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

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

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

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

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities 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

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

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

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

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

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

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.