For lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves (not in equipment), which UN number applies?

• A. Un 3480
• B. Un 3481
• C. Un 3090
• D. Un 3091

Answer: (A)

Different UN numbers distinguish lithium batteries by chemistry and how they’re packaged for transport. When lithium ion batteries are shipped by themselves, not installed in or packed with equipment, the correct designation is UN 3480. This signals standalone lithium ion batteries and directs the appropriate packaging, labeling, and documentation for that scenario. If the battery is contained in equipment or shipped with equipment, you would use UN 3481. For lithium metal batteries, the standalone case is UN 3090 and the contained-with-equipment case is UN 3091. So, for batteries shipped by themselves, UN 3480 is the right choice.