What Does UN3091 Label Really Mean?
The UN3091 label signals that a package contains lithium metal batteries packed with or contained in equipment. This label is required for ground, air, or sea shipments and is crucial for identifying potential fire risks. If you’re shipping lithium batteries, you need to follow strict UN3091 shipping requirements to stay compliant and safe.
What Does UN3091 Refer To?
UN3091 is the United Nations (UN) number assigned to lithium metal batteries when shipped in or with equipment. These are non-rechargeable batteries commonly found in devices like cameras, medical tools, and some remote sensors.
Key Points:
- UN3091 is specific to lithium metal, not lithium-ion batteries
- Applies when batteries are installed in or packed with equipment
- Classified as a Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good
Why the UN3091 Label Is Required
The UN3091 label exists to prevent incidents during transport by clearly communicating the presence of flammable battery contents. It alerts shipping personnel, airline staff, and emergency responders to potential hazards.
The Label Must:
- Include a battery symbol with flames
- Display the UN number (UN3091)
- Include a 24-hour emergency phone number
- Be at least 120 mm x 110 mm in size
UN3091 Shipping Requirements: What You Must Know
Lithium metal batteries under UN3091 must meet very specific packaging, marking, and documentation rules. These help reduce fire risks during transit.
General Requirements:
- Batteries must not exceed 2g of lithium content per cell
- Each package must pass a 1.2m drop test
- Batteries must be protected against short circuits
- Packages must be marked with proper hazard labels
Air Transport Notes:
- Must comply with IATA DGR Section II if shipping by air
- Certain quantities may be forbidden on passenger aircraft
- Overpack rules apply if using multiple packages
Labeling vs. Placarding vs. Marking
These three elements often get confused, but each plays a different role:
- Labeling: Applies to individual packages; UN3091 is part of this
- Placarding: For large bulk shipments; typically not used for small battery shipments
- Marking: Includes the UN number and emergency contact; must be durable and legible
When to Use the UN3091 Label
Use this label only when shipping lithium metal batteries packed with or in equipment. If you’re shipping lithium-ion batteries, the correct UN number is UN3481.
Common Uses:
- Cameras shipped with extra batteries
- Medical equipment pre-loaded with power
- Remote monitoring devices with built-in power
What Happens If You Mislabel?
Mislabeled battery shipments can lead to:
- Shipment delays or rejections
- Fines from carriers or regulators
- Safety hazards and increased liability
In fact, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has reported that undeclared or mislabeled lithium battery shipments have caused multiple incidents during air and ground transport.
Getting it right is not optional, it’s a legal and safety requirement. Using the correct labels not only keeps your shipment moving but also protects the people handling it along the way.
Helpful Tip: Keep Extras on Hand
If you regularly ship lithium batteries, it’s smart to keep compliant labels on hand. You can check out our hazard labels and avoid delays caused by missing or incorrect labeling.
Keeping extra labels on hand:
- Will help your team stay organized and audit-ready
- Will meet DOT and IATA standards without last-minute stress
FAQs
A UN3091 label features a battery icon with flames, the UN number (UN3091), and a space for emergency contact info. It’s rectangular and must meet size requirements.
UN3090 is for lithium metal batteries shipped alone. UN3091 covers those packed with or in equipment. Both require different handling.
Yes, even for ground transport, labeling is mandatory under DOT regulations if the shipment meets Class 9 hazard levels.
Only if the label still meets all visibility and durability requirements. Otherwise, replace it.
It depends. For air shipments under IATA Section II, a document isn’t always required, but marking and labeling still are. For larger shipments, documentation is usually mandatory.
Yes. Lithium-ion batteries use the UN3481 label, not UN3091. Don’t confuse the two—using the wrong label can result in fines or shipment delays.
UN3091 labels are required when shipping lithium metal batteries packed with or in equipment. These labels must meet regulatory standards for visibility, durability, and design.
