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Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification

and Labelling of Chemicals 3 December 2018

Sub-Committee of Experts on the

Transport of Dangerous Goods

Fifty-fourth session

Geneva, 26 November-4 December 2018

Item 2 (d) of the provisional agenda

Recommendations made by the Sub-Committee on

its fifty-first, fifty-second and fifty-third sessions

and pending issues: electric storage systems

Dimensions of Lithium Battery Mark

Transmitted by PRBA - The Rechargeable Battery Association and

Advanced Rechargeable & Lithium Batteries Association

(RECHARGE)

Introduction

1. This paper proposes modifications to the lithium battery mark based on comments

received in response to ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2018/115 and UN/SCETDG/54/INF.53. The

proposed changes are supported by industry economic data that will be presented to the Sub-

Committee when the paper is introduced.

2. The proposed changes to the paragraph following Figure 5.2.5 include the following:

• 120 mm x 110 mm changed to: 100 mm x 100 mm

• 105 mm x 74 mm changed to: 100 mm x 70 mm

• Remove reference to “line thickness.” The mark does not mandate line specifications

like the Limited Quantity mark.

• Add “or square” in first sentence. This would authorize the use of a rectangle or

square and enable continued use of the 120 mm x 110 mm mark (a rectangle). This

also eliminates the need for any transition period for the new dimensions.

Proposal

3. In 5.2.1.9.2, it is proposed that the paragraph following Figure 5.2.5 be revised to

read as noted below. The dimensions referenced in Figure 5.2.5 would also need to be

revised, as applicable.

“The mark shall be in the form of a rectangle or square with hatched edging. The

dimensions shall be a minimum of 120 100 mm wide x 110 100 mm high and the

minimum width of the hatching shall be 5 mm. The symbol (group of batteries, one

damaged and emitting flame, above the UN number for lithium ion or lithium metal

batteries or cells) shall be black on white or suitable contrasting background. The

hatching shall be red. If the size of the package so requires, the dimensions/line

thickness may be reduced to not less than 105 100 mm wide x 74 70 mm high. Where

dimensions are not specified, all features shall be in approximate proportion to those

shown.

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UN/SCETDG/54/INF.55

Lithium ion “Cell” Production*

* Data courtesy of Avicenne Energy

NiCd = Nickel Cadmium Cells / NiMH = Nickel Metal Hydride Cells / Li-ion = Lithium ion Cells

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2012 – 4.7 billion Li ion cells2017 – 7.3 billion Li ion cells

Lithium ion Cell and Battery Market Share by Volume and Value*

* Data courtesy of Avicenne Energy2

Portable PC and Cellular Phone Production*

* Data courtesy of Avicenne Energy 3

Small Consumer Products Impacted by Change in Lithium Battery Mark

• Watches• Small lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries• Cellular phones• Pencils• Headphones• “Wearables” – Significant demand for wearables

powered by single lithium ion cell; products are small, light and require very small packages

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Packaging for Earbuds and Wearable Products

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120 x110 mm

100 x 100 mm

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105 x 74 mm 100 x 70 mm

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Example of Potential Annual Savings1

1 Estimates based on package used for one device listed in slide 42 Based on $.05 savings per package 3 Based on $.18 savings per package

Savings/Benefits: $4.4M – $11.1M Annual Savings

120x1110 mm to 100x100 mm

120x110 mm to 100x70 mm

Box Savings $2.6M $5.1MFreight Savings $1.8M $6.0MTotal Savings $4.4M2 $11.1M3

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Additional Savings/Benefits Environmental and additional savings/benefits:

• Reduction at box making factory, more boxes made from standard sheet• Reduction in consumer waste: less cardboard discarded• More units per pallet: less fuel used per unit

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