Lithium batteries are transported either as class 9 dangerous goods or under special provision 188 of IMDG Code.
Marking, labelling and placarding rules are different for both.
Lithium Batteries under class 9
Each package must be marked with UN Number, Proper Shipping name & class 9 lithium battery label model no. 9A
7 vertical stripes in upper half: black;
battery group, one broken and emitting flame in lower half: black
Lithium batteries under SP 188
Each package must be marked with lithium battery mark as below
Packages marked according to ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air that bear the lithium battery mark and the label model No. 9A is acceptable for sea transport.
Placarding
Cargo transport units(CTU) packed with class 9 lithium battery must be affixed with class 9 placard, model no. 9a placards must not be used for this purpose.
In addition defective, damaged and batteries transported for disposal or recycling the packages must additionally be marked with words “DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE” , “LITHIUM BATTERIES FOR DISPOSAL” or “LITHIUM BATTERIES FOR RECYCLING” as appropriate
For exemptions under SP 188 visit Lithium Batteries special provision 188 – IMDG Code 39-18
To calculate lithium content for metal cells and batteries and watt-hour rating for lithium-ion cells and batteries click Lithium battery watt-hour and lithium content calculator
For full details refer to individual entries and special provisions in IMDG Code 39th Amendment.