Description
Battery and cell marking — legal basis for use
The ADR 9 UN Batteries and cells — for manual completion label is intended for marking shipments containing batteries, cells or accumulators that must be identified with the appropriate UN number during transport. In practice, this mainly applies to lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries, whether transported separately, packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
The most common UN numbers for lithium batteries are:
- UN 3090 — lithium metal batteries,
- UN 3091 — lithium metal batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment,
- UN 3480 — lithium-ion batteries,
- UN 3481 — lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
In ADR regulations, lithium battery marking is connected with requirements for classification, packaging, UN numbers, packing instructions and special transport conditions. For certain shipments, the lithium battery mark is used, and it should indicate the correct UN number preceded by the letters “UN”. If one package contains batteries assigned to different UN numbers, all applicable numbers should be shown on the mark.
This product is a label for manual completion, so the correct UN number can be added only when preparing the specific shipment. It is a practical solution for companies handling different types of batteries and accumulators that do not want to store multiple separate label versions with a permanently pre-printed UN number.
A telephone number or other contact detail can also be entered on the label. Under current international regulations, the telephone number on the lithium battery mark is generally no longer required, but in practice it may still be used operationally, for example when required by a carrier, internal procedure, recipient, shipping platform or when the company wants to provide a contact for additional shipment information. For older label designs with a telephone number field, it is worth checking whether the specific design is accepted for the relevant mode of transport and by the chosen logistics operator.
Battery and accumulator marking does not replace correct goods classification, suitable packaging selection, transport documentation, packing instructions or any additional hazard labels. Depending on the battery type, capacity, weight, packaging method, technical condition, mode of transport and route, additional markings or special transport conditions may be required. The choice of marking should always be verified against current ADR regulations, the safety data sheet, UN number, packing instruction and carrier requirements. In case of doubt, consultation with an ADR dangerous goods adviser or a person responsible for dangerous goods transport is recommended.
Where and how to use the ADR 9 UN Batteries and cells label
The ADR 9 UN Batteries and cells 110 × 120 mm label should be used on transport packaging containing batteries, cells or accumulators that require marking with a UN number. This may include shipments with lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, accumulators, battery modules, electronic devices with batteries, service parts, measuring equipment, consumer electronics, cordless power tools, uninterruptible power supplies, medical equipment, industrial components and e-commerce products containing batteries.
Before applying the label, determine the correct UN number for the specific shipment. The number should correspond to the battery type and the way it is packed. A different number is used for batteries transported separately, and a different one for batteries packed with equipment or contained in equipment.
After determining the correct UN number, enter it clearly in the designated field. It is best to use a permanent marker, technical fineliner or pen that adheres well to the label surface and does not smear during further handling of the shipment. The UN number should be clear, complete and easy to read.
If the company wants to provide a telephone number or if the carrier’s procedure requires it, the contact details should be entered in the relevant field on the label. The number should lead to a person or department that can provide information about the shipment, battery type, documentation or handling procedure in case of logistics-related questions.
The label should be applied to the outer surface of the package in a clearly visible, flat place that is not likely to be covered. It should not be obscured by packing tape, stretch film, courier label, waybill, transport document, carton edge, securing strap or palletising elements. The marking should remain legible from the moment the shipment is prepared until the end of transport.
Before application, make sure that the packaging surface is clean, dry, free from grease and as smooth as possible. This is particularly important for coated cartons, film packaging, plastic containers, crates, outer packagings and surfaces that may be contaminated with dust, moisture, oil or product residues.
Before shipment, it is worth checking:
- whether the correct UN number has been determined for the shipment,
- whether the entered UN number matches the battery type and packaging method,
- whether the UN number is legible and has not smeared,
- whether any telephone number provided is current and correct,
- whether the label has been applied to a visible part of the package,
- whether the marking has not been covered by tape, film, waybill or other labels,
- whether the packaging used meets the requirements for the specific battery type,
- whether additional hazard labels, documents or markings are required,
- whether the carrier’s requirements are consistent with the marking used.
The label for manual completion is particularly useful in warehouses, packing departments, electronics service centres, e-commerce companies, production plants, distribution centres, laboratories, technical wholesalers and companies that ship different types of batteries and battery-powered devices.
Quality of Print&Stick labels for marking batteries and accumulators
Print&Stick ADR 9 UN Batteries and cells 110 × 120 mm labels have been designed for practical marking of shipments containing batteries and accumulators. The label format provides good visibility on the package, while the blank fields allow quick completion of the information required for the specific shipment.
The ability to enter the UN number manually increases flexibility in warehouse and packing department work. One universal label template can be used for different shipments, provided that the data is completed correctly according to the goods classification. This is a convenient solution for companies that do not want to keep separate labels for each UN number.
The labels are made from semi-gloss self-adhesive paper. The material combines a neat appearance with the functionality required in everyday logistics processes. The label surface allows clear completion of the data with a marker, fineliner or pen, so the marking can be prepared without additional printing.
The permanent adhesive ensures strong and durable adhesion to typical packaging surfaces such as cardboard, paper, board, boxes, outer packagings, plastics, containers and smooth transport surfaces. Good adhesion helps reduce the risk of the label peeling off during storage, order picking, sorting, handling and transport.
The roll containing 250 labels allows convenient storage, fast peeling and serial application of markings. This supply format works well in warehouses, logistics companies, shipping departments, service centres, distribution centres and companies that regularly prepare shipments with batteries or accumulators.
The print is clear, repeatable and designed to make shipments with batteries or cells easy to identify quickly. Repeatable production helps maintain a consistent appearance of successive label batches, correct graphic layout and neat package marking.
Label production is carried out in accordance with quality and environmental management standards consistent with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. For companies preparing battery shipments, this means stable product quality, predictable functional properties and the ability to use markings that perform well in regular packing, storage and transport processes.
Print&Stick labels are a practical choice for online stores, electronics manufacturers, technical service centres, logistics companies, warehouses, laboratories, export departments, distributors of electronic equipment, manufacturers of battery-powered devices and companies preparing batteries and accumulators for transport.
Technical specifications
- Name: Self-adhesive ADR 9 UN Batteries and cells label — for manual completion
- Marking type: label for batteries, cells and accumulators with a field for the UN number
- Application standard: marking of shipments containing batteries and cells requiring UN number identification
- Label size: 110 × 120 mm
- Fields to complete: UN number and contact details, such as telephone number
- Example UN numbers: UN 3090, UN 3091, UN 3480, UN 3481
- Completion method: marker, fineliner, pen or another durable writing tool
- Material: semi-gloss self-adhesive paper
- Adhesive: permanent
- Supply format: roll
- Package content: 1 roll = 250 labels
- Package weight: 0.5 kg
- Application: marking shipments containing batteries, cells, accumulators and devices containing batteries
