Transport of lithium batteries as cargo

Two major types of lithium batteries power many types of consumer electronic devices: lithium ion batteries (including lithium ion polymer) and lithium metal batteries. Lithium ion batteries are typically rechargeable, and power devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones and portable music players, while non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries are normally used to power devices including cameras, flashlights and Automatic External Defibrillators. A lithium metal battery typically is composed of a single cell, while a lithium ion laptop battery may be composed of between 6 and 12 cells.

This Briefing Leaflet covers the risks posed by lithium batteries, current regulations as well as proposals to improve current regulations.