IEC 62281

Safety of Primary and Secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries During Transport

IEC 62281 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies test methods and requirements to ensure the safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport. It covers transport by all modes — air, sea, road, and rail — and applies to both primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) lithium chemistries. The standard is closely aligned with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Chapter 38.3 (UN 38.3), which underpins dangerous goods transport regulations globally, but contains deviations documented in an informative annex.

Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Current edition: IEC 62281:2019 (4th edition) with Amendment 1:2021 — incorporating revised button cell definitions and provisions for batteries forming an integral part of equipment

Replaces: IEC 62281:2016 (3rd edition)

European adoption: EN IEC 62281:2019 / BS EN IEC 62281:2019

Scope

IEC 62281 applies to primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium cells and batteries intended for transport, covering:

  • All lithium chemistries: lithium metal (primary), lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and others
  • All transport modes: air (IATA DGR), sea (IMDG Code), road (ADR/RID), and rail
  • All form factors: cylindrical, prismatic, pouch, button, and coin cells
  • Batteries as equipment or standalone: including cells and batteries shipped as part of equipment or separately

Exclusions: Does not apply to lithium-ion traction battery systems designed for use in road vehicles (for which specific transport regulations apply). Exempt quantities and special provisions in IATA DGR, IMDG, or ADR may provide exemptions from some test requirements.

Key Test Methods

The test series is based on the UN 38.3 tests (T1–T8) but with specific IEC requirements and, in some cases, differing procedures documented in Annex B of the 2021 amendment:

Test Series

  • T1 — Altitude simulation: cell/battery exposed to low pressure (11.6 kPa, equivalent to 15,240 m altitude) for 6 hours — no leakage, venting, or disassembly
  • T2 — Thermal test: rapid temperature cycling between −40 °C and +75 °C (10 cycles) — no leakage, venting, or disassembly
  • T3 — Vibration: sinusoidal vibration over frequency range 7–200 Hz — no leakage, venting, or disassembly
  • T4 — Shock: half-sine shock pulses in each axis — no leakage, venting, or disassembly
  • T5 — External short circuit: external short at 55 °C for 1 hour — no explosion, no disassembly; surface temperature must not exceed 170 °C
  • T6 — Impact/crush: 13 kN crush force applied (cells) or free fall onto rigid surface (batteries) — no explosion, no fire
  • T7 — Overcharge: secondary cells charged at twice maximum charge current — no explosion, no fire
  • T8 — Forced discharge: secondary cells discharged below minimum voltage at defined rate — no explosion, no fire

2021 Amendment Key Changes

  • Button cell provisions: revised definitions and specific test adaptations for button and coin cells, responding to child safety concerns around button cell ingestion
  • Batteries in equipment: additional provisions for testing of cells and batteries that form an integral part of equipment (shipped installed) — simplified procedures in some cases
  • Pre-conditioning requirement: secondary cells and batteries must complete 25 charge/discharge cycles prior to testing
  • Annex B (informative): documents deviations between IEC 62281 and UN 38.3 to assist manufacturers and testing organisations in understanding which test criteria apply

Relationship to UN 38.3 and Transport Regulations

  • UN 38.3: the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3 specifies the T1–T8 test series; passing these tests is a legal prerequisite to ship lithium batteries under IATA DGR, IMDG Code, ADR, and RID
  • IEC 62281 vs UN 38.3: both use the same T1–T8 framework, but IEC 62281 includes additional provisions, acceptance criteria refinements, and the documented deviations in Annex B. For regulatory (shipping) compliance, UN 38.3 test reports are required; IEC 62281 provides a more comprehensive product safety framework
  • Test reports: IEC 62281 test reports are accepted under the IECEE CB scheme; for actual transport documentation, UN 38.3 test summary reports (TSRs) are the legally required evidence under IATA/IMDG/ADR

Related Standards

  • UN 38.3 — UN transport testing requirements for lithium batteries; the regulatory test series on which IEC 62281 is based
  • IEC 62133-2 — Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells; complementary safety standard
  • IEC 62619 — Safety requirements for industrial Li cells/batteries; IEC 62281 covers transport of the same products covered by 62619
  • IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) — Section 3.9.2 specifies the regulatory requirements for air transport of lithium batteries, referencing UN 38.3 test evidence
  • IMDG Code — International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; Class 9 provisions for lithium batteries reference UN 38.3
  • ADR/RID — European road and rail dangerous goods regulations; include lithium battery provisions referencing UN 38.3

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.

References

  1. IEC 62281:2019 — Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport, IEC Webstore
  2. IEC 62281 Ed. 4.1:2021 — Amendment 1, ANSI Webstore
  3. EN IEC 62281:2019 catalogue entry, iTeh Standards
  4. IEC 62281 vs UN 38.3 — transport battery testing overview, Battery University EU

See also: End-of-Life and Damaged Battery Transportation