes to mailing or shipping lithium batteries, strict regulations apply.
Because lithium batteries can pose a fire or short-circuit risk under improper conditions, they are regulated by international transport authorities such as the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and USPS (United States Postal Service).
If you need to ship lithium batteries safely and legally, this guide from Jiangmen Hongli Energy Co., Ltd. — a professional manufacturer of 3V primary lithium batteries — explains what you need to know.
1. Why Mailing Lithium Batteries Requires Special Rules
Lithium batteries store high energy in a small package.
If damaged, short-circuited, or overheated during transport, they may generate heat, sparks, or fire.
To prevent accidents, postal and courier services classify them as dangerous goods and enforce packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements.
The rules depend on:
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Battery chemistry (lithium-ion vs lithium metal)
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Configuration (installed in equipment, packed with equipment, or shipped alone)
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Destination (domestic or international)
2. Types of Lithium Batteries for Shipping
There are two major types of lithium batteries, and the rules differ for each:
| Type | Description | Rechargeable | Typical Voltage | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion (Li-ion) | Uses lithium ions in liquid electrolyte | ✅ Yes | 3.6–3.7V | Laptops, tools, phones |
| Lithium metal (Primary lithium) | Uses metallic lithium as anode | ❌ No | 3.0V | Cameras, smart meters, sensors |
Hongli Energy’s CR-series 3V lithium batteries belong to the lithium metal category, which is non-rechargeable but very stable and long-lasting when shipped properly.
3. Rules for Mailing Lithium Batteries (General Guidelines)
3.1 Lithium Batteries Installed in Equipment
✅ Allowed by Air and Ground Transport
Examples: Cameras, smart sensors, security systems.
Requirements:
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Battery must be securely installed inside the device.
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Equipment must be protected against accidental activation.
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Outer packaging must be strong, rigid, and cushioned.
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Mark with:
“Lithium Metal Batteries — in Compliance with Section II of PI970”
No dangerous goods documentation is required if under size limits.
3.2 Lithium Batteries Packed with Equipment
✅ Allowed (With Limitations)
Examples: Battery included in the same box as the device.
Requirements:
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Batteries must be in inner packaging that prevents contact or movement.
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Cushioning required between battery and equipment.
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Total lithium content:
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≤ 2g per cell
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≤ 8g total per package
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Label as:
“Lithium Metal Batteries — Packed with Equipment”
Hongli’s CR-series batteries (e.g., CR123A, CR2, CR14505) fully meet these specifications.
3.3 Lithium Batteries Shipped Alone
⚠️ Allowed by Ground Only (Not by Air)
Mailing lithium metal batteries by themselves is prohibited on passenger aircraft due to higher fire risk.
Ground shipping services (e.g., USPS Surface Mail or cargo couriers) may accept them under strict packaging conditions.
Packaging must include:
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Inner non-conductive packaging (plastic, foam, or blister)
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Strong outer box (corrugated cardboard or metal)
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UN3090 hazard label
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Handling label with contact phone number
Each Hongli Energy battery complies with UN38.3 — ensuring safe shipment under these rules.
4. International Mailing Regulations
When shipping abroad, you must follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
4.1 UN Numbers
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UN3090: Lithium metal batteries (shipped alone)
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UN3091: Lithium metal batteries (contained in or packed with equipment)
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UN3480: Lithium-ion batteries (shipped alone)
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UN3481: Lithium-ion batteries (contained in or packed with equipment)
4.2 Maximum Limits for Air Shipment (Section II)
| Type | Per Cell | Per Battery | Total Lithium | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium Metal | ≤ 1g | ≤ 2g | ≤ 8g per package | “Lithium Battery Handling Label” |
| Lithium-ion | ≤ 20Wh | ≤ 100Wh | ≤ 300Wh per package | “Lithium Battery Handling Label” |
Hongli’s CR-series batteries are well below these thresholds, making them safe for export worldwide.
5. Required Packaging and Labeling
5.1 Packaging Requirements
To ensure compliance:
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Isolate terminals to prevent short circuits (use plastic caps or tape).
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Use non-conductive inner packaging such as trays or foam.
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Cushion batteries to prevent movement inside the box.
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Include absorbent material if multiple batteries are shipped.
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Seal the outer box securely with pressure-resistant tape.
5.2 Labeling Requirements
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Lithium Battery Mark (Handling Label) with red diagonal stripes
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UN number (e.g., UN3090 or UN3091)
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Phone number for additional information
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For larger shipments, add a Class 9 Dangerous Goods label
Failure to include these may result in rejection or fines by postal carriers.
6. Documentation and Certification
For safe and compliant lithium battery shipments, you may need to provide:
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UN38.3 Test Report — verifying that the battery passed altitude, vibration, shock, thermal, and short-circuit tests.
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) — summarizing chemical composition and safety handling.
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Product Specification Sheet — showing model, voltage, and capacity.
All Hongli Energy lithium batteries are UN38.3 certified, and full test reports can be provided for customs clearance or logistics documentation.
7. How Hongli Energy Ensures Safe Global Shipping
7.1 UN38.3 & CE Certified
Every Hongli product meets UN38.3 international transport safety standards, ensuring it can be shipped via air, sea, or ground.
7.2 Hermetically Sealed Design
Our lithium batteries use stainless-steel casings and laser-welded seals, eliminating leakage risks.
7.3 Built-in Safety Features
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PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) device limits current in short circuits.
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Pressure relief vents prevent internal gas buildup.
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Stable Li/MnO₂ chemistry resists overheating or fire.
7.4 OEM/ODM Support
We provide custom packaging and labeling that meet destination-specific postal requirements — ideal for export distributors and brand owners.
8. Quick Checklist: Mailing Lithium Batteries
✅ Identify battery type (metal or ion)
✅ Check lithium content (≤2g per cell for metal)
✅ Ensure UN38.3 certification
✅ Use non-conductive inner packaging
✅ Label package with correct UN number
✅ Provide MSDS and test reports if required
✅ Ship lithium metal cells by ground or as installed in equipment
9. Why Choose Hongli Energy Lithium Batteries
As a National High-Tech Enterprise founded in 2015, Jiangmen Hongli Energy Co., Ltd. produces 3V primary lithium batteries that are safe, stable, and globally compliant.
Product Highlights:
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Models: CR123A, CR2, CR14250, CR14505, CR17450, CR17500, CRP2, 2CR5
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Certifications: UN38.3, CE, RoHS, ISO9001
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Shelf life: up to 10 years
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Operating temperature: −40°C to +70°C
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Leak-proof and explosion-proof
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Annual output: 40 million+ batteries
Our commitment to safety and precision ensures reliable performance and smooth global logistics for every client.
Conclusion
So, how do you mail a lithium battery safely?
Follow the correct classification, packaging, and labeling standards — and always use UN38.3-certified batteries from trusted manufacturers.
At Hongli Energy, every lithium battery is designed, tested, and documented for international shipping safety — giving our partners full confidence in global trade and compliance.
To learn more about our certified 3V lithium batteries or request OEM/ODM cooperation, visit www.honglienergy.com.