Changes in 2020 affecting shipping lithium batteries by air

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There are several changes in the 61st Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations that affect shippers of lithium batteries by air.

  • In packing instructions PI 968 to PI 970 (for lithium metal batteries), the term “aggregate lithium content” has been applied to lithium metal batteries.  This change is in alignment with the UN Manual of Test and Criteria.
  • The application of the lithium battery mark has now been specified to be applied on one face of the package.
  • New definition for “lithium batteries installed in cargo transport unit” is provided in Appendix A.
  • New recommendations go into effect as part of the UN model regulations and their manual of testing criteria that will require specific information on a lithium battery test report. See our Industry Wire Article for details.