Lithium Batteries: What’s Ahead in Regulatory Changes and Safety Standards
The use of lithium batteries is growing rapidly due to the rise of portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. As their popularity increases, so does the need for strict safety and regulatory measures to ensure their safe transport.
This issue was a major focus at the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel meeting in December 2023, where important updates and upcoming changes to lithium battery regulations were discussed.
New Rules for Shipping Lithium Batteries
Currently, lithium batteries shipped alone must have a State of Charge (SoC) of 30 per cent or less. This rule has not applied to batteries packed with or in equipment, but that is set to change.
New SoC Requirements
- Mandatory by January 2026: Starting January 2026, lithium batteries packed with equipment must have an SoC of 30 per cent or less.
- Recommended by January 2025: Companies are encouraged to start following this guideline by January 2025 for a smoother transition.
- Voluntary for Contained Batteries: Although not mandatory, it is recommended that lithium batteries contained within equipment also follow the 30 per cent or less SoC guideline.
Impact on Supply Chains
These new requirements are expected to affect supply chains, especially logistics and inventory management, significantly. Companies should start planning now to accommodate these changes. Early compliance can help avoid disruptions and align business practices with the new regulations.
New Packaging Requirements
Following a 2021 fire incident at Hong Kong airport involving lithium batteries, additional packaging requirements are being introduced:
- 3.0-Meter Stack Test for Non-Specification Packaging: To enhance safety and structural integrity, packaging for shipping lithium-ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment must meet a 3.0-meter stack test.
UN Working Group on Lithium Battery Classification
The UN Working Group is exploring a new classification system for lithium batteries which aims to better categorize these batteries based on safety criteria such as:
- Propagation: The potential for a battery to cause thermal runaway.
- Flame: The likelihood of flame emission.
- Off-Gas: The release of gases during thermal runaway.
- High Temperature: The maximum temperature during failure.
This new system could add over 32 new UN numbers for lithium batteries if adopted, providing more precise regulation.
Industry Implications
These regulatory changes show the ongoing effort to improve lithium battery transport safety. Manufacturers, shippers, and other stakeholders must adapt continuously to these evolving standards. The new regulations are designed to make shipping lithium batteries safer and reduce incident risks.
Preparing for the Changes
To comply with the new regulations, companies should:
- Review and Update Procedures: Check and adjust current shipping practices to meet the new SoC and packaging requirements.
- Enhance Training: Train employees on the new regulations and safe handling practices for lithium batteries.
- Collaborate with Partners: Work with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new standards and address supply chain challenges.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with developments from the UN Working Group on Lithium Battery classification and other regulatory updates.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes in lithium battery regulations highlight the commitment to improving the safety and security of the transportation of dangerous. By staying informed and proactively adapting to these changes, businesses can ensure compliance and contribute to a safer global supply chain.
If you have any questions or need assistance with shipping lithium batteries, Global Hazmat’s team of experts is here to help.
Call or email us for personalized support and guidance.