UN3481 vs UN1323: Classification Guide for Lithium Batteries

By Ufine, Updated on April 21, 2025

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What’s the difference between UN3481 and UN1323 when classifying lithium batteries?

UN3481 refers to lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment. At the same time, UN1323 is used for flammable solids and does not apply to lithium batteries.

If you ship, store, or handle lithium batteries, you have likely encountered UN codes such as UN3481 or UN1323. These codes are part of international regulations for the transportation and handling of dangerous goods, ensuring safety in the transportation and handling of hazardous materials, especially lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire and explosion risks if not properly managed.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the UN3481 vs UN1323 debate and explain:

What does each code mean
Why proper classification matters
The regulations you need to follow
How to stay compliant and avoid fines

Let’s start by understanding the basics.

Part 1. What is a lithium battery?

A lithium battery is a power source that uses lithium ions or lithium metal as the key component of its electrochemistry. These batteries are renowned for their lightweight design, efficiency, and long-lasting performance, making them an ideal choice for mobile devices, power tools, medical devices, solar storage systems, and electric vehicles.

There are two main categories:

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) – Rechargeable
Lithium metal batteries – Non-rechargeable

Each type has its own risk profile and transport classification. International shipping regulations require proper labelling and documentation using UN numbers.

Part 2. What does UN3481 mean?

UN3481 is the UN number assigned to lithium-ion batteries that are either:

Contained in equipment (e.g., a laptop or smartphone), or
Packed with equipment but not installed (e.g., spare batteries shipped with a drone)

The full official descriptions under UN3481 are:

UN3481, Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment
UN3481, Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment

This classification is used when rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are part of or accompanying a device. These batteries are regulated under Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles.

Common examples of UN3481 batteries:

Laptop batteries
Smartphone batteries
Drone batteries packed in the same box
Power tool batteries shipped with the tool

Part 3. What does UN1323 mean?

UN1323, on the other hand, is entirely unrelated to lithium batteries. It applies to:

UN1323, Flammable solid, organic, N.O.S. (not otherwise specified)

This classification is used for flammable organic substances that are not explicitly identified elsewhere in the UN list. Examples include certain chemical powders or solids.

UN1323 is never used to classify lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries. If you see UN1323 on a lithium battery shipment or label, that’s a serious misclassification.

Part 4. Un3481 vs Un1323: What’s the difference?

The difference between UN3481 and UN1323 is fundamental — they refer to entirely different categories of materials.

UN3481 is for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are part of or shipped with electronic equipment.
UN1323 is for flammable organic solids, not batteries.

Why this matters:

Using the wrong UN number can result in major regulatory violations, fines, shipment rejections, and safety risks. If you’re shipping lithium batteries and accidentally use UN1323, you’re putting products, people, and property at risk.

Key Differences Table:

Feature	UN3481	UN1323
Material Type	Lithium-ion batteries	Flammable organic solids
Rechargeable?	✅ Yes	❌ Not applicable
Applies to batteries?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Typical Use	Electronics, tools, solar systems	Chemical industry
UN Class	Class 9 (Misc. Dangerous Goods)	Class 4.1 (Flammable Solids)
Label Required	Lithium battery mark	Flammable solid label
Examples	Phones, laptops, drones	Camphor, sulfonated naphthalene

Part 5. Why proper classification matters?

Using the correct UN classification, like UN3481, is not just about following rules. It’s about ensuring:

Safe transportation
Accurate labelling
Customs clearance
Insurance coverage
Fire and explosion risk management

Misclassifying lithium batteries as UN1323 can lead to:

Confiscated shipments
Shipping company bans
Regulatory fines from IATA, ICAO, DOT, or IMDG
Increased liability for accidents

Part 6. How to identify a UN3481 battery?

