New Rules and Recommendations for Air Transport of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Are you involved in the shipping and air transport of rechargeable lithium batteries?
Stay updated on the latest rules and recommendations, which we will delve into in the following article.

Updated Guidelines from IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently updated its guidelines for the safe air transport of rechargeable lithium batteries (li-ion batteries). Here are the key points to note:

• From January 1, 2025, it is recommended that li-ion batteries transported together with or within equipment and vehicles be charged to a maximum of 30% of their capacity.

• From January 1, 2026, this recommendation will become a requirement for li-ion batteries transported via air.
  - Note that there are certain exceptions to this overall change. For instance, li-ion batteries installed in equipment (PI 967) under Section I and Section II will remain subject to a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

This provides the industry and responsible companies with a one-year transition period to gradually adapt and implement the necessary measures to ensure proper handling of li-ion batteries in compliance with the updated guidelines.

Why These Changes?
The reason for these stricter measures is simple: li-ion batteries are becoming an increasingly prevalent part of our daily lives and public spaces. Transporting li-ion batteries at a lower state of charge reduces the risk of what is technically referred to as thermal runaway—a failure that can potentially lead to fire or, in the worst-case scenario, battery explosion. These new updates are safety initiatives designed to enhance security in air freight situations.

Need Assistance?
If you or your company have questions about these new changes or require general assistance with shipping your batteries, our experts at ACTEC are always available for a non-binding consultation.