The IATA has tightened the packaging requirements for UN 3480 Lithium ion or lithium polymer cells and batteries (PI965IB) and UN 3090 Lithium metal cells and batteries or those containing lithium alloys (PI968IB). Their use is now subject to a shipper’s declaration. Details are available in the “Lithium Battery Guidance Document” of the 55th edition of the IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by air).
At www.iata.org (programmes, dangerous goods, lithium batteries) there is also a file containing a summary of the revised passages. In principle, only such batteries may be transported that meet the requirements of the “UN manual of tests and criteria Chapter 38.3” and were manufactured under a quality management system. For batteries (UN 3480) with an energy rating of = 100Wh, simplified requirements for shipping dangerous goods apply, while batteries rated = 100Wh are always classified as dangerous goods (class 9). In principle, additional safety requirements apply for packaging, labelling and accompanying documents. These changes affect all shipments as cargo on passenger and cargo planes.
Tighter rules apply also for carriage in passenger luggage (hand luggage and checked luggage): Lithium batteries or equipment with such lithium batteries (batteries packed with or contained in equipment [UN 3481 or UN 3091], including smartphones, tablets, etc.) may only be transported in the cabin if the rated power is = 100 Wh per battery, and if they meet the following criteria, among others:
– In the case of replacement rechargeable batteries, the batteries are protected against short circuit and against damage (only batteries, batteries packed with equipment).
– In the case of connected or installed batteries, the device must be secured in such a way to ensure that accidental activation is not possible.
– Batteries must be protected in such a way that contact with conductive materials in the same packaging cannot lead to a short circuit.
– Sturdy outer packaging.
– This only applies to equipment intended for personal use (such as mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.). All other devices must be checked as corresponding freight.
In this context, the FBDi expressly wishes to point out that the transport of lithium batteries or devices with a lithium battery on passenger aircraft is at the sole discretion of the airline. In any case, proof of the UN test 38.3 is recommended for the batteries. For every commercial shipment of lithium ion batteries, the shipper must ensure compliance with the requirements of transport policies on their own responsibility.
FBDI e. V.
