A US Army Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is the transfer of a member, or a unit to a different duty. The US Army press release we link to below provides details affecting relocation of certain personal lithium batteries. On a broader scale, we wonder how this US battery policy change might affect civilian shipments. Those batteries now permeate almost every aspect of our personal life.
Broad Brush Strokes in US Battery Policy Change
The policy document comes in time for the peak-summer permanent change of station season. Many soldiers and their families will soon start packing for an upcoming move.
Jason Todd, director of Base Support Operations Transportation, 405th Army Field Support Brigade made the announcement. It affects movement of certain lithium batteries that are part of a soldier’s personal property effective May 15, 2023.
Folk have incorporated lithium batteries in their everyday lifestyles, he explained. But not all lithium batteries can form part of their personal property shipments under this US battery policy change.
US Battery Policy Change Affects Individual Items
The new policy direction applies to all individual property shipments. The break-points we refer to below apply PER ITEM shipped, and NOT the total shipment. Soldiers are responsible for making individual declarations. While removal companies must prepare shipping documents, and pack identified lithium batteries according to regulations.
Break Points for Lithium Batteries Under These Rules
The new US battery policy change affects both rechargeable lithium-ion, and rechargeable lithium metal batteries.
The press release suggests the former are likely to be present in cellphones, power tools, robot vacuum cleaners, digital cameras, lawn care equipment and e-bikes. While lithium-metal ones are commoner in watches, remote controls, handheld games, and smoke detectors.
The following are the break points at which these lithium batteries may NO LONGER ship with household goods and unaccompanied baggage:
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
- Lithium-ion batteries rated more than 100 watt hours each.
- Individual cells of the same type rated more than 20 watt hours each.
LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES
- Lithium-metal batteries containing more than two grams of lithium.
- Individual cells of the same type containing more than one gram of lithium.
These arrangements are effective May 15, 2023. The press release provides details for identifying affected batteries.
More Information
Comparing Lead-Acid and Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion Battery Performance – Status Quo
