China issues National Standard for safe Transport of Traction Lithium Batteries
28. August 2025A new Chinese national standard, GB/T 45915—2025, sets forth comprehensive requirements for the transport safety and intermodal shipment of traction lithium batteries. Effective from February 1, 2026, the standard outlines classifications, packaging criteria, consignment protocols, temporary storage conditions, and emergency handling measures for such batteries. It introduces a grading system—Grades A, B, and C—based on battery condition, safety testing, and state of charge. For transport purposes, lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries are categorized under existing UN numbers such as UN 3480 and UN 3090. Transport grades are determined by the battery’s safety test compliance and charge level. Packaging must meet strict performance standards per UN regulations, with higher requirements for Grade C batteries, which are typically intended for recycling or disposal. Labels, markings, and documentation—including SOC declarations and test summaries—are also mandated under the new framework. Traction batteries (EV) usually require CCC certification or battery registration for China in order to be approved for import and sale in China.
The standard also specifies protocols for loading, unloading, and temporary storage, including physical inspection, package orientation, and center-of-gravity requirements within containers. Storage facilities must have fire safety infrastructure and segregated storage zones according to battery grade. During intermodal transport, the strictest mode-specific requirements must be followed, and use of safety monitoring systems like gas detectors and smoke alarms is recommended. The standard further mandates detailed emergency response procedures for fire incidents, including use of specialized extinguishing agents and post-fire thermal monitoring. A series of annexes provide test methods such as thermal runaway, vibration, and impact resistance assessments, reinforcing safety across the transport chain.
For more information on how Battery Registration for China, CCC certification, the CCC Self-Declaration and voluntary CCAP or CQC certification may affect your company, or for more information about CCC certification in general, please visit our News Section where you will find current updates twice a week.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and consultation. You can contact us via email, Chat, or call us (UK: +44 2071931135, Europe: +49 69 2713769150, US: +1 773 654-2673).
You can also check our free CCC-Brochure, which can be downloaded as a PDF file. The brochure also contains information on the CCC Self-Declaration and the voluntary CQC- and CCAP-Certification).
