What UN number corresponds to lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment?

• A. UN3480
• B. UN3481
• C. UN3090
• D. UN3091

Answer: (D)

UN numbers tell shippers which rules apply based on battery type and how it’s packaged. Lithium metal batteries are categorized separately from lithium-ion batteries, and the packaging situation changes which UN number you use.

When lithium metal batteries are contained in or packed with equipment, the appropriate UN number is the one designated for that scenario, UN3091. This reflects the extra considerations and handling requirements for batteries that aren’t shipped solo but are part of or accompany equipment.

The other numbers correspond to different setups: lithium metal batteries shipped alone use UN3090, while lithium-ion batteries have UN3480 for solo shipping and UN3481 for batteries contained in or packed with equipment.