Shipping counterfeit or substandard lithium batteries is not acceptable. To assist shippers of lithium batteries, including equipment with installed lithium batteries, a requirement came into force with effect January 1, 2019 that manufacturers and subsequent distributors of lithium cells and batteries must make available a test summary that provides evidence that the cell or battery type has met the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh says, “We all know how dangerous these batteries can be-they ignite-and clearly ensuring we can transport these devices safely on board is a primary focus for IATA.”
It is important that as a shipper, you take the necessary precautions and strictly follow the regulations when preparing your lithium battery shipments to ensure the safety of the aircraft and all on board. Lithium battery shipments should always be packaged to meet all safety regulations to avoid any possible damage or fines.
State and operator variations
States and operators (airlines) may advise of more restrictive requirements to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. These requirements are published in the DGR and the Lithium battery Shipping Regulations as State and operator variations. These variations may limit the carriage of lithium batteries. You should contact the airline prior to offering the lithium battery shipment for transport to make certain all requirements are being met prior to transport.
Identification
When shipping dangerous goods, they must be identified by the applicable UN or ID number, proper shipping name, class or division, and packing group (if applicable). The UN number is a 4-digit number assigned by the UN to substances and articles and is denoted by the prefix UN. The following (2) classification flowcharts are intended to provide guidance on the classification for lithium ion and lithium metal batteries.