Lithium Batteries - What’s Ahead | Help Center

Lithium Batteries – What’s Ahead

The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel met in December 2023, and one of the hot topics was, of course, Lithium Batteries.

One item that has been debated for some time is the state of charge for Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment. A 30 percent or less state of charge has been in place for lithium batteries shipped on their own but has never been a requirement when with equipment.

That is about to change.

Starting January 2026, lithium batteries packed with equipment Must follow the less than 30 percent state of charge requirements. Lithium batteries contained in equipment SHOULD follow the same requirement.

Remember, MUST is a mandatory requirement, and SHOULD is a recommended requirement.

Although the requirement is not mandatory until January 2026, it is recommended for January 2025. It is expected that carriers will chime in with operator variations as well.

It is recommended that you start planning now, as this is expected to significantly impact supply chains.

Also, expect a new requirement for non-specification packaging to meet a 3.0-meter stack test. This requirement for non-specification packaging is for packaging that is used to ship lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment is a direct result of the fire at the Hong Kong airport in 2021 (https://theloadstar.com/hong-kong-air-cargo-ban-on-vivo-phones-after-pallets-catch-fire-at-airport/)

Finally, the UN Working Group on Lithium Battery classification looks at a new classification system. Some of the criteria include propagation, flame, off-gas, and high temperature. Based on the criteria, more than 32 UN numbers could be added. This is still in the discussion stages, so stay tuned for more information.

Do you have questions about shipping lithium batteries by air? Our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.