Export of Lithium Batteries — Key Points of Customs Regulations,
Key Points,

▍What is CTIA CERTIFICATION?

CTIA, the abbreviation of Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, is a non-profit civic organization established in 1984 for the purpose of guaranteeing benefit of operators, manufacturers and users. CTIA consists of all U.S. operators and manufacturers from mobile radio services, as well as from wireless data services and products. Supported by FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and Congress, CTIA performs a large part of duties and functions that were used to be conducted by the government. In 1991, CTIA created an unbiased, independent and centralized product evaluation and certification system for wireless industry. Under the system, all wireless products in consumer grade shall take compliance tests and those complying with the relevant standards will be granted to utilize CTIA marking and hit store shelves of North American communication market.

CATL (CTIA Authorized Testing Laboratory) represents labs accredited by CTIA for testing and review. Testing reports issued from CATL would be all approved by CTIA. While other testing reports and results from non-CATL will not be recognized or have no access to CTIA. CATL accredited by CTIA varies in industries and certifications. Only CATL which is qualified for battery compliance test and inspection has access to battery certification for compliance to  IEEE1725.

▍CTIA Battery Testing Standards

a) Certification Requirement for Battery system Compliance to IEEE1725— Applicable to Battery Systems with single cell or multiple cells connected in parallel;

b) Certification Requirement for Battery system Compliance to IEEE1625— Applicable to Battery Systems with multiple cells connected in parallel or in both parallel and series;

Warm tips: Select above certification standards properly for batteries used in mobile phones and computers. Do not misuse IEE1725 for batteries in mobile phones or IEEE1625 for batteries in computers.

▍Why MCM？

● Hard Technology: Since 2014, MCM has been attending battery pack conference held by CTIA in US annually, and is able to obtain latest update and understand new policy trends about CTIA in a more prompt, accurate and active way. 

●Qualification: MCM is CATL accredited by CTIA and is qualified to perform all processes related to certification including testing, factory audit and report uploading.

Are lithium batteries classified as dangerous goods?
Yes, lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods.
According to international regulations such as the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), and the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), lithium batteries fall under Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances.
There are 3 major categories of lithium batteries with 5 UN numbers classified based on operating principles and transportation methods:
Standalone lithium batteries: They can be further divided into lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to UN numbers UN3090 and UN3480, respectively.
Lithium batteries installed in equipment: Similarly, they are categorized into lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, corresponding to UN numbers UN3091 and UN3481, respectively.
Lithium battery-powered vehicles or self-propelled devices: Examples include electric cars, electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, etc., corresponding to UN number UN3171.
Do lithium batteries require hazardous goods packaging?
According to TDG regulations, lithium batteries that require hazardous goods packaging include:
Lithium metal batteries or lithium alloy batteries with a lithium content greater than 1g.
Lithium metal or lithium alloy battery packs with total lithium content exceeding 2g.
Lithium-ion batteries with a rated capacity exceeding 20 Wh, and lithium-ion battery packs with a rated capacity exceeding 100 Wh.
It is important to note that lithium batteries exempt from hazardous goods packaging still need to indicate the watt-hour rating on the outer packaging. Additionally, they must display compliant lithium battery markings, which include a red dashed border and a black symbol indicating the risk of fire for battery packs and cells.
What are the testing requirements before the shipment of lithium batteries?
Before the shipment of lithium batteries with UN numbers UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, and UN3091, they must undergo a series of tests as per Subsection 38.3 of Part III of the United Nations’ Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria. The tests include: altitude simulation, thermal cycling test (high and low temperatures), vibration, shock, external short circuit at 55 ℃, impact, crush, overcharge, and forced discharge. These tests are conducted to ensure the safe transportation of lithium batteries.