Almost all air travelers have had to make adjustments for the lithium-ion batteries that populate their lives. Most of these energy storage cells are excellent products if we handle them correctly. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case on passenger aircraft. Hence the latest IATA guidance on shipping batteries that we link to below, and summarise here.
Batteries Are Everywhere in IATA’s Jurisdiction
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) faces ongoing challenges during the move to zero-carbon emissions. Passengers, crew and aircraft are subject to increasing safety risks, from the growing volume of batteries in cargo holds, checked baggage, and carry-on devices.
If only life was as simple as this! If only passengers and shippers complied with the transport rules for hazardous goods. Unfortunately, as we know from news reports, not everybody declares when they are shipping hazardous goods.This is mostly due to misunderstandings, although some of this is unfortunately deliberate.
Latest IATA Guidance on Shipping Batteries
The latest IATA guidance on shipping batteries, hopes to narrow this gap. The international body has issued easy-to-understand advice for shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airlines, and passengers, with particular reference to lithium-based batteries.
The core information appears in IATA’s Battery Guidance Document for Lithium-Metal, Lithium-Ion, and Sodium-Ion Batteries which we also link to below. What follows is a simple overview, without the technical detail in the accompanying Battery Guidance Document:
- Lithium-based batteries, generally speaking may be carried by air, subject to their configuration.
- Rechargeable ones have a maximum watt-hour rate, single use ones have a lithium content cap.
- Spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried-on, as they are not permitted in checked baggage.
- Refer to the Battery Guidance Document for more lithium and sodium-ion battery guidance.
- There is a separate guidance document relating to transporting nickel metal hydride batteries.
More Information
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Preview Image: IATA Headquarters (Google Earth)
