由 caicai8478 As the “world’s factory,” China is a major exporter of lithium batteries and other types of batteries, and the Southeast Asian market is becoming one of our most important destinations. However, many exporters, when first navigating battery shipping, are confused by a key question: What are the differences between Sections IA, IB, and II of PI965, the UN’s “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” packaging instruction for lithium batteries? Choosing the wrong one can not only result in hefty fines and cargo detention, but can also pose serious safety risks.
Today, we’ll thoroughly explain this crucial issue to help your battery shipments ship smoothly.
Core Premise: Why is Battery Packaging So Special?
Batteries (especially lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries) can pose a fire hazard during transportation due to short circuits, damage, or high temperatures, making them Class 9 dangerous goods. Both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strictly stipulate that all battery transportation must comply with the United Nations UN38.3 test and corresponding packaging standards, namely the PI965 series.
Simply put, PI965 is the “overall charter” for lithium battery transportation, while Sections IA, IB, and II are the three “different levels of security solutions” under this charter.
I. Core Differences Between the Three: Understanding in One Chart
We can quickly grasp the essential differences between the three using a table:
Characteristics PI965 Section IA PI965 Section IB PI965 Section II
Applicable Targets Lithium metal batteries or cells Lithium ion batteries or cells Batteries installed in or packaged with equipment (both lithium ion and lithium metal)
Packaging Method Dangerous Goods Packaging Dangerous Goods Packaging Ordinary Packaging (but with special requirements)
Packaging Code Must use standard UN packaging, such as UN 3090 Must use standard UN packaging, such as UN 3480 No UN packaging required, but must meet requirements for protection against short circuits and accidental activation
Power Limits Lithium content ≤1g (cell); ≤2g (battery) Rated Watt-hour ≤20Wh (cell); ≤100Wh (battery) Same as the IB cell/battery restrictions, but also with a limit on the number of devices
Testing Requirements Must pass a 1.2m drop test Must pass a 1.2m drop test Must pass a series of stacking and 1.2-meter drop tests.
Marking and Labeling: Must display the Class 9 Dangerous Goods label and the lithium battery label. Must display the Class 9 Dangerous Goods label and the lithium battery label. Only the lithium battery label is required; the Class 9 Dangerous Goods label is not required.
Transportation Scenario: Primarily used for air and sea transport of pure batteries. Primarily used for air and sea transport of pure batteries. Primarily used for transporting pure batteries along with equipment, it is the most common and convenient method.
II. In-Depth Analysis: How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Shipment?
- PI965 Section IA & IB: VIP Escort Plan for “Pure Batteries”
Key Features: Section IA or IB is required when shipping individual batteries or cells not installed in any equipment. These are considered “completely” dangerous goods.
How to Distinguish Between IA and IB?
Based on Battery Chemistry:
Section IA: Applicable to lithium metal batteries (typically non-rechargeable, such as CR123A, button cells, etc.). The key parameter is “lithium content.”
Section IB: Applies to lithium-ion batteries (typically rechargeable, such as mobile phone batteries, power bank cells, and 18650 cells). The key parameter is the “watt-hour rating (Wh).”
Common Strict Requirements:
Sturdy outer packaging: Must be certified UN dangerous goods packaging, capable of withstanding the turbulence of transportation.
Short-circuit prevention: Each battery/cell must be individually insulated (e.g., enclosed in a plastic bag), and the terminals must not be exposed.
Strict drop test: Packaged goods must be able to withstand a 1.2-meter drop test without damaging the battery or causing leakage.
Conspicuous hazard markings: The outer box must be affixed with both the Class 9 dangerous goods label (black and white with seven vertical stripes) and the lithium battery mark (diamond-shaped, with a battery image and contact information).
Summary: If you are exporting boxes of individual mobile phone batteries or power battery cells, you should definitely choose Section IB. This is the most stringent and costly of all options.
- PI965 Section II: “With Device” Express Channel
Key Features: This is the most common and economical battery shipping method. It applies to the following two scenarios:
Battery Built-in: The battery is already installed in the electronic product (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, Bluetooth speakers).
Battery and Device Packaged Together: The battery is not installed but is packaged in the same retail box as the electronic device (e.g., a camera and its backup battery).
Less Restrictions and Special Requirements:
Packaging: No expensive UN hazardous materials packaging is required; sturdy ordinary cardboard boxes are sufficient.
Labeling: Only the lithium battery mark is required, not the stressful Class 9 hazardous materials label. This generally makes the customs clearance process smoother.
Special Testing: In addition to the 1.2-meter drop test, the packaging must also pass a stacking test (meaning the package must withstand a 3-meter stack of similar packages for 24 hours without deformation). This ensures safety when stacking in containers or warehouses.
Important Restrictions:
The number of batteries per package is limited (the specific number depends on the battery type and mode of transport, please consult IATA/IMDG regulations).
For safety reasons, it is recommended to place spare batteries in a separate plastic bag or cover the terminals with tape.
Summary: If you are exporting finished products containing batteries, such as smartphones, smart home devices, power tools, etc., Section II is your best option. It significantly reduces packaging and certification costs and simplifies the process.
III. Practical Advice for Exporters
First, determine the type of shipment: Is it “batteries only” or “devices with batteries”? This is the first and most important step in selecting a packaging route.
Accurately Identify Battery Parameters:
For lithium-ion batteries, be sure to obtain the accurate “watt-hour rating (Wh)” value from the supplier.
For lithium metal batteries, confirm the “lithium content (g).”
Ensure all batteries have passed UN38.3 testing and have the test report available.
Choose a reliable packaging supplier: Clearly inform them whether you require UN packaging under Section IA/IB of PI965 or reinforced ordinary packaging under Section II. Professional suppliers will provide compliant solutions.
Apply labeling and marking correctly: This is a key area of inspection for customs and carriers. The phone number on the label must be valid and accessible 24 hours a day.
Choose an experienced freight forwarder: Battery shipping involves dangerous goods declarations, so it’s crucial to choose a freight forwarder familiar with the customs regulations of Southeast Asian countries and with extensive battery shipping experience. They can guide you through the correct documentation and declaration process.
Summary
Remember this simple analogy:
Section IA/IB is like explosion-proof boxes and armed escorts for “dangerous individuals” (batteries only).
Section II is like specialized luggage and standard security checks for “experts carrying tools” (battery equipment).
Correctly distinguishing and applying the different sections of PI965 is not only the cornerstone of compliant operations for Chinese battery exporters but also crucial for ensuring supply chain security and avoiding unnecessary losses and delays. Understand these packaging secrets to ensure your battery products reach the Southeast Asian market safely and efficiently!