Undeclared Lithium Batteries Spark $170,000 Fine

US FAA has proposed a $170,000 civil penalty in response to several shipments containing lithium-ion batteries that the agency says were offered for transportation by air without proper packaging, markings, labels, or shipping documentation. 

The first cited violation occurred on August 8, 2024, when cargo handlers discovered an undeclared package emitting smoke and a burning smell. They opened the box and found that it contained about 25 cell phone batteries and that “three of the batteries had melted together.” 

3 More Undeclared Battery Shipments, Allegedly 

Not long after the smoking package incident, FAA alleges, the same shipper offered packages containing lithium-ion batteries without declaring them as dangerous goods on three more occasions. Each time, the shipper failed to properly package the batteries for transportation or use required labels and/or markings:

• About 3.6 kg of lithium-ion batteries on September 17, 2024
• About 11.5 kg of lithium-ion batteries on September 26, 2024 
• About 9 kg of lithium-ion batteries on November 1, 2024 

When shipped separate from the equipment or device they are meant to power, lithium-ion batteries are heavily restricted. Lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) are forbidden as cargo on passenger aircraft. When transported on cargo aircraft only, these batteries must also conform to limitations on Watt hour rating, state-of-charge during transportation, and more. 

The per-package weight limit for lithium-ion batteries shipped in or with the equipment they power (i.e., UN 3481)—and by cargo aircraft only—is 35 kg.  When offered for transportation on passenger aircraft, the limit is 5 kg per package.

Revised IATA Regulations Take Effect on January 1

Starting January 1, 2026, a limit on state-of-charge (SoC) during air transportation will also apply to lithium-ion batteries offered in or with equipment (i.e., UN 3481). Until that date, offering shipments of UN 3481 at a reduced state-of-charge is "recommended.” 

The expanded lithium battery restrictions are among many changes taking effect on January 1, 2026, when the 67^th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or DGR enters into force. 

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries in 2026 

Attend the Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar to prepare for next year and receive training required for hazmat employees. The webinar delivers trusted, expert-led training with a live instructor in a convenient online format.  

2 sessions left in 2025! Join us for training on October 23 or December 10 and gain essential knowledge to protect your staff and facility, prevent incidents in transit, and avoid high-dollar civil penalties for violations of US or international hazmat/dangerous goods regulations.