Storage and transport of lithium/EV batteries: what rules apply and how does CU-BATT help?

Introduction

In a world that is rapidly becoming more electrified and focused on sustainability, there is a growing need for safe, smart, and reliable solutions for the storage and transport of (lithium) batteries. At CU-BATT, we promise: "Safe, smart, and reliable solutions for the transport and storage of batteries."In this article, we explain: what legal and regulatory frameworks exist for the transport and storage of batteries, why this is so important, and how CU-BATT, with its products—such as the CU-BATT 600 PRO, CU-BATT EV PRO and CU-BATT ASP 600 – helping companies comply with these regulations and manage their risks.

What laws and regulations apply to the transport and storage of lithium/EV batteries?

There are multiple layers of regulations that are relevant—both for transport and storage:

Transport regulations

• Lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods (class 9) under international guidelines.

• The ADR (European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) applies to road transport within Europe.

• The RID applies to transport by rail. The IMDG Code applies to transport by sea.

• There are also international testing and packaging standards such as UN 38.3 (Manual of Tests and Criteria) for lithium batteries.

• Specific rules apply to air freight shipments, such as IATA (Dangerous Goods Regulations) and state of charge limits.
  

Regulations for storage

• In many cases, there is still no uniform, binding legislation at EU level for the storage of lithium-ion batteries. However, there are clear recommendations from, for example, GDV e.V. (German Insurers) regarding safe storage.

• At European level, the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (‘Batteries Regulation’) has entered into force, regulating, among other things, the sustainability, traceability, and life cycle of batteries.

• Proper housing, fire-resistant structures, monitoring, ventilation, and safe handling are essential for storage, as the risk of thermal runaway (fire) is increased with lithium batteries.
  

Why is this relevant to your business?

If you work in logistics, automotive, energy storage, or recycling and are involved in the storage or transport of lithium/EV batteries, compliance with these rules is crucial. Here are a few reasons why:

• Safety and continuity: Improper storage or transport of batteries can lead to fire, explosion, or serious damage—damaging your organization's reputation.

• Compliance & liability: If transport or storage does not comply with the rules, legal consequences or insurance problems may arise.

• Trust & market position: By working with certified containers, monitoring, and secure systems, you demonstrate that you take security seriously—a strong signal to customers and partners.

• Future-proofing: With the transition to new European regulations (such as the Batteries Regulation), the market is changing, and those who respond early to safety and compliance will have an advantage.
  

How does CU-BATT assist with solutions that comply with regulations?

At CU-BATT, we focus on safe, smart, and reliable storage and transport solutions. Below is how this aligns with the above regulations:

• Our products are designed with attention to safety without compromise: robust construction, 24/7 monitoring, advanced filter systems. This is in line with the standards that storage solutions must be resistant to fire/leaks/overheating.

• Our boxes are suitable for forklift and crane handling, making them ideal for use in logistics and recycling environments where regulations for the transport of hazardous goods apply.

• We adhere to UN certification and compliance with standards such as DIN 30741, which underscores the reliability of the systems.

• Because our systems (transport + storage) meet stringent requirements, we help companies comply with current regulations (such as ADR, IMDG, UN38.3) and prepare for stricter storage requirements in the future.
  

Practical checklist for companies

Below is a short checklist you can use to assess whether your battery storage/transport is safe and compliant:

1. Check that the batteries comply with UN 38.3 tests and that they are correctly coded (UN 3480/3481 etc.).

2. Ensure that packaging or containers are suitable for dangerous goods: sturdy construction, secure terminal shielding, appropriate markings.

3. For storage: is monitoring in place (temperature, gas detection, ventilation)? Are the boxes/uses monitored and checked?

4. Are the storage areas/containers adequately equipped for fire resistance and thermal protection (and suitable for lithium risks, not just standard chemical storage)?

5. Ensure correct registration/documentation: transport declarations, hazard classes, internal checks.

6. Work with suppliers/partners that offer certified solutions (such as CU-BATT) so that you can demonstrate risk management.
   

Conclusion & call to action

The rules governing the transport and storage of lithium/EV batteries are becoming clearer and stricter. For companies in logistics, energy storage, automotive, and recycling, this means that safe, certified solutions are not a luxury—they are a must. With its focus on safety, reliability, and compliance, CU-BATT is here to support you in this challenge.

Would you like to know how your organization can choose or implement the right storage or transport box (such as the CU-BATT 600 PRO or EV PRO)? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation or quote. No compromise on safety. Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute not legal advice.