64th Edition of IATA DGR

Lithium Battery Changes You Need To Know

Wow! 2023 is a big year for the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). None more significant than the implementation of the Competency-Based Training and Assessment, but that does not mean there are no other changes that could affect you (especially if you ship lithium batteries).

Listed below are 5 changes you should be aware of:

1. Battery Test Summaries
   1. Lithium battery test summaries will no longer apply to button cells shipped in equipment starting in the new year.

• Lithium Battery Phone Number Marks
  • Previously required in the DGR (7.1.5.5), lithium battery marks displaying the phone number will no longer be required, but shippers may still display the phone number until December 31, 2026

• Vehicles, Engines, and Machinery
  • Packing Instructions (PI) 220, 378, 950, 952, and 972 will be impacted by the new changes starting January 1, 2023. Specifically, engines, machinery, and vehicles containing damaged or defective lithium batteries will be prohibited from transport by air.

• Lithium Battery Overpacks
  • To bring more in line with general requirements for overpacks, clarification to Packing Instruction (PI) 966, 967, 969, and 970 will be laid out with regards to overpack usage.

• Packing Instruction (PI) 965 and 968
  • Revision to Section IB will include a “3-Meter” Stack Test. While this requirement is already in effect for limited quantity packages, will require packages to withstand “3 meters worth of stack pressure” for 24 hours to pass. There must be no signs of leakage or damage that could affect its safe transportation.

If this your first time hearing about these changes or the upcoming CBTA, make sure to follow us on all our social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) or opt-in to our newsletter to be the first to know when new content like this drops.

And if you’re worried about the coming changes in 2023, give us a call at 412-249-1111 for a 100% FREE Consultation or visit us at www.learnhazmat.com and one of our dedicated team members will answer all your IATA and Lithium Battery questions. Let us help you achieve all your training and compliance goals!