Lithium ion cells or batteries, lithium metal cells or batteries and sodium ion cells or batteries, identified as being defective for safety reasons, that have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit are forbidden for transport (e.g. those being returned to the manufacturer for safety reasons or cells or batteries that cannot be diagnosed as defective prior to transport).

Lithium ion cells or batteries, lithium metal cells or batteries and sodium ion cells or batteries identified as being damaged such that they do not conform to the type tested according to the applicable provisions of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria are forbidden for transport. For the purposes of this special provision, these may include, but are not limited to:

a) cells or batteries that have leaked or vented;

b) cells or batteries that cannot be diagnosed prior to transport; or

c) cells or batteries that have sustained physical or mechanical damage.

In assessing a cell or battery as damaged or defective, an assessment or evaluation must be performed based on safety criteria from the cell, battery or product manufacturer or by a technical expert with knowledge of the cell's or battery's safety features. An assessment or evaluation may include, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

a) acute hazard, such as gas, fire, or electrolyte leaking;

b) the use or misuse of the cell or battery;

c) signs of physical damage, such as deformation to cell or battery casing, or colours on the casing;

d) external and internal short circuit protection, such as voltage or isolation measures;

e) the condition of the cell or battery safety features; or

f) damage to any internal safety components, such as the battery management system.