IATA 2009 - 50th Edition - Changes for Lithium Batteries

Issue 84, December 19, 2008

There are some new changes for shipping of Lithium batteries in 2009, especially sending as Not Restricted. Some of the changes are:

Both the entries in the blue pages and Packing Instructions have split the lithium batteries into their two types: Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal.

• Lithium Ion batteries are rechargeable used in laptops, cells phones, camcorders and other portable electronics.
• Lithium Metal batteries are non-rechargeable batteries used in calculators, watches, security devices, cameras, memory backup circuits, etc.

There are 4 UN numbers for these batteries along with 6 Packing Instructions

• UN 3480 – Lithium Ion batteries packaged by themselves – Packing Instruction 965
• UN 3481 – Lithium Ion batteries packed with equipment – Packing Instruction 966
• UN 3481 – Lithium Ion batteries contained in equipment – Packing Instruction 967
  
  
• UN 3090 – Lithium Metal batteries packaged by themselves – Packing Instruction 968
• UN 3091 – Lithium Metal batteries packed with equipment – Packing Instruction 969
• UN 3091 – Lithium Metal batteries contained in equipment – Packing Instruction 970

The Packing Instructions are split into two parts:

• Part 1 – Not restricted - There are some limitations, in particular, a statement that must accompany most of these shipments.
  
  To be shipped as Not Restricted, the shipper needs to show on their paperwork such as “Not Restricted per Packing Instruction 965 (whatever PI is being used), Part 1, statement attached”.
  
  A new lithium battery label must be placed on the package when the statement is required. See Section 7, page 576, Figure 7.4.1.

Special Provision A45 has been eliminated and replaced by the Packing Instructions.

• Part 2 – Regular hazardous shipments - These need the hazard marks, labels and Shipper’s Dangerous Goods Declaration.
  
  Be aware that weights may have changed in some of the Packing Instructions.

Note: Packages of Lithium metal batteries packaged by themselves still cannot ride on a passenger aircraft to, from or through the United States. They must ride Cargo Only Aircraft and must be marked with the required statement. See Section 2.9.1, USG -02 (page 40), third paragraph.

If you require additional information or clarification, please contact your local DHL Global Forwarding representative.

Sincerely,
Dolly Welk
Dangerous Goods Compliance Specialist