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

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

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping 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

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.