IEC 62281:2016

Overview - IEC 62281:2016 (Safety of lithium cells and batteries during transport)

IEC 62281:2016 specifies test methods, requirements and information for the safe transport of primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries (except when transported for recycling or disposal). The third edition (2016) is a technical revision that updates transport test procedures, evaluation criteria and documentation (including possible content for a transport certificate). Note: different standards may apply to lithium‑ion traction battery systems used in electrically propelled road vehicles.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions

  • Applies to transport safety of lithium cells and batteries other than recycling/disposal.
  • Referenced transport regulations (clause 7.3) may provide exemptions.

• Type testing and sampling

  • Requirements for type testing, sampling plans and re‑testing of cells, batteries and battery assemblies.

• Transport tests (T-tests)

  • Environmental and mechanical tests: T-1 Altitude, T-2 Thermal cycling, T-3 Vibration, T-4 Shock, T-5 External short‑circuit, T-6 Impact/crush.
  • Misuse tests: T-7 Overcharge, T-8 Forced discharge.

• Packaging and handling

  • Packaging tests (e.g., P-1 Drop test), marking, labelling and information required for safe handling and transport.

• Safety evaluation criteria

  • Criteria include shifting, distortion, short‑circuit, excessive temperature rise, leakage, venting, fire, rupture, explosion and mass loss limits.

• Notable technical changes in 2016 edition

  • Removal of wire mesh screen from explosion evaluation.
  • Shock test parameters modified to achieve constant energy behaviour for large batteries (explained in Annex A).
  • External short‑circuit method adapted for large batteries removed from temperature chambers.
  • Cell diameter threshold for impact vs crush test changed from 20 mm to 18 mm.
  • Addition of guidance for content of a transport certificate.

Practical applications - who uses IEC 62281

• Battery manufacturers - validate design and obtain type test evidence for transport compliance.
• Test laboratories - perform T‑tests, packaging tests and prepare evaluation reports.
• Shippers, freight forwarders and carriers - ensure packaging, marking and documentation meet safety requirements.
• Regulatory and compliance teams - integrate IEC 62281 test results with transport regulations and certification.
• Packaging designers and OEMs - design transport packaging and handling instructions to prevent in‑transit incidents.

Related standards (if applicable)

• See clause 7.3 of IEC 62281 for relevant transport regulations for air, sea and land transport. Note that separate or additional standards may apply to traction battery systems used in electric vehicles.

Keywords: IEC 62281:2016, lithium cells, lithium batteries, transport safety, test methods, packaging, transport certificate, shock test, overcharge, external short‑circuit.