What’s New in the 2025 IATA Battery Guide?

The 2025 IATA Battery Guidance Document has officially landed! If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, let’s break down some highlights. This guide is a fantastic resource for understanding the complex world of transporting batteries by air. While it’s not a regulatory document, it’s a powerful tool for education and clarity—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bit of that when it comes to batteries?

Sodium-Ion Batteries Take the Stage

The big news this year is the addition of sodium-ion batteries, complete with a handy new classification flowchart on page 12. If you’re diving into this emerging battery technology, this guide is a great place to start. They’ve also included updated graphics featuring modern battery designs, which are surprisingly helpful for visual learners or anyone dealing with newer battery types.

Updates on Cargo Tracking Devices

Another key update involves cargo tracking devices and data loggers. These changes help ensure safer and more efficient transport—something everyone can appreciate.

A Heads-Up for January 2026

Planning ahead? The guidance document gives us a preview of changes coming in January 2026 for both Section I and Section II lithium batteries:

Section I: Lithium-ion cells and batteries must be shipped at a state of charge (SOC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. Higher SOC shipments require written approval from both the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.
Section II: For lithium-ion cells and batteries with a Watt-hour rating above 2.7 Wh, the 30% SOC rule also applies. Any exceptions follow the same approval process under Section I of PI 966.

UN 38.3 Testing Report Summary

At the end of the guide, there’s a big emphasis on the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria report summary for Subsection 38.3. If you’ve ever wondered what a compliant report should look like, this section lays it all out.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!

If you’re an ICC Compliance Center customer and have questions about these updates, don’t hesitate to reach out to our regulatory helpline. Our Regulatory Experts are here to help you navigate these changes. Contact us for more information. Here’s to keeping your shipments compliant and stress-free!

Note that this Guidance Document does not replace training required. It is intended to supplement and aid in the transport process.