Lithium batteries for robots: transport and documents

Lithium-ion batteries are classed as dangerous goods for transport. A pack without the right documents can be refused by the carrier or held on arrival. The battery must therefore be treated as a separate subject in the quote request.

Documents to require

• The UN 38.3 test summary, from the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, for the exact pack reference.
• The safety data sheet for the pack or the cells.
• The reference and manufacturer of the cells used.
• A description of the battery management system (BMS): protections, communication, balancing.

European regulation

Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries governs placing batteries on the EU market, with labelling, information and end-of-life obligations coming into force in stages. Check with your supplier which obligations already apply to the type of battery you import.

Transport

• Rules differ by mode: road (ADR), sea (IMDG Code) and air (IATA instructions).
• State of charge at shipment, packaging and labelling are set by these rules.
• Confirm with the carrier, before ordering, that it accepts the shipment as it will be prepared.