*Labeling & Marking for Air Shipments

Air Shipment Regulations

Restrictions on Passenger Aircraft: Standalone lithium metal batteries (UN3090) are generally prohibited on passenger aircraft.
Cargo Aircraft Only: Lithium batteries, including those packed with or contained in equipment, may only be shipped on cargo aircraft under strict size and quantity limits.
Packaging and Labeling: Shippers must use approved packaging and follow labeling requirements to prevent short circuits and thermal runaway.
Documentation: Essential documentation—such as the UN38.3 test certification—must accompany the shipment.
State of Charge (SoC): Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed the specified maximum SoC, typically 30%.
"Cargo Aircraft Only" Label: Required for all relevant shipments.
Additional Airline Restrictions: Some airlines may enforce stricter rules depending on battery type, size, or capacity. 

*Regulatory Flowcharts

Sea Shipment Regulations

IMDG Code Compliance: All sea shipments must adhere to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
UN-Certified Packaging: Required to prevent leaks, vibrations, and short circuits during transport.
Dangerous Goods Declaration: Mandatory for customs clearance and approval.
Potentially Fewer Restrictions: Compared to air transport, sea freight often allows more flexibility in shipping standalone lithium batteries.

General Considerations (Air & Sea)

Fire Hazard: Lithium batteries present a fire risk due to their high energy density.
Short Circuit Prevention: Proper packaging and isolation measures are essential.
Regulatory Compliance: Shippers are responsible for meeting all applicable regulations.
Country-Specific Rules: Additional requirements may apply based on the destination country; always confirm with local customs authorities.
Reference Standards: The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations remain a critical reference for both air and sea transport.