# SAFT America Inc — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** 98-0543  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1998-04-29

98-0543 response to SAFT America Inc concerning 173.185.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

!
of Transportation
U.S. Department
Washington, D.C.
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Research and
20590
Special Programs
Administration
APR 2 9 1998
Mr. Chip Wildes
Environmental, Safety and
SAFT America Inc
Recycle Manager
711 Industrial Blva.
Valdosta,
GA
31601
Dear Mr. Wildes:
This letter is a revision of previous opinions you received
classification of "líthium ion" bätteries under the Hazardous
from us dated March ], 1994 and April 10, 1995, regarding the
Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180) .
Based on additional information, we have determined that
lithium ion cells and batteries
accordance with § 173.185.
section 173.185 regulates lithiu
must be classified in
on cells and batteries based on the amount of lithium in th
anodes of the fully charged cells and batteries.
If lithium ion cells and batteries meet the conditions for the
exception provided in $ 173.185 (b), they are not subject to
apply.
the HMR. If not excepted, the other provisions of § 173.185
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 2>>>

of Transportation
U.S. Department
Research and
dashirator DC
Special Programs
Administration
APR 101995
Mr. Chip Wildes
Environmental, Safety and
SAFT America Inc.
Recycle Manager
711 Industrial Blvd.
Valdosta, GA
31601
Dear Mr. Wildes:
This is in response to your letter of March 21, 1995 regarding the
correct classification of "lithium ion" batteries.
According to the information you provided, SAFT's lithium ion battery has
lithium or lithium alloys.
lithium nickel oxide and carbon electrodes but contains no metallic
It is the shipper's responsibility to properly classify a hazardous
definitions contained in Part 173 of the Hazardous Materials Regulations
material. If a material does not meet any of the hazard class
(HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180), the material would not be subject to the
above described battery is a dry battery because it does not contain any
Based on the information provided, it is our determination that the
hazardous material.
Dry batteries are not subject to the HMR.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Vietnes
fillings
Chief,
Delmer F. Billings
Office
Regulations Development
of Hazardous Materials Standards

<<<PAGE 3>>>

4
U.S. Department
of Transportation
400 Seventh Street. SW
Research and
Washington, D C
20590
Administration
Special Programs
MAR
€ 1095
Mr. Chip Wildes
Environmental, Safety and
SAFT America Inc.
Recycle Manager
711 Industrial Blva.
Valdosta, GA 31601
Dear Mr. Wildes:
This is in response to your letter of February 6, 1995 regarding the
correct classification of "lithium ion" batteries.
According to the information you provided, SAFT's lithium ion battery has
natural graphite.
a positive electrode of lithium cobaltate and a negative electrode of
lithium hexafluorophosphate, diethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate.
The electrolyte consists of ethylene carbonate,
However, there is no lithium metal present at any time.
Based on the information provided, it is our determination that the above
Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180).
described battery is a dry battery.
Dry batteries are not subject to the
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Velon felling,
:
Delmer F. Billings
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
Chief, Regulations Development
•..
-

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980543.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `142818c33ef9bbef50a45e658d695fb2a01a89d08021cdca5ca4bcf950a3c7ee`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T07:49:14.186Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-98-0543`

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