Requirements for lithium batteries and products powered by lithium batteries
This article applies to selling in: United States

Requirements for lithium batteries and products powered by lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are widely used and characterized by long life, no memory effect (they don't lose their maximum energy capacity) and slow loss of charge when not in use. However, lithium batteries can also be dangerous. If damaged, dropped, crushed, or short-circuited, they can release dangerous amounts of heat and may ignite. They are also dangerous when exposed to heat. For these reasons, lithium batteries are always subject to specific transportation requirements.

You must provide all battery-related information for your product when creating a listing or converting a listing to FBA. If the battery information that you provide is incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise conflicting, your product may be blocked for sale through FBA. You must also upload a battery exemption sheet on Manage dangerous goods classification.

For more information, go to Dangerous goods required information and documentation (hazmat) and the following websites:

You can also watch the following Seller University videos:

Lithium batteries overview

Help with Battery Questions

Use the Look up an ASIN tool to check the classification status of your FBA ASIN.

Sign in to use the tool and get personalized help (desktop browser required).
Important: Lithium battery products may be subject to requirements beyond those for dangerous goods. For a list of potentially affected products, go to Product compliance page.

Recognize lithium batteries

Products don’t have a specific sticker or symbol that indicates the presence of lithium batteries. But you can easily recognize the batteries in a few ways:

  • Look at the battery itself. The composition is usually printed on the battery.
  • Read manufacturer documentation such as the product manual. You can also contact the supplier to learn more about your product.

Types of lithium batteries

There are many different types of lithium batteries. The three main types are described here.

Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion or LIB batteries) have lithium compounds as the electrode material, and are rechargeable. Li-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronic products such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, and cameras.

Lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries have lithium metal as an anode and are generally not rechargeable. They come in different shapes and forms, including the flat, round batteries used in watches. They are also commonly used in products such as calculators or flashlights.

Lithium-ion polymer batteries

Lithium-ion polymer batteries, often called lithium polymer batteries (Li-poly, Li-Pol, LIP, PLI or LiP) are rechargeable batteries usually composed of several identical secondary cells in parallel. They are used in some portable electronic products and fall under the family of lithium-ion batteries.

Regulation of lithium-ion batteries

Energy content Region/Country Amazon approved or rejected?
Cells (including single cell batteries)

0-≤20 Wh for lithium ion (including lithium-ion Polymer)

0-≤1g for lithium metal

Australia Approved
Brazil Approved
Canada Approved
China Approved
Europe Approved
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Approved
Middle East Approved
Singapore Approved
South Africa Approved
Turkey Approved
US Approved

>20 Wh - ≤60 Wh for lithium ion (including lithium-ion Polymer)

>1 - ≤5g for lithium metal

Australia Rejected
Brazil Rejected
Canada Approved
China Rejected
Europe Rejected
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Rejected
Middle East Rejected
Singapore Rejected
South Africa Rejected
Turkey Rejected
US Approved

>60 Wh for lithium ion (including lithium-ion Polymer)

>5g for lithium metal

Australia Rejected
Brazil Rejected
Canada Rejected
China Rejected
Europe Rejected
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Rejected
Middle East Rejected
Singapore Rejected
South Africa Rejected
Turkey Rejected
US Rejected
Battery

0 Wh - ≤100 Wh

0 - ≤2g for lithium metal

Australia Approved
Brazil Approved
Canada Approved
China Approved
Europe Approved
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Approved
Middle East Approved
Singapore Approved
South Africa Approved
Turkey Approved
US Approved

>100 Wh - ≤300 Wh for lithium ion (including lithium-ion Polymer)

>2 - ≤25g for lithium metal

Australia Rejected
Brazil Rejected
Canada Approved
China Rejected
Europe Rejected
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Rejected
Middle East Rejected
Singapore Rejected
South Africa Rejected
Turkey Rejected
US Approved

>300 Wh for lithium ion (including lithium-ion Polymer)

>25g for lithium metal

Australia Rejected
Brazil Rejected
Canada Rejected
China Rejected
Europe Rejected
India Approved
Japan Approved
Mexico Rejected
Middle East Rejected
Singapore Rejected
South Africa Rejected
Turkey Rejected
US Rejected

* Energy content in watt-hours (Wh)

The watt-hour information is generally printed on the battery itself, on its packaging, or in the manufacturer's documentation.

In cases where the watt-hour is not printed, it can be calculated from the battery voltage (V) and amp-hour (Ah) rating, also commonly printed on the battery, the outer packaging, or in the manufacturer's documentation. The voltage to be used when calculating watt-hours is the nominal voltage of the battery (commonly printed as simply "voltage"), not to be confused with the input voltage, output voltage, or maximum charging voltage.

Battery

Two or more cells or batteries which are electronically connected together and fitted with devices necessary for use, for example, case, terminals, marking or protective devices. Units which have two or more cells that are commonly referred to as “battery packs”, “modules” or “battery assemblies” having the primary function of providing a source of power to another piece of equipment are treated as batteries.

Cell

A single encased electrochemical unit (one positive and one negative electrode) which exhibits a voltage differential across its two terminals, and may contain protective devices.

Single Cell Battery

A cell externally fitted with devices necessary for use in equipment or another battery which it Is designed to power, for example protective devices.

The watt-hour information is generally printed on the battery itself, on its packaging, or in the manufacturer's documentation.

In cases where the Watt-hour information is not printed, it can be calculated from the battery voltage (V) and amp-hour (Ah) rating, also commonly printed on the battery, the outer packaging, or in the manufacturer's documentation. The voltage to be used when calculating watt-hours is the nominal voltage of the battery (commonly printed as "voltage"), not to be confused with the input voltage, output voltage, or maximum charging voltage.

United Nations test summary requirement

As of January 1, 2020, UN 38.3 requires lithium battery manufacturers and distributors to provide a document known as a lithium battery test summary upon request. This requirement will be enforced via country-specific regulations.

When manufactured, all lithium batteries and lithium battery products must undergo a series of standardized tests to confirm their safety for use and transport. UN 38.3 summarizes those testing requirements.

To comply with this regulation, Amazon requires all sellers to upload a test summary at ASIN setup.

Watch the following Seller University video to learn more about UN 38.3: Information About Li-Batt 38.3.

For more information, download lithium battery guidance from the International Air Transport Association (English only).

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