2009/12/24

Handling of Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion batteries following Amendment of IATA Regulations (Amendment 2)

This letter has been revised in compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 51^st edition effective on January 1^st, 2010. The amended items in this letter are highlighted in blue to help identify the amendments.

We would appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

1. Transport of lithium batteries as Section II of each Packing Instruction (Excepted Lithium Batteries)

(1) Please check requirements in Section II of the applicable Packing Instruction (PI 965, 966, 967, 968, 969 and 970).

(2) Information on Air Waybill

Please fill in the AWB as below. If it is difficult to complete due to space, etc. you may use a separate sheet. When doing so, write all the items below (a) to (d) In this case, write (a) on the AWB repeatedly.
Even In case of Category 4, 7 on the Attachment 1, please write (a) on the AWB. (This provision has become a mandatory item from the DGR 51^st)

(a) In order to indicate that the package contains Lithium ion (or metal or ion and metal) batteries and is applicable to Section II of Packing Instruction, the words "Lithium xxx batteries", "Not restricted" and the applicable Packing Instruction number must be included in the Handling Information on the air waybill as the following example:

e.g) "Lithium ion batteries, NOT RESTRICTED as per PI 9xx"; or
"Lithium metal batteries, NOT RESTRICTED as per PI 9xx" ; or
"Lithium ion and metal batteries, NOT RESTRICTED as per PI 9xx and PI 9xx".

(b) Considering the package must be handled with care due to the risk of fire if the package is damaged, indicate as in the following statement.

e.g.)"The package must be handled with care and a flammability hazard exists, if the package is damaged."

(c) Write handling procedures, etc. in case the package is damaged, according to applicable Packing Instruction.

e.g.)"Do not damage or mishandle this package. If the package is damaged, the package must be inspected and if necessary, batteries must be repacked so as to prevent short circuit."

(d) Write a telephone number for additional information.

e.g.) Contact TEL Number :

81-476-33-XXXX (Japan)
1-800-424-XXXX 1-703-527-XXXX (US) etc.

(3) Drop test of package

If there is a drop test requirement in the Packing Instruction, use a packaging that has passed the drop test (1.2m). Especially, in case that battery packed with equipment in the same packaging, it is mandatory to conduct a drop test including the equipment. Please retain the results of the test. If there is a trouble or if an incident/accident occurs, you may be asked to submit the test results by the carrier or the competent authority.

(4) Affixing lithium battery handling label

Each package must be labeled with Lithium Battery Label specified in the IATA DGR 7.2.4.7. The Labels must show (a)Lithium ion battery, (b)Lithium metal battery or (c)Lithium ion and metal batteries and a telephone number for additional information.
When affixing the Lithium Battery Labels, they must not be folded or affixed in such a manner that parts of the label appear on different faces of the package. Please note that affixing of labels is exempted, when transporting batteries contained in equipment, in case that each package containing not more than four cells or not more than two batteries in equipment. ( Attachment 1, Category 4, 7)

(5) Indication of Watt-hour

As for lithium ion batteries (100Wh and below), it is necessary to indicate Watt-hour rating on the battery case exterior. However, for lithium ion batteries manufactured before December 31, 2008, indication is exempted until December 31, 2010.

(6) Package and Overpack

Package means the package, ready for carriage, contains "Lithium ion and/or metal Battery(ies)" or "Lithium ion and/or metal Battery(ies) packed with equipment(s)" or "Lithium ion and/or metal Battery(ies) contained in equipment(s)". The package must be suitable for labeling and handling for Air transport, and must meet all requirements in Section II of the applicable Packing Instructions (including drop test if required).
If one or more outer packaging is packed in one outer enclosure or containment, it will be considered as "Overpack" in accordance with the relevant provisions in the IATA DGR, even if the batteries in question are transported under the scope of Section II in an "Excepted" scenario.
In case of overpack, the number of overpacks should be equal to the number of pieces on the AWB.
Each individual package placed in an overpack must be labelled with the Lithium Battery Label.
An overpack must be marked with the word "Overpack" and labelled with the Lithium Battery Label, unless the label(s) on the package(s) inside the overpack are visible. (PI966 and PI 969 are also subject to this provision in accordance with the guidance documents by the IATA)

(7) Misc.

Please observe State & Operator Variations. Especially, as regards USG-02, UN3090 - (primary /non-rechargeable) lithium metal batteries and cells are forbidden for transportation aboard passenger-carrying aircraft and UN3091 - (primary /non-rechargeable) lithium metal batteries and cells packed with or contained in equipment that do not conform to the provision concerned of 49CFR are forbidden for transportation aboard passenger-carrying aircraft.

2. Transport of lithium batteries as Section I of each Packing Instruction (Fully Regulated Class 9 Lithium Batteries)

Please check requirements in the Section I of the applicable Packing Instruction (PI 965, 966, 967, 968, 969 and 970).

3. For more details, please contact each operator.

4. Attachment 1: Guide for Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion Batteries Handling in compliance with Section II of each Packing Instruction (Labeling, Marking and Completion of AWB)