IEC 62281:2019

Overview

IEC 62281:2019 - "Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport" - specifies test methods, requirements, marking and information to ensure the safe transport of primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries (except when transported for recycling or disposal). This fourth edition (2019) is a technical revision that updates definitions, adds provisions for batteries integral to equipment, aligns secondary-cell tests with pre‑conditioning requirements, and clarifies test/reporting criteria. Note: different standards may apply to lithium‑ion traction battery systems for electrically propelled road vehicles.

Key Topics

• Scope & exclusions: Applies to transport safety (not recycling/disposal). Special provisions in transport regulations (see Clause 7.3) may provide exemptions.
• Type testing and sampling: Defines requirements for type testing of cells and batteries, sampling plans and re‑testing criteria.
• Transport and misuse tests: Standard includes an array of tests to evaluate transport safety:
  • Altitude (T-1)
  • Thermal cycling (T-2)
  • Vibration (T-3)
  • Shock (T-4)
  • External short-circuit (T-5)
  • Impact / crush (T-6)
  • Overcharge (T-7)
  • Forced discharge (T-8)
  • Packaging drop test (P-1)
• Preconditioning: All tests for secondary cells and batteries include a requirement for 25 charge/discharge cycles prior to testing.
• Requirements & evaluation: Criteria for shifting, distortion, short-circuit, excessive temperature rise, leakage, venting, fire, forcible rupture, and explosion are specified; mass loss limits and pass/fail evaluation methods are included.
• Information & marking: Specifies packaging, handling, transport documentation, quarantine instructions and marking required for safe shipment.
• Annex B: Informative annex summarizing important deviations from the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Chapter 38.3, and alternative tables for test quantities.

Applications

• Manufacturers of primary and secondary lithium cells/batteries: use IEC 62281 for design validation and type approval to demonstrate transport safety.
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies: implement the specified test methods and reporting format for transport certificates.
• Packaging designers and logistics providers: apply packaging, handling and marking requirements to reduce transport risk.
• Shippers, freight forwarders and regulatory compliance teams: ensure shipments meet international transport safety rules and documentation standards.
• OEMs with batteries forming an integral part of equipment: follow Clause 5.4 provisions when shipping equipment with embedded batteries.

Related Standards

• UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Chapter 38.3 - referenced throughout; Annex B highlights deviations.
• Other IEC publications on battery safety and transport (refer to the IEC webstore for the latest related documents).

Keywords: IEC 62281:2019, transport of primary lithium cells and batteries, safety during transport, lithium battery transport tests, UN 38.3 deviations, battery packaging and marking.