ADR 24th Edition: Key Updates to Lithium Battery Transportation Rules (2025)

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ADR 24th Edition Update: Key Adjustments to Lithium Battery Transportation Rules

Editor:ESTL Category:Technical information Release time:2025-10-10 Click volume:7

On September 15, 2025, the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Model Regulations (ADR) undergoes a major revision, updating to its 24th edition. This update introduces important adjustments to lithium battery transportation rules.

I. Adjustments to Transportation Codes

This revision provides more detailed classification and description updates for certain battery types, along with two new codes. Special attention is required for the following:

1. UN 3536

Original description: "Lithium battery packs installed in freight units" → Revised to: "Lithium-ion battery packs installed in freight units".

2. UN 3552

Expanded from one category to two clear classifications:

UN 3552: Sodium-ion battery packs with organic electrolytes contained in equipment;
UN 3552: Sodium-ion battery packs with organic electrolytes packed together with equipment.

3. New Code: UN 3563

"Lithium metal battery packs installed in freight units".

4. New Code: UN 3564

"Sodium-ion battery packs installed in freight units".

Interpretation: The coding system is further refined to distinguish between lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, with separate classification for sodium-ion batteries. This reminds enterprises to accurately identify battery types and use the corresponding codes when declaring for transportation.

II. Clear Requirements for Mixed Battery Transportation

A new clause 2.9.4(h) has been added, specifying transportation conditions for mixed lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries:

Lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries within the battery pack must have a circuit connection;
The battery pack must have passed the tests required by clause 2.9.4(a) as a lithium-ion battery pack;
Each lithium-ion and sodium-ion cell within the pack must have passed all UN 38.3 test requirements.

Interpretation: The new regulation fills the policy gap in mixed battery transportation. It emphasizes that in addition to meeting lithium battery test requirements, each cell must also comply with UN 38.3 certification—placing higher demands on battery design and testing.

III. Changes to Marking

The "Lithium Battery Pack Mark" in transportation markings has been uniformly revised to the broader "Battery Pack Mark".

Interpretation: The change in marking name reflects the expanded range of battery types covered by the regulations. Enterprises must promptly update transportation labels and documents to comply with the new requirements.

Label: mixed battery transport requirements lithium battery transportation rules ADR battery marking updates ADR 24th edition UN 3563 UN 3564 UN38.3

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