UN3090 is the United Nations identification number for lithium metal batteries shipped by themselves.
This means the batteries are not installed inside equipment and are not packaged with the devices they are designed to power. Common examples may include loose lithium metal cells, replacement lithium metal batteries, lithium coin cells, and bulk primary lithium batteries.
UN3090 shipments are regulated because lithium batteries can short circuit, overheat, ignite, or create dangerous conditions when they are damaged or improperly packaged. Under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, lithium batteries are regulated hazardous materials during transportation.
Explore EACR Inc.’s battery labels for markings used to identify regulated battery shipments.
What Does UN3090 Mean?
UN3090 is the shipping classification for:
Lithium metal batteries, including lithium alloy batteries, shipped without equipment.
The U.S. Department of Transportation classifies these batteries as Class 9 hazardous materials.
The basic shipping description is:
- UN identification number: UN3090
- Proper shipping name: Lithium metal batteries
- Hazard class: Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods
The exact packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, and transportation requirements depend on the type, lithium content, quantity, condition, packaging configuration, and transportation method.
When Does UN3090 Apply?
UN3090 applies when lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries are transported as standalone items rather than with the equipment they power.
Examples may include:
- Loose lithium metal cells
- Lithium coin or button cells
- Replacement lithium metal batteries
- Primary lithium batteries shipped in bulk
- Spare lithium metal batteries
- Lithium metal cells shipped to a manufacturer or distributor
The classification should only be used after confirming the battery chemistry and shipping configuration.
If a lithium metal battery is installed in equipment or packed in the same package as the equipment it powers, the shipment may instead fall under UN3091.
Why Are UN3090 Batteries Regulated?
Lithium metal batteries contain reactive lithium and can present fire and safety hazards if they are damaged, crushed, punctured, improperly packaged, or allowed to short circuit.
Contact between exposed battery terminals and conductive materials can create a short circuit and generate substantial heat. Damaged batteries may also ignite and cause nearby batteries or combustible materials to become involved in a fire.
Because of these risks, lithium batteries are subject to specific transportation requirements under the U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations.
What Does a UN3090 Label Look Like?
The UN3090 identification number may appear inside a lithium battery mark used on qualifying packages containing lithium metal batteries.
The mark generally includes:
- A battery symbol
- A damaged battery emitting a flame
- Diagonal border markings
- The identification number UN3090
Fully regulated shipments may also require a separate Class 9 lithium battery hazard label.
A lithium battery mark and a Class 9 hazard label are not always interchangeable. The required markings and labels depend on factors such as battery size, lithium content, quantity, package configuration, transportation mode, and the regulatory provisions being used. Federal regulations specifically provide for lithium battery marks displaying UN3090 for lithium metal cells or batteries when the applicable marking provisions apply.
Does Every UN3090 Shipment Need a Class 9 Label?
No. Not every UN3090 shipment follows the same labeling requirements.
Fully regulated lithium metal batteries generally require the appropriate Class 9 lithium battery hazard label along with other required packaging, marking, and documentation.
Smaller cells and batteries may qualify for reduced requirements when they meet applicable lithium-content, quantity, packaging, testing, and marking conditions.
Qualifying for an exception does not mean the shipment is completely unregulated. Requirements concerning packaging, terminal protection, battery testing, markings, and carrier acceptance may still apply.
A shipper should determine which regulatory provisions apply before selecting or applying a battery label.
UN3090 Packaging Requirements
UN3090 batteries must be packaged to reduce the risk of short circuits, movement, impacts, and damage during transportation.
Protect the Terminals
Battery terminals must be protected from contact with other batteries, metal objects, conductive materials, and other surfaces capable of creating a short circuit.
Depending on the battery and packaging configuration, terminals may be protected using nonconductive tape, protective caps, individual inner packaging, or another suitable method.
Separate the Batteries
Cells and batteries should be arranged so they cannot contact one another in a way that could create a short circuit.
Individual packaging, dividers, cushioning, or other nonconductive materials may be necessary depending on the shipment.
