PHMSA’s New Lithium Battery Rulemaking Published Today
Today’s Federal Register includes a new US DOT Final Rule that makes major changes to the requirements for shipping lithium batteries in or from the US. The Final Rule incorporates international standards into the US DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations. These new lithium battery shipping regulations are effective immediately, and shippers have until February 6, 2015 to ensure their shipments are in compliance with the new requirements.
Among the major changes introduced by this rulemaking are:
- New classification criteria for lithium ion cells and batteries
- New marking and labeling requirements for lithium battery shipments;
- New requirements for transporting lithium batteries for disposal or recycling
- New provisions for shipping and transporting damaged, defective, and recalled lithium batteries
- Separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal and lithium ion batteries
- Revised provisions for shipping “small” and “medium” cells and batteries
The US DOT requires all hazmat shipping employees to complete training once every three years and as rules change that affect their responsibilities. [49 CFR 172.704] For the first time, US DOT lithium battery shipping regulations will now be harmonized with international standards such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as the UN Model Regulations.
To help lithium battery shippers prepare for compliance with the new DOT requirements, Lion Technology will present the Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar in August and September. The live, instructor-led webinar covers the latest regulations for shipping lithium ion or metal batteries by ground, air, and ocean. The webinar now covers the new requirements in PHMSA’s final rule and how they will immediately affect US shippers.
The webinar will be presented from 1 to 3 PM ET on August 12. Additional sessions will follow on September 11, September 23, and October 21. The cost for the webinar is $229 per student, and group discounts are available. Registration includes access to the interactive webinar, a copy of the presentation, a newly updated Compliance Reference, and a review quiz. Shippers can register online or by calling 888-546-6511.
Tags: DOT, lithium batteries, new rules
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