The issue with moving lithium batteries, and devices powered by them, has been the most hotly debated dangerous goods topic for the past few years and rule changes are incoming for air cargo following the ICAO dangerous goods panel’s meeting in December.
The current rules regarding batteries differ, when moved on their own they are required to be at no more than 30 percent of full charge state, but that has never been a requirement when moved with or within equipment.
Thats is about to change. From January 2025 lithium batteries packed with equipment SHOULD follow the less than 30 percent state of charge requirements. However, from January 2026, lithium batteries packed with equipment MUST follow the charge requirements.
The ruling for 2025 is somewhat vague, where SHOULD is effectively a recommended requirement, but from 2026 there is more clarity and this could impact the supply chain process for many electronic devices and products.
Evolution Forwarding specialise in dangerous goods movements, by air, ocean and road. We provide complete solutions for packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products, including lithium batteries. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.