Here’s how to know if your battery should be labelled UN3481:

✅ It’s a lithium-ion battery
✅ It’s rechargeable
✅ It’s either inside the device or packed with the device
✅ It’s not shipped alone (which would be UN3480)

Many manufacturers and logistics providers label the packaging like this:

UN3481: Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment
or
UN3481: Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment

If your lithium-ion battery is shipped separately, it is classified as UN3480.

Part 7. What are the IATA, IMDG, and DOT regulations for UN3481?

✅ IATA (International Air Transport Association)

UN3481 shipments must comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), including:

Section II of Packing Instructions 966 or 967 (depending on whether the batteries are packed with or in equipment)
Batteries must be under 100Wh per cell for simplified procedures
A lithium battery handling label must be applied
Cargo aircraft are only used for some shipments
Terminal protection and packaging are mandatory

✅ IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)

IMDG governs sea freight rules:

UN3481 falls under Class 9, UN3481
Must be packaged per Packing Instruction P903
Watertight packaging, inner packaging, and securement are required
Batteries must be protected from movement or short-circuiting

✅ DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation)

In the U.S., lithium-ion batteries shipped under UN3481 must follow:

49 CFR Subchapter C, Parts 171–180
Markings and labels as per 49 CFR 173.185
Special permits may be required for large-format batteries
Reporting of incidents or damaged batteries is mandatory

Critical: Non-compliance with IATA, IMDG, or DOT rules can result in civil penalties of up to $81,993 per violation (or more if there’s injury or substantial harm).

Part 8. What about lithium metal batteries?

Lithium metal batteries (non-rechargeable) have their classifications:

UN3090: Lithium metal batteries shipped alone
UN3091: Lithium metal batteries shipped in or with equipment

These are different from lithium-ion batteries (UN3480/UN3481) and must follow their own packaging and labelling standards.

Part 9. How to ship UN3481 batteries safely

To ship UN3481 batteries safely:

Use strong outer packaging that prevents damage
Apply lithium battery labels with the correct UN number
Protect terminals to prevent short circuits
Limit battery quantity by shipment type (air/sea)
Include documentation/dangerous goods declaration if required
Train your staff in DG handling as per IATA/IMDG/DOT guidelines

Part 10. Summary of UN battery classifications

Here’s a complete table of UN classifications for lithium batteries:

UN Number	Battery Type	Description	Rechargeable?	Typical Use
UN3480	Lithium-ion	Batteries shipped alone	✅ Yes	Bulk battery shipments
UN3481	Lithium-ion	Batteries in or with equipment	✅ Yes	Phones, laptops, drones
UN3090	Lithium metal	Batteries shipped alone	❌ No	Watches, sensors
UN3091	Lithium metal	Batteries in or with equipment	❌ No	Medical devices, sensors
UN3171	Battery-powered vehicle	Vehicles with lithium batteries	✅ Yes	e-Scooters, e-Bikes
UN2794	Wet batteries (lead-acid)	Non-spillable lead-acid batteries	❌ No	Cars, forklifts
UN2800	Wet, non-spillable batteries	Sealed lead-acid batteries	❌ No	UPS systems
UN1323	❌ Not applicable	Flammable solid, Organic N.O.S.	❌ No	Industrial chemicals

Part 11. FAQs about UN battery

What is the correct UN number for lithium-ion batteries in a laptop?

UN3481—specifically, “lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment.”

Can lithium batteries ever be classified as UN1323?

No. UN1323 is not related to batteries. It is for flammable solids and should never be used with lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries.

How are UN3480 and UN3481 different?

UN3480: Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone
UN3481: Lithium-ion batteries shipped with or inside equipment

What are the IATA packing instructions for UN3481?

PI966: Lithium batteries packed with equipment
PI967: Lithium batteries contained in equipment

Section II of these instructions allows for simplified handling of small batteries.

Is a dangerous goods declaration always required for UN3481 batteries?

Not always. If the batteries meet the Section II criteria (small quantity, low Wh), a DGD may not be required for air shipments. But labeling and packaging are still mandatory.

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