What is a battery MSDS?

If you are manufacturing, importing, shipping, or integrating battery products, you will eventually be asked for an MSDS battery certificate. But what exactly is a battery MSDS, and why is it critical for compliance and logistics?

This guide explains:

• What a battery MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is
• Why a lithium battery MSDS is required for shipping and workplace compliance
• The standard 16-section MSDS format
• How to read and verify an MSDS for battery products
• Common buyer and freight forwarder questions

Key Takeaways

• A battery MSDS (also called SDS) is a standardized safety document that explains chemical composition, hazards, handling, transport, and disposal requirements.
• A lithium battery MSDS certificate is essential for air, sea, and road transport documentation and workplace compliance.
• Modern MSDS documents follow the 16-section format defined under GHS and OSHA standards.
• MSDS is not the same as UN38.3 or transport test reports — but they are often required together.
• Importers, OEM buyers, and logistics providers must verify that the MSDS matches the exact battery model and chemistry.

Part 1. What is an msds?

An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) — now officially called an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) — is a regulatory document that provides detailed safety information about a chemical product.

For batteries, the MSDS includes:

• Chemical composition
• Hazard classification
• Fire and explosion risks
• First aid measures
• Transport classification
• Disposal guidance

In the United States, MSDS/SDS requirements are regulated by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). External reference: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Part 2. Why does a lithium battery need an msds certificate?

1 Lithium batteries contain regulated materials

Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries contain:

• Flammable organic electrolytes
• Reactive lithium compounds
• Pressurized internal structures

Under abuse conditions (short circuit, overcharge, mechanical damage), they may experience thermal runaway, leading to fire or explosion.

Because of these hazards, most lithium battery products require a lithium battery MSDS for:

• International shipping
• Customs clearance
• Workplace safety documentation
• B2B procurement qualification

2 Transport authorities require hazard documentation

Transport of lithium batteries is regulated by:

• International Air Transport Association (IATA DGR)
• United Nations (UN Model Regulations)
• IMDG Code (sea freight)

Although the MSDS itself is not a transport certificate, freight forwarders commonly request:

• MSDS for battery
• UN38.3 test report
• Transport classification sheet

Without an accurate MSDS battery certificate, shipments may be delayed or rejected.

Part 3. What does a lithium battery msds contain?

A compliant battery MSDS follows a globally standardized 16-section format. Below is a practical breakdown relevant to engineers, buyers, and compliance teams.

1 Standard 16-section format of an msds battery document

• Section 1 – Identification

  • Product name (must match label and invoice)
  • Model number
  • Manufacturer details
  • Emergency contact information

• Section 2 – Hazard Identification

  • GHS classification
  • Signal words (Danger / Warning)
  • Hazard statements
  • Pictograms (if applicable)

• Section 3 – Composition / Information on Ingredients

  For lithium-ion batteries, this may include:

  • Lithium cobalt oxide / NCM / LFP cathode materials
  • Graphite anode
  • Organic carbonate electrolyte
  • Aluminum, copper, separator materials

  Concentrations are typically provided in percentage ranges.

• Section 4 – First Aid Measures

  • Eye exposure procedures
  • Skin contact treatment
  • Inhalation response
  • Ingestion instructions

  Critical for factory and warehouse safety compliance.

• Section 5 – Fire-Fighting Measures

  • Suitable extinguishing media (e.g., dry powder, CO₂)
  • Fire hazards (toxic gas release)
  • Special protective equipment

• Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures

  • Spill containment
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Cleanup procedures

• Section 7 – Handling and Storage

  Includes:

  • Temperature limits
  • Humidity conditions
  • Short-circuit prevention
  • Stacking and packaging guidance

  For lithium-ion batteries, storage temperature is typically recommended between 15–25°C.

• Section 8 – Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

  • Exposure limits
  • PPE requirements
  • Ventilation requirements

• Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties

  May include:

  • Appearance
  • Odor
  • pH (if applicable)
  • Flash point (electrolyte reference)

• Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity

  • Conditions to avoid (overheating, crushing, puncture)
  • Incompatible materials
  • Hazardous decomposition products

• Section 11 – Toxicological Information

  • Acute toxicity
  • Chronic effects
  • Routes of exposure

• Section 12 – Ecological Information

  • Environmental persistence
  • Aquatic toxicity

• Section 13 – Disposal Considerations

  • Recycling guidance
  • Hazardous waste classification
  • Regulatory disposal references

  For industrial battery recycling practices, see our internal guide on lithium battery disposal best practices.

• Section 14 – Transport Information

  Critical for logistics teams. Includes:

  • UN number (e.g., UN3480 / UN3481)
  • Proper shipping name
  • Hazard class
  • Packing group

• Section 15 – Regulatory Information

  Lists applicable regional regulations (US, EU, Asia-Pacific).

• Section 16 – Other Information

  • Revision date
  • Version number
  • Disclaimer

Part 4. Msds vs un38.3 vs test reports: what’s the difference?

An MSDS does not replace UN38.3 testing. For lithium-ion shipping, both are typically required.

Part 5. When do buyers request an msds for battery products?

In B2B battery procurement, MSDS is commonly required for:

• Import customs documentation
• Amazon FBA lithium battery approval
• Air freight booking
• OEM qualification
• Workplace safety audits

If you supply customized battery packs, ensure the MSDS reflects:

• Exact cell chemistry
• Final pack configuration
• Correct UN number

For example, customized 18650 packs should match the declared chemistry in technical documentation. (See our internal guide on 18650 lithium-ion battery specifications for pack selection insights.)

Part 6. How to verify a valid msds battery certificate

Before using or submitting a battery MSDS, check:

• Product name matches invoice and label
• UN number is correct (UN3480 vs UN3481)
• Manufacturer information is complete
• Issue date is within recent revision cycle
• Hazard classification aligns with lithium-ion chemistry

Outdated or generic MSDS files are a common cause of customs delays.

Part 7. FAQs about lithium battery MSDS