Lithium-ion battery regulations: what you need to know in 2025
Why is strict regulation of lithium-ion batteries necessary?
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized our daily lives. They now power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, professional tools, and energy storage systems. But behind their energy efficiency lies a reality: they are unstable and potentially dangerous chemical compounds.
🎯 Result: an increasingly strict legal framework
To limit risks, authorities are strengthening safety standards, transportation procedures, and storage requirements year after year. By 2025, regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries are no longer an option: they’re a necessity, for industrial companies, local authorities, and logistics stakeholders alike.
👉 To secure your installations, VLICOVER offers certified solutions that comply with the most demanding standards:
Transporting lithium-ion batteries: what does the law say?
Transporting lithium-ion batteries, even in small quantities, is no small matter. Due to the risks of fire, chemical leakage, or explosion, their transportation is strictly regulated by several international regulations. Here’s what you need to know to comply with regulations in 2025.
The regulatory framework: ADR, ONU and classifications
The road transport of lithium-ion batteries is governed by the ADR 2025 regulation (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). Batteries are classified according to two UN codes:
- UN 3480 : Lithium-ion batteries alone
- UN 3481 : lithium-ion batteries contained in or packaged with equipment
🔎 These classifications imply different obligations depending on the type of transport, the total weight of the batteries, and their condition (new, used, damaged, etc.).
Mandatory packaging and labeling
By 2025, any company transporting lithium-ion batteries must:
- Use UN approved packaging that is shock, fire and leak resistant.
- Apply specific hazard labels : “battery on fire” pictogram, UN number, “dangerous goods” warnings.
- Provide a transport declaration form (in certain cases).
- Train your staff in safe handling (ADR obligation).
👉 Do you regularly transport batteries? Discover our certified and fireproof transport containers
Air and sea transport: even stricter rules
- On airplanes, batteries are regulated by IATA-DGR standards. Some used or damaged batteries are strictly prohibited.
- At sea, the IMDG code applies, with requirements similar to the ADR but with controls often reinforced by freight companies.
In all cases, marking, packaging, documentation, and training are essential. Any company that neglects these obligations is liable to penalties (fines, immobilization, liability in the event of an accident, etc.).
Air and sea transport: even stricter rules
- On airplanes, batteries are regulated by IATA-DGR standards. Some used or damaged batteries are strictly prohibited.
- At sea, the IMDG code applies, with requirements similar to the ADR but with controls often reinforced by freight companies.
In all cases, marking, packaging, documentation, and training are essential. Any company that neglects these obligations is liable to penalties (fines, immobilization, liability in the event of an accident, etc.).
🎯 In summary: The transport of lithium-ion batteries is currently treated as hazardous materials. To remain compliant and avoid any incidents, it is imperative to use approved equipment, comply with UN codes, and raise awareness among your teams.
Lithium-ion battery storage: what the regulations say
Unlike transportation, lithium-ion battery storage is not yet fully standardized at the European level. However, in France, strict recommendations exist to limit the risks of fire or explosion.
🔍 Points clés à respecter en 2025 :
- Controlled temperature : between 15°C and 25°C, away from humidity and heat.
- Mandatory ventilation : avoid any accumulation of gas in the event of a leak.
- Separation of areas : do not store near flammable products or sensitive equipment.
- Recommended fireproof containers : particularly for companies classified as ICPE or subject to DREAL.
- Reference standards : DIN SPEC 91489 for roofing, EN 60086-4 for general requirements.
Who is affected by these obligations?
Regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries aren’t just for manufacturers. By 2025, many players will be directly affected :
Companies concerned:
- Carriers and logisticians handling or shipping batteries.
- Electric vehicle fleets (communities, rental companies, emergency services).
- Garages and car or electromobile repair shops.
- Industrial companies using or storing batteries in volume.
- E-commerce sites stocking battery-powered products (bicycles, tools, etc.).
👉 As soon as there is storage, transport or regular handling, compliance becomes a legal and safety obligation.
Who is affected by these obligations?
The year 2025 marks a strengthening of requirements around lithium-ion batteries, in response to the increase in incidents.
! Key new features :
- Certified packaging required for certain types of batteries (used, damaged).
- Increased traceability : shippers must provide proof of product compliance throughout the supply chain.
- Highlighting DIN SPEC 91489 standards : increasingly required in public tenders and professional fleets.
More frequent checks by the DREAL, port authorities and freight companies.
📌 Companies must anticipate these developments to avoid non-compliance and strengthen their security.
How to comply easily?
Complying with lithium-ion battery regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are the key steps to effectively get up to speed :
🧩 Steps to follow:
1. Assess your risks : identify the storage, loading or transport areas concerned.
2. Separate uses : store, load and repair in separate spaces.
3. Train your teams : handling, first reflexes in the event of an incident, management of damaged batteries.
4. Equip yourself with suitable equipment:
✅ Fire blankets certified to DIN SPEC 91489