UN3090 vs UN3091: Complete Guide to Lithium Metal Battery Shipping

What's UN3090 and UN3091?

UN3090 and UN3091 areLithium metal batteriesTwo UN numbers corresponding to UN3480/UN3481 for lithium ion batteries. Many are prone to confusion between lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, and to confusion about the difference between UN3090 and UN3091. They are described in detail in this paper as to their differences and transport requirements.

First of all, it should be clear:Lithium metal batteries Lithium ion batteries。

• Lithium metal batteriesOne-time batteries, non-chargeable, use of lithium metal as a negative pole, high energy density, but discarded after use
• Lithium ion batteries: Chargeable batteries, using lithium ion compounds, recharging

The UN numbering system is completely different from the one used for the two, and transport requirements differ.

UN3090 vs UN3091 Core Distinction

Common application scenes

UN3090 Common scene

• Lithium metal button batteries exported separately (e.g. CR2032, CR2025)
• Industrial lithium metal batteries transported separately to customer plants for assembly
• A sample of lithium metal batteries, sent to the testing agency alone
• Replacement of backup batteries, not transported with equipment

UN3091 Common scenes

• Medical equipment, such as thermometers, blood sugars, and so forth, installed in lithium metal batteries
• Consumer electronics such as watches, calculators, etc. with lithium metal batteries
• Second lithium metal batteries in the same packaging as the equipment
• Small electronic devices with lithium metal batteries, smart cards, remote controls, etc.

UN3090/3091 Transport requirements

Documents for the proposed shipment

1. UN 38.3 test evidence: Match the actual model to its applicable design type test summary. Keep the summary available under applicable rules; provide a full report when separately required. Assess an A88 prototype or low-production approval route separately.
2. Supplementary documents: If requested for this shipment, an MSDS must match the battery and configuration. It neither replaces the test summary nor represents a universal IATA battery transport requirement.
3. Commercial invoices: Real product name and UN number to be shown
4. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): DG trained personnel required to sign when eligible

Packaging requirements

• Batteries must go.Short-circuit treatment(Insulation bags, insulation tape, etc.)
• Each battery is individually packaged to prevent contact
• Use of UN packagings meeting performance criteria
• Paste OutboxClass 9 Dangerous goods label（ lithium battery mark）
• For transport by passenger aircraft, the "Cargo Aircraft Only" label is required (UN3090 transport alone only)

Quantity limit

The transport of lithium metal batteries is severely restricted, mainly byLithium contentCalculate:

• Button batteries: no more than 1 g lithium content per cell
• Other lithium metal batteries: no more than 1 g per cell
• The total lithium content of each package does not exceed 2g (equipment-in-built) or 5g (separate transport)

Note: The above is the general reference value, which is based on the latest IATA DGR rule.

UN3090 vs UN3091 Comparison of Transport Difficulty

FAQ

Q1: Which UN number should be used for lithium metal button batteries (CR2032)?

Separately transported button batteriesUN3090, for use in equipment or in boxes with equipmentUN3091. For example, 1,000 standalone CR2032 cells are classified under UN3090, whereas 10 thermometers containing button cells are classified under UN3091.

Q2: Can lithium metal batteries be shipped through FedEx or DHL?

Acceptance requires a shipment-specific assessment. Check:

• Provide a matching UN 38.3 test summary, with a full report if separately requested
• Protect terminals against short circuits.
• Packaging meets IATA standards
• Quantity and lithium content within permissible limits

Submit battery parameters, configuration, quantity, packaging, route and applicable test evidence for dangerous goods review. Confirm any supplementary MSDS request with the proposed carrier or channel.

Q3: Why is UN3090 only a cargo plane?

This is due to the higher risk of heat out of control when lithium metal batteries are transported separately. For the safety of passengers, IATA provides that UN3090 shall be transported individually only by cargo aircraft. UN3091, which is installed in the equipment, is a low-risk, and allows for passenger flights when the equipment is protected.

Q4: How do you distinguish lithium metal batteries from lithium ion batteries?

The simplest way:

• See if you can charge it.: Li-ion is charged and Li-metal is not charged
• Look at the battery marking.: Batteries will mark "Li-ion" or "Li-metal"
• Look at the app.(a) Cell phones, laptops, electric cars, lithium ions; Watches, calculators, buttons, and thermometers, they're a lot of lithium metal.

GENORDA Lithium Metal Battery Export Service

GENORDA has extensive experience in exporting lithium metal batteries and is familiar with UN3090/UN3091's transport requirements and the auditing standards of the carriers. We can provide you with:

• UN3090/UN3091 Classification judgement and transport programme evaluation
• UN Packaging Programme Recommendations and Operations
• Hong Kong channel DG pre-approval and declaration
• FedEx/DHL/UPS Multi-channel Comparison and Selection
• Full-way transport tracking and unusual treatment