Agency Issues Reminder of new Restrictions on Shipments of Lithium-Ion Cells

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a reminder notice Wednesday that new International Civil Aviation Organization restrictions on the air transport of lithium-ion batteries recently took effect. As of April 1, lithium-ion cells and batteries are prohibited as cargo aboard passenger aircraft (except for batteries contained in personal electronic devices). Also beginning April 1, lithium-ion cells may be shipped only at a state of charge of no more than 30 percent of rated capacity on cargo aircraft, and lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries may be offered for transportation only under current provisions for small cells and batteries at one package per consignment or overpack, said PHMSA.