Regulatory Framework in Luxembourg & the EU

Shipping lithium batteries from Luxembourg requires compliance with both international regulations and European transport legislation.

Air Transport

• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

• ICAO Technical Instructions

Road Transport (within EU)

• ADR – European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road

Sea Transport

• IMDG Code

EU Market Requirements

• CE conformity (if applicable)

• UN 38.3 test compliance

• Proper SDS documentation

Luxembourg, as a strategic logistics hub in Europe, has strict enforcement standards, especially for air cargo departing from EU airports.

UN Classification of Lithium Batteries

Correct UN classification is the foundation of compliance.

Lithium Ion Batteries

• UN 3480 – Lithium ion batteries (shipped alone)

• UN 3481 – Lithium ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment

Lithium Metal Batteries

• UN 3090 – Lithium metal batteries (shipped alone)

• UN 3091 – Lithium metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment

Each classification determines:

• Packing instruction

• Labeling requirements

• Documentation obligations

• Quantity limitations

• Aircraft restrictions

Incorrect UN number declaration is one of the most common causes of shipment rejection in the EU.

Section I, IB and II – Critical Compliance Distinction

Under IATA regulations, lithium batteries fall into different regulatory sections:

Section I

Fully regulated Dangerous Goods shipment
Requires:

• Shipper’s Declaration

• Class 9 label

• UN specification packaging

• Full documentation

Section IB

Partially regulated
Reduced documentation but still requires specific marking and handling.

Section II

Excepted quantities
Simplified requirements but still subject to strict packaging rules.

Misclassification between Section I and Section II is a frequent compliance error among European exporters.

UN 38.3 Testing Requirement

All lithium batteries must comply with:

UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Subsection 38.3

This includes testing for:

• Altitude simulation

• Thermal test

• Vibration

• Shock

• External short circuit

• Impact/crush

• Overcharge

• Forced discharge

Since 2020, manufacturers and distributors must provide a UN 38.3 Test Summary.

We support Luxembourg and EU companies with:

• UN 38.3 document verification

• Supplier compliance review

• Risk assessment before shipment

• Audit preparation

Without valid UN 38.3 documentation, lithium batteries cannot legally be transported.

Packaging Requirements for Lithium Batteries

Packaging depends on:

• Watt-hour rating (Wh)

• Lithium content (g)

• Battery type (ion or metal)

• Damaged or prototype status

• Standalone vs packed with equipment

In the EU, incorrect packaging may result in immediate transport prohibition under ADR inspections.

Packaging may require:

• UN specification packaging

• Inner packaging to prevent short circuit

• Cushioning material

• Strong outer packaging

• Maximum net quantity compliance

Damaged or defective batteries require special provisions and cannot be shipped under normal packaging instructions.

Labeling & Marking Requirements

Lithium battery shipments may require:

• Class 9 hazard label

• Lithium battery mark

• Cargo Aircraft Only label (if applicable)

• UN number marking

• Net weight indication

• Overpack marking

Incorrect labeling is one of the most common reasons for shipment delays at Luxembourg and EU airports.

We provide full marking validation before dispatch.