Prevent Movement
Batteries should be secured within the package so they cannot freely slide, roll, shift, or collide during normal transportation.
Appropriate cushioning and inner packaging can help protect batteries against impacts and movement.
Use Strong Outer Packaging
The outer packaging must be appropriate for the batteries being transported and capable of protecting them under normal transportation conditions.
The correct packaging depends on factors including battery size, quantity, weight, lithium content, and transportation method. PHMSA’s lithium battery requirements address protection against short circuits, movement, and damage as part of transportation compliance.
What Must Be Verified Before Shipping UN3090 Batteries?
Before preparing a shipment, confirm:
- Battery chemistry
- Lithium content
- Number of cells or batteries
- Individual battery weight
- Total battery weight
- Battery dimensions
- Package configuration
- Transportation method
- Domestic or international destination
- Carrier acceptance requirements
- Battery condition
- UN 38.3 testing status
Lithium cells and batteries offered for transportation generally must be of a type that has successfully passed the applicable tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.
Manufacturers and distributors may be able to provide the applicable UN 38.3 test summary for the battery.
Are There Special Rules for Air Transportation?
Yes. Air transportation of standalone lithium metal batteries is significantly restricted.
Under current international air-transport rules, UN3090 lithium metal batteries shipped by themselves are forbidden as cargo on passenger aircraft. They may only be transported by air under applicable cargo-aircraft provisions unless a specific authorization or exemption applies.
Air shipments may be subject to requirements involving:
- Lithium content
- Number of cells or batteries
- Net battery weight
- Package quantity
- Cargo-aircraft restrictions
- Package markings and labels
- Dangerous-goods documentation
- Shipper training
- Airline acceptance
IATA’s 2026 lithium battery guidance identifies standalone UN3090 batteries as restricted to cargo aircraft and places them under the applicable lithium metal battery packing instructions.
Carrier policies may be more restrictive than the underlying regulations. A shipment permitted under government or international dangerous-goods rules is not automatically accepted by every carrier or service.
Can Damaged UN3090 Batteries Be Shipped?
Damaged, defective, leaking, recalled, or otherwise compromised lithium metal batteries should not be placed into an ordinary shipment.
These batteries may present an increased risk of short circuit, heat, fire, or other hazardous conditions.
Under federal hazardous-materials regulations, damaged, defective, or recalled lithium cells and batteries are subject to additional transportation requirements. Certain batteries that are likely to rapidly disassemble, dangerously react, produce a flame, generate dangerous heat, or emit dangerous gases or vapors under normal transportation conditions may require special authorization.
Transportation may require:
- Specialized packaging
- Additional cushioning or containment
- Ground transportation
- Carrier preapproval
- A U.S. Department of Transportation special permit
- Another authorized hazardous-materials shipping arrangement
End-of-life batteries being transported for recycling may also be subject to additional requirements or carrier restrictions.
Contact a qualified hazardous-materials professional, carrier, or battery recycling provider before attempting to ship a damaged lithium metal battery.
Who is Responsible for UN3090 Compliance?
The shipper is responsible for correctly identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and documenting hazardous materials offered for transportation.
Lithium batteries must meet the applicable Hazardous Materials Regulations when transported by highway, rail, air, or vessel.
Personnel preparing certain regulated hazardous-material shipments may also need appropriate training.
Purchasing and applying a UN3090 label does not make a shipment compliant by itself. The battery classification, packaging, condition, testing status, documentation, transportation method, and carrier acceptance must all meet the applicable requirements.
Verify the Requirements Before Shipping
UN3090 identifies lithium metal and lithium alloy batteries shipped by themselves, without equipment.
Because these batteries are regulated hazardous materials, shippers should verify the battery chemistry, lithium content, condition, quantity, testing status, transportation mode, packaging, markings, documentation, and carrier requirements before offering a shipment for transportation.
Air transportation is particularly restrictive because standalone UN3090 lithium metal batteries are prohibited as cargo aboard passenger aircraft under current regulations.
For clear package identification, explore EACR Inc.’s UN3090 battery labels and other battery shipping labels.
