Key to Compliant Transportation: A Complete Guide to Packaging and Labelling Requirements for Magnetic and Battery Products in Europe

I. Regulatory Framework and Scope

1.1 Core Regulatory System

Three-Tier Regulatory Framework:

1. International Transport Regulations (Basic Layer)

• IATA DGR 65 (Air Transport Regulations 2024)
• IMDG Code 2024 (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations)
• ADR 2023 (European Road Transport Agreement)

1. EU Specific Regulations (Application Layer)

• EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
• Dangerous Goods Transport Directive 2008/68/EC
• Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC

1. Member State Implementing Regulations (Enforcement Layer)

• Germany: Gefahrgutverordnung Straße/Eisenbahn/See
• France: Arrêté du 29 mai 2009 modifié
• Netherlands: Regeling vervoer gevaarlijke stoffen
  1.2 Product Classification Standards
  Battery Product Classification Table
  Product Type UN Number Packaging Instructions (PI) Special Provisions
  Lithium-ion Batteries (Separate) UN3480 PI965 IA/IB Section IA: Wh > 100, Cargo only
  Section IB: Wh ≤ 100
  Equipment Containing Lithium-ion Batteries UN3481 PI966/967 PI966: Equipment and Battery Packaging
  PI967: Battery Inside Equipment
  Lithium Metal Batteries (Separate) UN3090 PI968 IA/IB Lithium Content > 2g Limit
  Equipment Containing Lithium Metal Batteries UN3091 PI969/970 Similar Lithium-ion Provisions
  NiMH/NiCd Batteries UN3496 Classified by MSDS Usually Class 9 Dangerous Goods
  Magnetic Product Classification Standards
  text Magnetic Strength Threshold:
• Strong Magnetic: Magnetic field strength at any point on the outer surface of the packaging ≥ 0.159 A/m (0.002 Gauss)
• Weak Magnetic Strength: <0.159 A/m (Exemption requires test report)
• Exemption Conditions: Complete demagnetization or negligible magnetic field strength

Measurement Method:

1. Test Distance: 4.6 meters from the packaging surface
2. Test Equipment: Calibrated gaussmeter/magnetometer
3. Test Environment: No external magnetic field interference
4. Recording Requirements: Maximum value, direction, test conditions

II. Detailed Explanation of Packaging Technical Requirements

2.1 Core Requirements for Battery Product Packaging

Four-Level Protective Packaging System

Level 1: Short Circuit Protection Design (Mandatory)

• Electrode Protection: Positive and negative electrodes must be completely covered with insulating material
• Individual Packaging: Each battery/cell is individually packaged in an anti-static bag
• Isolation Measures: Minimum distance between batteries 1cm to prevent contact
• Fixing Device: Zero movement of batteries within the packaging

Level 2: Cushioning and Shock Absorption

• Cushioning Thickness: Minimum 2cm closed-cell foam (recommended density ≥25kg/m³)
• Six-Sided Protection: Cushioning in all directions (top, bottom, left, right, front, and back)
• Custom Molding: Custom foam cavities are recommended for high-value products
• Edge Protection: Reinforced protection for the inner corners of the packaging box

Level 3: Environmental Control

• Air Freight: Pressure balancing design (to prevent expansion at high altitudes)
• Sea Freight: Ventilation design (at least two 5cm² ventilation holes/m³)
• Temperature Control: Phase change material or insulation layer (temperature sensitive)
• Moisture Protection: Aluminum foil moisture barrier + desiccant (RH < 30%)

Level 4: Outer Packaging Reinforcement

• Material Requirements: UN-certified corrugated cardboard or wooden crates
• Drop Test: Passes a 1.2-meter drop test (six sides)
• Stacking Strength: Withstands at least 3 layers of stacking (200kg/layer)
• Sealing Requirements: High-strength tape, H-type sealing method Special Packaging Regulations

Special Requirements for Different Transportation Methods:
Air Freight Packaging (IATA DGR 65):

1. Pressure Relief Valve: Prevents expansion caused by altitude changes
2. Fire-retardant lining: Flame-retardant materials are recommended (such as aluminum foil composite layer)
3. Net weight limit: Single package ≤35kg (passenger aircraft ≤5kg)

Marine Packaging (IMDG Code 2024):

1. Corrosion protection: Salt spray protection, especially in marine environments
2. Waterproof rating: At least IP67 waterproof rating (brief immersion)
3. Lacing points: Standard lacing points are provided on the outer packaging

