The Lithium Battery Mark Changed, Your Compliance Obligations Didn’t
The Lithium Battery Mark Changed—Your Compliance Obligations Didn’t
The lithium battery label may no longer need a phone number, but emergency contact information still needs to be available when safety is on the line.
The key is knowing where that information is still required, recommended, or operationally useful.
- Although a phone number is no longer required on certain lithium battery labels (see our related blog post, Lithium Battery Mark Labeling: What Shippers Need to Know before 2027, for more details), it remains an excellent practice to aid in emergency response.
- Shipping documents must include a valid emergency response phone number
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must list an accessible contact number
- Including a phone number on the package remains an excellent practice to support rapid response
- A reliable 24/7 emergency contact number on your lithium battery label helps first responders and carriers access critical information quickly during an incident
As labeling evolves, maintaining accessible emergency contact information remains essential for safe transport.
What This Means for Shippers
To stay prepared, shippers can take the following steps:
- Update label inventory with battery marks that do not display telephone number information within the mark. CHEMTREC suggests using the new format, with the CHEMTREC number on a tab outside the mark. Updated CHEMTREC labels will be available for purchase from LabelMaster in November.
- Review packaging processes and supplier-provided labels
- Train staff to recognize compliant and outdated markings
- Complete the transition before the December 31, 2026, deadline
Older labels remain acceptable during the transition period, but adopting the new format early can help avoid operational disruptions and reduce compliance risk.
Preferred Practices for Compliance and Safety
To strengthen compliance and improve safety, consider these preferred practices:
- Confirm that the emergency phone number connects to a live, knowledgeable response provider like CHEMTREC
- Maintain consistent contact information across all documentation
- Conduct periodic audits of labeling and documentation processes
- Stay current on regulatory updates affecting lithium battery shipping
How CHEMTREC Can Help
CHEMTREC recommends including an emergency response phone number elsewhere on the package to support compliance and strengthen emergency preparedness. Our partner, LabelMaster, will have new CHEMTREC labels for purchase with the phone number outside of the mark’s red boarder in November.
As a trusted provider of emergency response information, CHEMTREC offers:
- 24/7 access to hazardous materials emergency support
- Assistance with Safety Data Sheet compliance
- Guidance on global battery shipping requirements
- Training on lithium battery shipping requirements, compliant markings, and hazmat safety and security awareness
For specialized support on lithium battery regulations, emergency response requirements, or SDS compliance, contact CHEMTREC at sales@chemtrec.com.
To purchase approved Battery Mark labels, please visit LabelMaster in November.
