New Regulations for Shipping Lithium Ion Batteries by Air

Effective from January 20, 2023, companies involved in shipping lithium ion batteries via air transportation are required to adhere to additional regulations established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulations introduce specific measures, including the prohibition of transporting lithium ion cells on passenger aircraft, the imposition of a maximum state of charge of 30 percent for batteries shipped on cargo-only aircraft, and the implementation of labeling requirements for smaller batteries.

Business impact:

• It is essential to maintain lithium ion cells and batteries below a state of charge of 30 percent when transporting them by air.
• Compliance is necessary with authorized quantity limits, accurate descriptions, certifications, and markings for the transportation of hazardous materials by air.
• The final rule now includes both lithium metal and lithium ion cells and batteries, whereas previous restrictions only applied to lithium metal. Smaller lithium ion cells must display the "LITHIUM ION BATTERIES--FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORTATION ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT" or "CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY" marking.
• Exceptions are granted for medical devices that use up to two lithium cells or batteries, subject to approval from the Associate Administrator.

For comprehensive details regarding this amendment, please refer to the Enhanced Safety Provisions for Lithium Batteries Transported by Aircraft.