Search

Congress Considers Lithium Battery Air Ban

Posted on 2/12/2016 by Roger Marks

A Bill introduced in the US Senate this week would give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authority to ban bulk shipments of lithium-ion batteries from being carried as cargo on passenger airlines. If passed, the legislation would:

  • Repeal a 2012 ban that prohibited FAA from imposing restrictions on lithium-ion batteries that are more stringent than international rules created by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); and
  • Create a task force to promote research and new standards for safe lithium battery manufacturing, use, and transportation.
A similar proposal failed to gain support in the House of Representatives earlier this week. The Senate bill—S. 2528, the Lithium Battery Safety Act of 2016—has been referred to the Senate committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

lithium ion batteries for air transport

ICAO Set to Ban Lithium Ion Battery Shipments

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is already mulling a ban on lithium-ion batteries carried as cargo on passenger flights. An ICAO panel recommended a ban in January which the organization is expected to vote on later this month. Previously, a similar ban on lithium-ion batteries was rejected by ICAO in an 11–7 vote.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents major air carriers, has already begun preparing for a lithium-ion battery ban to take place starting April 1.

April 1 also marks the beginning of the latest changes for lithium battery shippers. Added to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) in an Addendum published last month, new requirements for lithium battery air shippers include a limit on state-of-charge (30%), restrictions on number of packages and number of batteries per package, and more.

Expert Training on New Lithium Battery Rules

Learn the latest rules and fulfill the DOT, IATA, and IMO training requirements to ship lithium-ion and/or lithium-metal batteries by ground, air, and vessel with the interactive Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course. Complete your certification training at your own pace, from any Internet connection, 24/7, and get help from IT customer support 7 days a week. Plus, get a full 365 days of Lion Membership to help you keep up with lithium battery rules that seem to change by the day—get answers to your questions, access exclusive content and resources, and be among the first to know when rules change.  

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, ICAO, lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.