Key Takeaways
- UN3480 covers standalone lithium-ion batteries, whereas UN3481 covers lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment.
- Mandatory shipping documents: (1) MSDS/SDS, (2) UN38.3 Test Summary, (3) Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), and (4) UN-certified packaging.
- Importing portable power banks into Thailand requires mandatory TISI 2879-2560 certification prior to customs release.
1. Comparing UN3480 vs UN3481 vs UN3090 Under IATA DGR
| UN Number | Battery Description | IATA Packing Instruction | Air Transport Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium-ion batteries (standalone) | PI 965 | Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) & SoC ≤ 30% |
| UN3481 | Lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment | PI 966 / PI 967 | Permitted on Passenger & Cargo Aircraft within Wh limits |
| UN3090 | Lithium metal batteries (standalone) | PI 968 | Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) |
2. Thai Customs Classification (HS 8507.60) & TISI Considerations
Lithium-ion accumulators are classified under HS 8507.60. Portable power banks require mandatory TISI 2879-2560 certification, whereas industrial energy storage systems or machinery batteries require technical specification verification via TISI-NSW prior to arrival.
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Contact Our Experts NowContact LNL to verify MSDS and UN38.3 documents for UN3480 battery air/sea freight and Thai customs clearance.
Contact LNL Operations TeamUN3480 is the UN number assigned to standalone lithium-ion batteries (Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods). Under IATA DGR, UN3480 shipments are forbidden on passenger aircraft (Cargo Aircraft Only - CAO), must be shipped at a State of Charge (SoC) not exceeding 30%, and require a valid UN38.3 Test Summary and MSDS/SDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Why must UN3480 lithium-ion batteries be shipped at <= 30% State of Charge by air?
A:ICAO and IATA mandate a maximum 30% State of Charge under Packing Instruction 965 to significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway propagation during air transport.
