
For all methods of transport the U.S. legal requirements are laid down in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 173.159) which state: 1. Batteries should be individually wrappedso that there is no chance of the terminals coming into contact with any external material or other battery terminals in the same package –. . Non-spillable lead acid batteries (those that use Gel or Absorbent Glass Matt technology) require the same packaging as those filled with acid with the following differences: 1. No acid proof liner is required. 2. The box must. . Carriers will usually require these to be drained of acid and enclosed in an acid proof liner. Some may state that the battery is also covered. . Just because your lead acid battery won’t do what you want it to do like start and engine does not mean that it is completely dead. Shorting out the. [pdf]
Similarly, the IMDG code sets out similar requirements at Packing instruction P801 when you are shipping internationally by Sea. Using UN packaging would also be acceptable to ship lead acid batteries within Canada as well as by Sea internationally. If you are shipping internationally by air, we would look in IATA at Packing instruction 870.
UN specification packaging such as 4G fiberboard boxes, various types of drums, and wooden boxes are all compliant to ship lead acid batteries per the 49CFR. If you are shipping by air, a leakproof liner is also a requirement as well.
Let’s take a look at the various domestic and international regulations. For the purpose of this blog, we will be examining Lead Acid Batteries classified as UN2794 which are Batteries, wet, filled with acid. Per the 49CFR 173.159, lead acid batteries must be packaged in a manner to prevent a dangerous evolution of heat and short circuits.
Per the 49CFR 173.159, lead acid batteries must be packaged in a manner to prevent a dangerous evolution of heat and short circuits. This would include, when practicable, packaging the battery in fully enclosed packaging made of non-conductive material, and ensuring terminals aren’t exposed.
The transportation of lead acid batteries by road, sea and air is heavily regulated in most countries. Lead acid is defined by United Nations numbers as either: The definition of ‘non-spillable’ is important. A battery that is sealed is not necessarily non-spillable.
For this reason, any battery that is suspected or known to be defective (swelling, corroding or leaking, for example) is not permitted for shipping within the DHL Express network. When you're shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, it's essential to follow specific regulations regarding their state of charge (SoC).

Lithium and sodium ion batteries can be carried by air depending on configuration and Watt-hour rating (for rechargeable) or lithium content (for non-rechargeable). In addition, spare batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. To assist shippers in understanding the complete requirements related to the transport of. . In the 23rd edition of the UN Model Regulations, the UN SCoETDG, made provisions for sodium ion batteries, with liquid organic electrolytes, marking a significant shift for 2025.. . Preparation is a key component in understanding the terms of the Regulations. IATA has created a training course on Shipping. [pdf]
For proper training on dangerous goods including the Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air course, IATA offers a wide variety of safety courses to ensure you are competent in dealing with dangerous goods. This is required for all who participate in the shipping and handling of dangerous goods.
With the rapid growth in global demand for battery-powered products and the shift toward net-zero carbon emissions, air transport faces new challenges in handling and shipping batteries safely. From electric vehicles (EVs) to e-bikes, the increasing shipment of batteries poses potential risks not only to aircraft but also to passengers and crew.
IATA has created a training course on Shipping Batteries by Air that covers all aspects of the identification, packing, marking and labeling, as well as the documentation requirements on lithium batteries transportation. Batteries are dangerous goods posing safety risks if not in line with transport regulations.
That’s why the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is promoting the increased viability of air transport for lithium-ion batteries through a four-part approach: Promote the development of outcome-based, harmonized safety-related screening standards and processes for lithium batteries.
Regulations for shipping lithium batteries by air are in place to protect everyone who would come in contact with a lithium battery shipment while it is being transported as air cargo; with training being required for everyone in this supply chain, to protect the aircraft, and the people in the aircraft, that is carrying the batteries.
A table in the Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations manual gives the precise weight of batteries per package on both cargo and passenger aircraft. All marks and labels must be clearly visible on the exterior of all packages and overpacks. Proper marking and labeling is required when shipping lithium batteries by air.

The parasitic power consumption of the battery thermal management systems is a crucial factor that affects the specific energy of the battery pack. In this paper, a comparative analysis is conducted between air type an. . ••A comparison between air-based and liquid-based BTMSs for a 48 V b. . C1∊ model constants [-]C2∊ model constants [-]C3∊ . . In the last few years, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as the key component in electric vehicles (EVs) have attracted worldwide attention. Li-ion batteries are considered the most suitabl. . 2.1. Cell featuresA Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) battery is investigated in this research. The nominal capacity of this prismatic-shape cell is rated at 4. . Fig. 2 shows the schematic of the module with the relevant dimensions. Each battery cell is 91 mm in height, 148 mm in length, and 27.5 mm in width. The air gaps between the cell. [pdf]
The findings demonstrate that a liquid cooling system with an initial coolant temperature of 15 °C and a flow rate of 2 L/min exhibits superior synergistic performance, effectively enhancing the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.
Heat pipe cooling for Li-ion battery pack is limited by gravity, weight and passive control . Currently, air cooling, liquid cooling, and fin cooling are the most popular methods in EDV applications. Some HEV battery packs, such as those in the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, still use air cooling.
Combining other cooling methods with air cooling, including PCM structures, liquid cooling, HVAC systems, heat pipes etc., an air-cooling system with these advanced enhancements should provide adequate cooling for new energy vehicles’ high-energy battery packs.
By changing the surface of cold plate system layout and the direction of the main heat dissipation coefficient of thermal conductivity optimization to more than 6 W/ (M K), Huang improved the cooling effect of the battery cooling system.
Feng studied the battery module liquid cooling system as a honeycomb structure with inlet and outlet ports in the structure, and the cooling pipe and the battery pack are in indirect contact with the surroundings at 360°, which significantly improves the heat exchange effect.
Park theoretically studied an air-cooled battery system and found that the required cooling performance is achievable by employing a tapered manifold and air ventilation. Xie et al. conducted an experimental and CFD study on a Li-ion battery pack with an air cooling system.
We are dedicated to providing reliable and innovative energy storage solutions.
From project consultation to delivery, our team ensures every client receives premium quality products and personalized support.