Are Sodium Ion Batteries the Safer Alternative to Lithium?

Battery shipping rules are changing in 2026, and understanding the updates now can save Australian businesses time and money. Lithium battery shipping regulations already set strict standards because of past fires and product recalls involving phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. 

In 2026, sodium-ion batteries will also be covered by these rules, so businesses will need to adjust how they pack, label, and declare shipments. Sodium-ion batteries are considered safer, but both types are still officially classified as Dangerous Goods under IATA and Australian law. Here’s what’s changing and what shippers need to prepare for in 2026.

Ship Batteries Safely Under 2026 Rules

Stay compliant with new lithium and sodium-ion battery regulations. Get expert Dangerous Goods support from Couriers & Freight.

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Shipping Lithium Batteries Regulations for 2026

From 2026, both lithium and sodium-ion batteries will fall under updated UN Dangerous Goods codes, standardising how they’re shipped globally. The basic shipping process stays the same, but sodium-ion batteries will now be formally included in the regulations.

Important points for 2026 compliance:

• Lithium batteries keep their current UN numbers (UN3480 and UN3481) and remain in Class 9 hazardous goods.
• Sodium-ion batteries will receive their own UN numbers but will also sit under Class 9.
• Packaging must meet crush, vibration, and heat resistance tests to prove it’s safe for transport by air, sea, or road.
• Labels must clearly show the UN number, handling mark, and hazard symbol.
• Every shipment, whether by air or sea, must include a completed Dangerous Goods declaration.
• All commercial battery shipments must be managed by staff who are trained in Dangerous Goods handling and emergency procedures, as required by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
• Air transport stays limited, though smaller consumer batteries can still move under IATA Section II without airline approval.
• Paperwork must list the shipment details, battery type, and total energy content as per (IATA) standards.

Following these steps helps businesses avoid fines and delays while keeping every shipment compliant with the 2026 safety rules. For expert help with Dangerous Goods compliance and documentation, partner with Couriers & Freight.

Lithium Batteries: Still the Standard

Even with new battery types emerging, lithium-ion batteries will stay the main choice in 2026 for most consumer and industrial uses.

Lithium batteries are everywhere. They power electronics like laptops, electric cars, and home solar systems across Australia. Businesses depend on them because they are small, powerful, and reliable.

Why lithium batteries remain popular:

• High energy storage, so devices can run longer on a single charge.
• Quick to recharge, keeping vehicles and tools ready to use.
• Long lifespan and can last through many charge cycles.
• Proven record after decades of development and testing.

But these batteries also come with serious risks. Overheating can cause what’s known as “thermal runaway,” where a battery catches fire or explodes. In 2022, an electric-vehicle transport ship caught fire in Europe after lithium batteries failed. Earlier recalls of laptops and phones happened for the same reason. Airlines have also refused battery shipments that were not packed correctly.

These hazards are exactly why lithium battery shipping regulations remain among the strictest in the world. Businesses must pack, label, and declare every shipment properly to stay safe, protect workers, and avoid penalties or delays.

Sodium Ion Batteries: The New Alternative

Sodium-ion batteries work like lithium cells but use sodium, an abundant, low-cost element that’s easier and safer to process. They’re already being tested in solar systems, home batteries, and short-distance electric transport.

These batteries work much like lithium ones, but they use sodium, which is easy to source and cheaper to process. That makes them attractive for large-scale use where cost and safety matter most.

Advantages of sodium-ion batteries:

• Made from common, low-cost materials that don’t rely on scarce minerals.
• Much lower fire risk compared to lithium batteries.
• Works well in colder conditions where lithium cells often lose power.
• Easier on the environment during mining and manufacturing.

There are still a few trade-offs. Their energy density is lower, so more cells or larger packs are needed to deliver the same power. The technology is still maturing, and widespread use in vehicles and electronics will take time.

Drawbacks of sodium-ion batteries:

• Provide less energy for their size and weight.
• Require larger battery packs for similar performance.
• Still being refined for everyday commercial use.

Companies like CATL and Faradion are already testing sodium-ion batteries in electric vehicle prototypes and storage systems. Adoption is growing, but sodium-ion batteries are still classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods under IATA standards. Businesses moving from lithium to sodium need to understand the new shipping rules, though existing lithium shipping experience provides a strong foundation.

2026 Shipping Rules and Dangerous Goods Updates

Starting in 2026, both the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Australian Dangerous Goods Code will officially list sodium-ion batteries alongside lithium batteries. These updates bring sodium-ion batteries under the same shipping standards as lithium batteries.

IATA’s 2026 update introduces new UN codes for sodium-ion batteries and refreshes packaging and documentation requirements for all battery shipments. Businesses moving batteries by air, sea, or road will need to follow the same safety and paperwork standards for both battery types.

There are also new recommendations for how charged a battery can be during transport. For example, electric vehicle batteries or large battery packs often need to be shipped at or below 30% state of charge, depending on the specific UN classification and when the new guidance takes effect.

Updated UN Classifications

• Lithium-ion batteries: UN3480 (cells), UN3481 (packed with equipment)
• Sodium-ion batteries: new UN codes for both individual cells and equipment-packed batteries

Packaging and Labelling Requirements

• Shipments must pass crush, vibration, and heat tests
• Packages must clearly show UN numbers, hazard symbols, and handling instructions
• Paperwork must list battery type, quantity, and energy rating

Compliance Checklist

• Correct UN numbers on packaging and labels
• Completed Dangerous Goods declaration forms
• Approved packaging materials and sealing methods
• Documentation that matches IATA and Australian DG Code rules

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Even though sodium-ion batteries are safer, both battery types are still Class 9 Dangerous Goods under IATA and Australian law. Every shipment must meet the same packaging, labelling, and documentation standards.

What It Means for Shippers and Businesses

Preparing for these changes now gives logistics teams time to train staff, update packaging, and perfect their Dangerous Goods documentation before 2026 begins.

Most daily tasks like packing, labelling, and filling in declarations will stay the same. The big difference is that sodium-ion batteries pose less fire risk, which could mean fewer delays and lower insurance costs for some shipments.

Here’s how Australian businesses can stay compliant:

• EV importers can avoid costly hold-ups by following the new lithium and sodium battery shipping rules.
• Solar installers can ship battery systems more safely and meet customer deadlines with fewer transport issues.
• Online retailers can ship mixed lithium and sodium-ion stock with less risk of freight rejection or damage in transit.

How Couriers & Freight Helps You Ship Safely in 2026

As 2026 battery shipping rules take effect, Couriers & Freight helps Australian businesses stay compliant with Dangerous Goods regulations, reducing risk, delays, and paperwork errors.

If you’re sending lithium or sodium-ion batteries across Australia, our certified Dangerous Goods couriers ensure every shipment meets the latest IATA and CASA requirements. We help businesses handle both battery types safely, from packaging and labelling to documentation and air freight approvals.

How Couriers & Freight supports safe battery transport:

• Certified Dangerous Goods couriers and trusted packaging partners
• Simple online tools for quotes, declarations, and tracking
• Full air freight and customs compliance for lithium and sodium-ion batteries

Partner with Couriers & Freight to ship lithium and sodium-ion batteries safely and confidently under the 2026 rules. Get an instant quote today.

Ship Batteries Safely Under 2026 Rules

Stay compliant with new lithium and sodium-ion battery regulations. Get expert Dangerous Goods support from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now