Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

Lithium Battery Updates in the 2022 IATA DGR

Posted on 8/27/2021 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

IATA’s 63rd Edition Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) manual will incorporate two major changes for lithium battery air shippers. The changes impact IATA DGR Packing Instructions 965, 966, 968, and 969.

The new Edition of the IATA DGR takes effect on January 1, 2022.

Lithium Batteries or Cells Shipped Separately

One change will impact shippers of standalone lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells and batteries (UN 3480 and UN 3090). "Standalone" batteries are those not shipped "in equipment" or "with equipment." 

IATA removed the provisions for Section II lithium batteries from the Packing Instructions (PI) associated with these shipments, PI 965 and PI 968. Beginning in 2022, lithium battery shipments that fit the criteria for “Section II” must be shipped using Section IA or IB of the appropriate Packing Instruction.

Transition Period for Shippers

Shippers may follow the provisions for Section II lithium cells and batteries until March 31, 2022. After this three-month transition period, batteries prepared according to Section II of PI 965 or 968 will not be authorized in air transport. 

What Are Section II Lithium Batteries or Cells?

“Section II” refers to smaller lithium batteries that qualify for relief from some of the most burdensome IATA DGR air shipping rules.

The thresholds for Section II lithium batteries are: 
 
  Lithium-metal (UN 3090) Lithium-ion (UN 3480)
Cell Not more than 1g Not more than 20 Wh
Battery Not more than 2g Not more than 100 Wh
 
If this announcement from IATA gives you déjà vu, remember that FedEx and UPS instituted similar policies concerning Section II lithium batteries for their shipping customers in 2017.

To reflect the deletion of Section II from PI 965 and PI 968, IATA will also update various DGR regulations concerning training, special provisions, hazard communications, and more that made mention of Section II provisions.

Lithium Batteries or Cells Packed with Equipment

For lithium batteries packed with equipment, IATA revised the wording of Packing Instructions 966 and 969 to clarify the allowed packing options.

See more changes for the 2022 IATA DGR here.  

Charging Ahead to 2023

The new DGR Edition includes Appendix I, which gives us a preview of changes planned for next year’s DGR, the 64th Edition, that will take effect on January 1, 2023.

In 2023, equipment that contain only lithium button cells, like circuit boards, will be excluded from the Test Summary requirement added in 2020. In addition, IATA will remove the requirement for a telephone number to appear on the lithium battery mark. This change will roll in over a four-year transition period, during which shippers can continue to use the existing mark.

Flexible Lithium Battery Training for 2022 

Organizations big and small are using online hazardous materials and safety training to maintain a flexible, efficient shipping operation in 2022. Employees learn to perform their jobs in full compliance with complex US and international regulations for classifying, packaging, and documenting lithium battery shipments.

Learn online, at your own pace, or join us for a live, instructor-led webinar in October. 

Shipping Lithium Batteries Training

*US DOT requires hazmat training for all "hazmat employees" once every three years—including staff who prepare lithium battery shipments.

**For air shippers, the IATA DGR requires hazmat training once every 24 months. 

Tags: hazmat air shipping, IATA DGR, lithium batteries, lithium batteries by air, PI 968

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

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

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.