# Electric Battery Cargo Transport Standards

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> Knowing the regulatory framework for lithium battery shipments is essential for avoiding cargo holds, carrier refusals, and liability exposure.

Knowing the regulatory framework for lithium battery shipments is essential for avoiding cargo holds, carrier refusals, and liability exposure. Depending on battery type (lithium-ion or lithium-metal), state of charge, and quantity shipped, consignments are assigned UN numbers such as UN 3480 or UN 3481 and classified under hazard class 9. The applicable ruleset is mode-specific: IATA DGR governs air freight, the IMDG Code applies at sea, ADR covers road, and RID covers rail – each with distinct packaging, marking, labelling, and documentation requirements. For every shipment, the responsible party must determine whether a small-quantity exemption applies or a full dangerous goods declaration is required. Misclassification or documentation errors routinely result in shipment stops and, for air cargo, can lead to permanent embargo by the carrier.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Electric Battery Cargo Transport Standards |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 125 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/ |

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