Land Packaging (ADR 2023):

1. Leak-proof design: Prevents electrolyte leakage
2. Stability: Passes vehicle vibration test
3. Quick opening: Can be quickly opened in emergency situations

2.2 Core Technology of Magnetic Product Packaging
Magnetic Shielding Packaging Solution

Multi-layer shielding structure:

First layer: Primary shielding (directly wraps the product)

• Material selection: High magnetic permeability material (permalloy μ≥80,000)
• Thickness requirement: 0.5-1.0mm continuous coverage
• Seam Treatment: Overlap ≥ 5cm, special welding

Second Layer: Magnetic Circuit Guidance

• Magnetic Conductive Design: Guides the closure of magnetic field lines
• Edge Treatment: Prevents magnetic field leakage
• Gap Control: Precise spacing of critical components

Third Layer: Secondary Shielding (Overall Shielding)

• Material Selection: Electrical steel or galvanized steel sheet
• Structural Design: Double-layer shielding enhances the effect
• Testing and Verification: Magnetic field strength test after shielding

Magnetic Shielding Effectiveness Classification:

• Class A Shielding: Magnetic field strength reduced to below 1% (Medical, Scientific Equipment)
• Class B Shielding: Reduced to below 10% (Industrial Equipment)
• Class C Shielding: Reduced to below 30% (Consumer Electronics) Demagnetization Packaging Technology

Active Demagnetization Packaging:

1. Demagnetizing Coil Integration: Demagnetizing coil integrated within the packaging
2. Controllable Demagnetization: Demagnetization on demand, reversible at the destination
3. Status Indication: Visual indication of demagnetization status

Passive Protection Packaging:

1. Magnetic Pole Isolation: Alternating N and S poles cancel out the magnetic field
2. Distance Control: Utilizing distance to attenuate magnetic field strength
3. Fixed Direction: Fixing the direction of magnetic poles to avoid superposition

2.3 Composite Product (Battery + Magnetic) Packaging Solution
Integrated Packaging Design
text Challenges and Solutions Matrix:

Challenge 1: Magnetic Field Interference with Battery Circuit

Solution: Zoned Shielding Design

• Battery Zone: Electromagnetic Shielding + Physical Isolation
• Magnetic Zone: Magnetic Shielding + Magnetic Circuit Control
• Circuit Zone: Additional Electromagnetic Shielding

Challenge 2: Dual Protection Increases Weight

Solution: Lightweight Composite Materials

• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
• Honeycomb Sandwich Structure
• Functional Integration Design

Challenge 3: Complex Thermal Management

Solution: Intelligent Thermal Management

• Zoned Application of Phase Change Materials
• Thermal Channel Design
• Temperature Monitoring System

Standardized Packaging Modules:

Module A: Battery Protection Module (Removable)

Module B: Magnetic Shielding Module (Adjustable)

Module C: Buffer and Shell Module (General Purpose)

Module D: Monitoring and Communication Module (Intelligent)
III. Comprehensive Analysis of Labeling and Marking Requirements

3.1 Mandatory Labeling System
Dangerous Goods Transport Labels
text 1. Class 9 Hazardous Goods Label (Lithium Batteries)

• Size: 100×100mm (minimum)
• Color: White on top, black on the bottom, 7 red vertical stripes
• Location: Two opposite sides of the outer packaging
• Text: “Lithium Batteries”

1. Magnetic Material Label

• Size: 100×100mm (minimum)
• Design: Magnet pattern, “Magnetic Material” above
• Requirements: Must be used when the magnetic field strength is ≥0.159A/m
• Text: “Magnetic Material”

1. Dual Hazardous Goods Label Requirements

• Main Label: Higher Hazard Category (usually lithium batteries)
• Sub-Label: Lower Hazard Category (magnetic label)
• Arrangement: Main label on top/left, sub-label on bottom/right
• Spacing: At least 5cm spacing

New EU Battery Regulations Labeling (Mandatory from March 2024)

Battery Body Labeling Requirements:

1. Capacity Information

• Rated Capacity: XX Wh (watt-hours) and XX Ah (ampere-hours)
• Rated Voltage: XX V
• Chemistry System: Li-ion, Li-metal, etc.

