Special Provision 188 (SP 188) provides reduced dangerous goods requirements for certain small lithium batteries transported by road or sea, provided all applicable conditions are met.
It commonly applies to smaller lithium batteries found in electronics, tools, equipment and consumer products.
What Batteries Can Qualify for SP 188?
For lithium-ion batteries, the main energy limits are:
Cells: Maximum 20 Wh
Batteries: Maximum 100 Wh
For lithium metal batteries, the main lithium content limits are:
Cells: Maximum 1 g lithium
Batteries: Maximum 2 g lithium
The batteries must also meet the applicable design, testing, packaging and other requirements.
Does Under 100 Wh Mean the Battery Is Not Dangerous Goods?
No.
A common misconception is that a lithium ion battery under 100 Wh is automatically non-dangerous goods.
Lithium batteries remain regulated. SP 188 provides relief from many of the standard dangerous goods requirements only when all conditions of the special provision are satisfied.
Requirements can include protection against short circuits, suitable packaging, protection against damage and the applicable lithium battery mark.
The batteries must also meet the applicable UN 38.3 testing requirements.
Does SP 188 Apply to Air Freight?
SP 188 is commonly used for road and sea transport.
Air transport has separate requirements under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, including specific packing instructions and provisions for lithium batteries.
A shipment prepared under SP 188 for road or sea should therefore not automatically be considered compliant for air freight.
Need Help Shipping Lithium Batteries?
DG Solutions assists with the transport of lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries throughout New Zealand and internationally, including classification, packaging, marking and labelling, dangerous goods documentation and freight.
If you're unsure whether your batteries qualify for SP 188, contact DG Solutions for assistance before shipping.