[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/US Battery Compliance USBatteries # US Battery Compliance Batteries in the US must comply with DOT hazardous materials regulations for transportation and CPSC safety standards. Understanding lithium battery requirements and transportation rules is essential. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fus-battery-compliance) At a glance Key regulations 4 Lithium requirements 4 FAQs 5 ## Key regulations ### DOT Hazardous Materials Batteries are regulated as hazardous materials under DOT regulations for transportation. Requirements depend on battery type and size. **Applies to:** All batteries shipped in commerce ### CPSC Safety Standards Consumer batteries must meet safety standards to prevent fire, explosion, and other hazards. **Applies to:** Consumer batteries and battery-containing products ### Transportation Classification Batteries must be properly classified for transportation (lithium vs non-lithium, size, watt-hour rating). **Applies to:** All batteries in transportation ### Labeling and Packaging Specific labeling and packaging requirements for batteries to ensure safe transportation. **Applies to:** All batteries in transportation ## Lithium battery requirements UN38.3 Testing Lithium batteries must pass UN38.3 testing for safe transport. Test report must be available. All lithium batteries for transport Watt-Hour Rating Lithium batteries must have watt-hour rating marked on the battery. Determines classification and requirements. All lithium batteries Small vs Large Classification Lithium batteries under 100Wh (cells) or 160Wh (batteries) are small; above are large with stricter requirements. All lithium batteries Shipping Labels Lithium batteries require specific shipping labels including lithium battery handling labels and class 9 labels. Lithium battery shipments ## Transportation rules Equipment vs Spare Batteries installed in equipment have different requirements than spare batteries shipped separately. Air vs Ground Transport Air transportation has stricter requirements than ground transport for lithium batteries. Quantity Limits There are quantity limits for lithium batteries in passenger aircraft. Larger quantities require cargo aircraft. Documentation Shipping papers and documentation requirements vary by battery type and transportation mode. ## Common compliance mistakes Missing UN38.3 testing - required for all lithium batteries in transport Incorrect watt-hour rating - must be accurately marked and used for classification Wrong classification as small vs large - affects applicable requirements Missing shipping labels - lithium batteries require specific labels Not distinguishing equipment vs spare - different requirements apply Ignoring air transport restrictions - stricter rules for air shipments ## Frequently asked questions ### Do all batteries require DOT hazardous materials compliance? Most batteries are regulated as hazardous materials for transportation, but requirements vary by type. Lithium batteries have specific requirements. Some small batteries may qualify for exceptions. Always verify the specific requirements for your battery type and shipment configuration. ### What is UN38.3 testing? UN38.3 is a UN test standard for lithium batteries to ensure they can be safely transported. It includes tests for altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact, overcharge, and forced discharge. Test reports must be available for transport. ### What is the difference between small and large lithium batteries? Small lithium batteries are cells under 100Wh or batteries under 160Wh. Large batteries are cells over 100Wh or batteries over 160Wh. Small batteries have less stringent requirements for transport. Large batteries have additional restrictions, especially for air transport. ### Do batteries in products have different requirements than spare batteries? Yes. Batteries installed in equipment (contained in or packed with equipment) have different requirements than spare batteries shipped alone. Equipment batteries generally have fewer restrictions than spare batteries, especially for air transport. ### What labels are required for lithium battery shipments? Lithium battery shipments typically require: lithium battery handling label (diamond-shaped with battery symbol), class 9 hazardous material label, and proper shipping marks. The specific labels depend on battery type, size, and configuration. **Disclaimer:** This guide provides general information about battery compliance. Product-specific determinations require analysis of DOT and CPSC regulations. Always verify current requirements with agency resources or qualified compliance professionals. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies β€” free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course β€” $149](/courses/24-us-lithium-battery-shipping-compliance-un383-dot-phmsa-iata)[Prefer to read? Get the book β€” $24.99](/books/24-us-lithium-battery-shipping-compliance-un383-dot-phmsa-iata) Related guides * [US Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of US regulatory landscape: FCC, FDA, CPSC, EPA, OSHA, DOE, FTC requirements for market entry.](/guides/us-market-compliance-overview) * [CPSC Consumer Product SafetyComplete guide to CPSC consumer product safety requirements.](/guides/cpsc-consumer-product-safety) * [US Wearables ComplianceComplete guide to US wearables compliance.](/guides/us-wearables-compliance) * [US Consumer Electronics ComplianceComplete guide to US consumer electronics compliance.](/guides/us-consumer-electronics-compliance) * [DOT Lithium Battery Shipping RulesDOT hazardous materials rules under 49 CFR Part 173 for lithium battery shipments: UN numbers by cell type, watt-hour thresholds, state of charge limits, packaging and marking, and how the rules align with IATA DGR.](/guides/us-dot-lithium-battery-shipping)