1. QR Code

• Link to the EU Battery Registration Database
• Includes a unique product identifier
• Access to technical documentation and compliance information

1. Recycling Symbol

• Wheeled trash can symbol with forks
• Minimum Size: 7×7mm
• Manufacturer Registration Number

1. Safety Warnings

• Overheat Warning Icon
• Do Not Disassemble Symbol
• Disposal Instructions

External Packaging Marking

Required Information List:

1. Shipper Information

• Full Name and Address
• 24-Hour Emergency Number (+Country Code)
• Email Address

1. Consignee Information

• Information on entities within the EU
• Contact Person and Telephone

1. Product Information

• Correct shipping name (e.g., “Lithium-ion batteries in equipment”)
• UN number (e.g., UN3481)
• Net weight and gross weight (kg)

1. Packaging Information

• Packaging instruction code (e.g., PI966)
• Number of packages (e.g., “1 of 3”)
• Packaging date

1. Handling Instructions

• “This side up”
• “Keep away from moisture”
• “Keep away from heat”
• “Cargo aircraft only” (if applicable)

3.2 Labeling Technical Requirements
Material and Durability Standards

Label Material Requirements:

1. Durability

• Weather resistance: Withstands temperature variations from -40°C to +80°C
• Water resistance: Information remains legible after 24 hours of immersion
• Abrasion resistance: Information remains after abrasion testing

1. Adhesive

• Initial tack: Does not detach immediately
• Holding tack: Does not peel off after long-term adhesion
• Removability: Can be completely removed without leaving residue when needed

1. Print Quality

• Resolution: ≥300dpi
• Colorfastness: No fading after 1000 hours of sunlight exposure
• Contrast: High contrast between text and background

Label Layout Guidelines

Text Standard Layout Example:

┌───────────────────────────────────┐

│ Top Area (Dangerous Goods Label) │

│ Left Side: Class 9 Lithium Battery Label │

│ Right Side: Magnetic Material Label (if applicable) │

├─────────────────────────────────────┤

│ Middle Area (Text Information) │

│ First Line: Correct Shipping Name │

│ Second Line: UN Number + Net Weight/Gross Weight │

│ Third Line: Packaging Instruction Code + Special Provisions │

├─────────────────────────────────────┤

│ Bottom Area (Contact Information) │

│ Left: Shipper Information │

│ Center: Consignee Information │

│ Right: 24-Hour Emergency Phone Number │

└───────────────────────────────────┘

Minimum Size Requirements:

• Single Tag: 100×100mm (Minimum)
• Information Panel: 150×100mm (Minimum)
• Font Height: ≥12mm (Main Information), ≥6mm (Secondary Information)
• Margin: All text ≥5mm from the edge

3.3 Smart Tag Technology

RFID/NFC Smart Tag

Text Function Integration:

1. Data Storage

• Product Technical Parameters
• Test Report Summary
• Transportation History

1. Status Monitoring

• Temperature Recording
• Vibration Recording
• Location Information

1. Compliance Verification

• Automatic Reading Verification
• Authenticity Verification
• Expiry Date Check

1. Supply Chain Management

• Inventory Management
• Traceability Tracking
• Automatic Replenishment
  Visual Enhancement Labels
  text Innovative Label Technologies:

1. Thermochromic Labels

• Color-changing warning when temperature exceeds limits
• Intuitive temperature status display
• Irreversible peak temperature recording

1. Humidity-Sensitive Labels

• Humidity exceeding limits indication
• Multi-level humidity display
• Moisture-proof failure warning

1. Impact Indicator Labels

• Vibration exceeding limits recording
• G-force value display
• Impact direction recording
  IV. Testing and Verification Requirements

4.1 Packaging Testing Standards
Mandatory Battery Packaging Tests
text 1. Drop Test (UN 38.3 T4)

• Height: 1.2 meters
• Orientation: Six sides (corners, edges, faces)
• Sample Quantity: At least 3 packages
• Acceptance Criteria: No leakage, no damage, retains function

1. Stacking Test

• Pressure: Equivalent to 3 layers of stacking pressure
• Time: 24 hours
• Temperature: 23±2℃
• Acceptance Criteria: No permanent deformation, no impact on function

1. Vibration Test

• Frequency: 7Hz-200Hz-7Hz cycle
• Time: 3 hours/direction
• Direction: Three mutually perpendicular directions
• Acceptance Criteria: No leakage, no weight loss

1. Differential Pressure Test (Air Freight Packaging)

• Differential Pressure: 75kPa
• Time: 6 hours
• Acceptance Criteria: No leakage, no rupture