The 59th Expert Working Group Meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods discussed and decided to add a dedicated UN number for Sodium ion batteries (SIBs), which are classified as Class 9 miscellaneous hazardous substances and goods. A new section 2.9.5 has been added to the TDG regulations, which provides clear definitions and transportation requirements for SIBs for sodium ion batteries.

The modification of UN3292 is only applicable to batteries containing sodium metal or sodium alloy, and its hazard belongs to Class 4.3 (similar to the hazard of metallic sodium). Furthermore, two new regulations, UN3551 and UN3552, have been added specifically for sodium ion battery SIBs, specifying the applicable sodium ion battery SIBs: rechargeable batteries with positive and negative electrodes and organic electrolytes that do not contain any sodium metal or sodium alloy, unlike lithium batteries that include lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

Additionally, a set of testing requirements and corresponding usage rules similar to lithium-ion batteries must be established, requiring compliance with UN38.3 testing requirements (the same as lithium-ion batteries).

Due to its cost and environmental advantages, the sodium ion battery SIB industry will become increasingly mature in the future, with a growing market share and continuous improvement of relevant laws and regulations. For more information on the safety and transportation regulations of sodium ion battery SIB, please feel free to call for more details.