Lithium Battery Shipping Requirements
This 2024 guide covers essential requirements for transporting both lithium-ion (UN3480) and lithium-metal (UN3090) batteries by air, sea, and
From 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries that are packed with equipment and vehicles powered by lithium ion or sodium ion batteries must be offered for air transport with the battery at a reduced state of charge, unless otherwise approved by the relevant States (A331).
These changes have been adopted by ICAO into the 2025-2026 edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The objective of these changes is to reduce the potential risk posed by lithium-ion and sodium ion batteries in air transport.
There have been incidents of batteries causing fires within the aircraft and forcing emergency landings. Batteries are not allowed in unaccompanied luggage by air freight. If not inside a device like a smartphone, the batteries must be in a hard cased container.
All packages prepared in accordance with Packing Instruction 968, Section IA and IB, must bear a Cargo Aircraft Only label, in addition to other required marks and/or labels. All sodium ion cells and batteries shipped by themselves (UN 3551) are forbidden for transport as cargo on passenger aircraft.
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