Search

ICAO Bans Lithium Ion Batteries as Cargo on Passenger Aircraft, Effective April 1

Posted on 2/23/2016 by Roger Marks

Yesterday, February 22, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced that a prohibition on lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) as cargo on passenger aircraft will take effect April 1, 2016.

The “ban” applies only to lithium-ion batteries packed alone under IATA Packing Instruction 965 Sections IA, IB, and II. Shipments of lithium-ion batteries packed in equipment or with equipment (UN 3481) are not affected.

Affected lithium-ion battery shipments must now display the Cargo Aircraft only label, in addition to other hazmat marks and labels requried by the regulations:


Cargo Aircraft Only label for hazmat air shipments

The passenger aircraft ban for lithium-ion batteries was suggested by ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission (ANC) earlier this year. The approval of the UN 3480 passenger aircraft ban is the latest development for lithium battery shippers, following new restrictions set forth in IATA’s 57th Dangerous Goods Regulations and the later addenda to that edition.

Read IATA released its third update of the year on this specific topic. Read it here: Lithium Batteries As Cargo in 2016 Update III

IATA also discussed the ban in a previous lithium battery update earlier this month.

Concerns about lithium batteries in transport also showed up in the US Senate recently, where a bill was introduced in the Senate this month to give FAA more authority create rules for lithium battery shipments more stringent than international requirements.  

Expert Training on New Lithium Battery Rules

Get up to speed with new lithium battery shipping requirements and meet your DOT, IATA, and IMO training requirements 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.

Build the knowledge and expertise to ship lithium-ion and/or lithium-metal batteries by themselves, in equipment, or with equipment—by ground, air, and vessel. 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: IATA, lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

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

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

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

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

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

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

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

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.