New standard for lithium battery transport packaging

IATA DGR 64 Edition (2023) has made adjustments to various dangerous goods air transport rules again, and the new rules will be implemented on January 1, 2023. The main changes related to the air transportation of lithium batteries in the 64th edition of DGR revision in 2023 are as follows:

No.1

Changes in the requirements of the button battery cell UN38.3 test outline

Beginning on January 1, 2023, according to the newly revised 3.9.2.6.1, the need to provide a test summary when the button cell is installed in the device and shipped is canceled.

No.2

UN 3171 Battery-powered vehicle adds special clause A154

A154: It is prohibited to transport lithium ion cells or batteries and lithium metal cells or batteries determined to have safety defects that may cause dangerous thermal runaway, fire or short circuit (for example, due to safety reasons or cannot be determined to be dangerous before transportation) cells or batteries recalled by the manufacturer for defects).

No.3

New requirements for PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB packages for lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries shipped separately

The Packing Instructions PI 965 IB and PI 968 IB were revised to add the requirement of 3m stacking test. Each package must be able to withstand a pressure applied to its top surface equivalent to the total weight of the same package stacked to a height of 3 meters (including the test sample) for 24 hours without damage to the cells or batteries contained therein and The package must be free of damage that could adversely affect transport safety.

No.4

New requirements for PI 966 II, PI 967 II, PI 969 II and PI 970 II packages for lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries packed together with equipment or installed on equipment

The parts related to Overpack in Packing Instructions PI 966 II, PI 967 II, PI 969 II and PI 970 II have been revised, requiring that when packages are placed in overpacks, these packages must be securely fixed on the overpack packages, and the overpack must not interfere with the intended function of each package.

No.5

Lithium Battery Handling Label Changes

Beginning January 1, 2023, the lithium battery handling label will be amended to remove the requirement to display a phone number on the label. There will be a transition period until December 31, 2026, before which the existing lithium battery operated labels can continue to be used.