Which UN numbers are used for lithium batteries, including both ion and metal types, whether in equipment or contained in equipment?

• A. UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, UN 3091
• B. UN 3480 and UN 3481 only
• C. UN 3090 and UN 3091 only
• D. UN 3480, UN 3090

Answer: (A)

Lithium batteries are categorized by both their chemistry and how they’re used in packaging for transport. Lithium ion batteries are UN 3480 when shipped alone, and UN 3481 when contained in equipment. Lithium metal batteries are UN 3090 when shipped alone, and UN 3091 when contained in equipment. Since the question asks for all lithium battery forms, including both ion and metal types and both packaging statuses, the full set is UN 3480, UN 3481, UN 3090, and UN 3091. The other options miss one of these categories—either a battery type or the contained-in-equipment variant—so they don’t cover the complete range.