49 CFR § 173.185 - Lithium cells and batteries. | Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
The current rule, summarized for quick review and linked back to the source when you need the full text.
Current rule summary
Plain-English answer
- Manufacturers of lithium cells and batteries must ensure their products meet strict international safety testing standards before shipping them. They must keep detailed test records and make safety summaries available to customers and regulators on demand.
Who it applies to
Manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (both lithium metal and lithium ion types) being offered for transportation or sale
Key requirements
- Cells and batteries must pass UN Manual of Tests and Criteria testing (Revision 3, Amendment 1 or later)
- Manufacturers must create and maintain test completion records for the life of the design plus one year
- Manufacturers and distributors must provide test summaries including product name, manufacturer contact info, test date, and test lab details upon request
- Button cells installed inside equipment are exempt from test summary requirements
Why it matters
Failure to comply can result in shipment delays, regulatory fines, and inability to legally sell or distribute lithium battery products.
Source support
Short official text that grounds the summary above.
49 CFR 173. 185 - Lithium cells and batteries.
- As used in this section, consignment means one or more packages of hazardous materials accepted by an operator from one shipper at one time and at one address, receipted for in one lot and moving to one consignee at one destination address. Equipment means the device or apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide electrical power for its operation. Lithium cell(s) or battery(ies) includes both lithium metal and lithium ion chemistries. Medical...
Related lines from the official page
Extra official context tied to this rule.
49 CFR 173.185 - Lithium cells and batteries.
- As used in this section, consignment means one or more packages of hazardous materials accepted by an operator from one shipper at one time and at one address, receipted for in one lot and moving to one consignee at one destination address. Equipment means the device or apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide electrical power for its operation. Lithium cell(s) or battery(ies) includes both lithium metal and lithium ion chemistries. Medical device means an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, or in vitro reagent, including any component, part, or accessory thereof, which is intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, of a person.
(a) Classification. (1) Each lithium cell or battery must be of the type proven to meet the criteria in part III, sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (IBR; see 171.7 of this subchapter). Lithium cells and batteries are subject to these tests regardless of whether the cells used to construct the battery are of a tested type. A single cell battery as defined in part III, sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria is considered a "cell" and must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements for cells. (i) Cells and batteries manufactured according to a type meeting the requirements of sub-section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, Amendment 1 or any subsequent revision and amendment applicable at the date of the type testing may continue to be transported, unless otherwise provided in this subchapter. (ii) Cell and battery types only meeting the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 3, are no longer valid. However, cells and batteries manufactured in conformity with such types before July 2003 may continue to be transported if all other applicable requirements are fulfilled. (2) Each person who manufactures lithium cells or batteries must create a record of satisfactory completion of the testing (e.g. test report) required by this paragraph prior to offering the lithium cell or battery for transport and must: (i) Maintain this record for as long as that design is offered for transportation and for one year thereafter; and (ii) Make this record available to an authorized representative of the Federal, state or local government upon request.
- (3) Each manufacturer and subsequent distributor of lithium cells or batteries, except for button cells installed in equipment (including circuit boards), manufactured on or after January 1, 2008, must make a test summary available. The test summary must include the following elements:
(i) Name of cell, battery, or product manufacturer, as applicable;
- (ii) Cell, battery, or product manufacturer's contact information to include address, telephone number, email address, and website for more information;