Lithium Battery Regulatory Change

The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) met in October 2011 and again in February 2012 to discuss revised procedures for Lithium Batteries. Specifically the handling of “bulk” shipments prepared under Section II of Packing Instructions 965 and 968 to appear on the information to the pilot-in-command. Full report of the February working group. 

Changes on Lithium batteries in the Dangerous Goods Regulation

Below is a summary of changes to be incorporated into the 54th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations effective 1 January 2013 once approved by the ICAO Council.

These changes primarily concern:

• New Section II lithium ion (PI 965 II) and lithium metal (PI 968 II) cell and batteries quantity limits per package
• New Section “IB” for lithium ion (PI 965 IB) and metal (PI 968 IB)

The ICAO DGP does not consider however that these changes will necessarily reduce incidents involving lithium batteries. To significantly improve safety, IATA advocates for enhanced outreach of regulations applicable to the transport and testing of lithium batteries by manufacturers as well as shippers.

New Section II lithium ion (PI 965 II) and lithium metal (PI 968 II) cell and batteries quantity limits per package

PI 965 – Section II Package Limits Table - Combination packaging
Contents	Lithium ion cells and/or batteries with a Watt-hour rating not more than 2.7  Wh	Lithium ion cells with a Watt-hour rating more than 2.7 Wh, but not more than 20 Wh	Lithium ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating more than 2.7 Wh, but not more than 100 Wh
Maximum number of cells / batteries per package	No limit	8 cells	2 batteries
Maximum net quantity (mass) per package	2.5 kg	n/a	n/a

 

PI 968 – Section II Package Limits Table - Combination packaging
Contents	Lithium metal cells and/or batteries with a lithium content not more than 0.3 g	Lithium metal cells with a lithium content more than 0.3 g but not more than 1 g	Lithium metal batteries with a lithium content more than 0.3 g but not more than 2 g
Maximum number of cells / batteries per package	No limit	8 cells	2 batteries
Maximum net quantity (mass) per package	2.5 kg	n/a	n/a

Note: A package may contain either cells/batteries of not more than 2.7 Wh or 0.3 g or lithium ion cells not exceeding 20 Wh / lithium metal cells not exceeding 1 g, or lithium ion batteries not exceeding 100 Wh / lithium metal batteries not exceeding 2 g but the limits may not be combined.

New Section “IB” for lithium ion (PI 965 IB) and metal (PI 968 IB)

• Batteries that exceed the limits indicated in the tables (965-II and 968-II) above must be shipped as Class 9, but don't require UN specification packagings.
• Dangerous goods training is required for personnel involved in the transport of IB batteries.
• Consignment does not require a Shipper’s Declaration provided that alternative written documentation or electronic information describing the contents.
• Package requires a Class 9 hazard label AND the lithium battery handling label to distinguish it from  other lithium battery packages
• A dangerous goods acceptance check is required 
• A summary NOTOC, similar to that permitted for Dry Ice
• Alignment of the net quantity limits is required for lithium batteries packed with and contained in equipment.

More information on the transport of lithium batteries including the lithium battery guidance document for the 54th Edition.

The full report can be found on ICAO's Website