Air Carriers Already Rejecting Lithium-ion Battery Shipments?

New restrictions on lithium battery air shipments take effect on April 1, but shippers are reporting that some passenger airlines are already rejecting shipments of stand-alone lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480).

The recently posted Addendum II to the 57^th Ed. IATA DGR included the new restrictions that start April 1—including the prohibition of stand-alone lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) from passenger aircraft—and some updated state and operator variations. However, the latest Addendum may not have included all the revised operator variations or “temporary embargoes” on items like lithium batteries.

Given the seemingly fluid nature of these lithium battery rules, if you are shipping lithium-ion batteries and have concerns about whether or not your shipment will be accepted, be sure to contact your air carrier and get clear instructions on what is and is not permitted.

Be Ready on April 1! Join the Lithium Battery Shipper Webinar on March 10

Get up to speed with the changing lithium battery shipping requirements at the interactive, expert-led Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar. 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.

When you attend the webinar, you also receive 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, IATA, lithium batteries