Effective April 1, 2016, more stringent regulations were issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the transport of Lithium Batteries that are packed and shipped as loose/bulk (UN3480/PI965).

A wide variety of electronic goods powered by Lithium Batteries are affected by the new regulations, regardless of whether they are rechargeable (Lithium Ion) or non-rechargeable (Lithium Metal). The regulations apply when:

• Lithium Batteries are packed and shipped as individual items (loose/bulk).  Example: Loose Batteries/Power bank
• Lithium Batteries are packed separately but shipped with equipment in the same box.  Example: A cell phone with a replaceable Lithium Battery
• Lithium Batteries are contained or installed in equipment and therefore shipped in the same box.  Example: A computer tablet with an integrated Lithium Battery within the device that cannot be removed or replaced by the user

Due to increasing safety concerns raised by the aviation industry, the IATA regulations governing the shipping of Lithium Batteries have been tightened and airlines consequently have to enforce these regulations more rigorously.

Please note that the safe transportation of such contents by air and the full compliance to IATA regulations is the legal responsibility of the Shipper. In view of this fact, IATA has produced a guide to help Shippers understand and comply with the regulations.

Any person, company or entity identified as the Shipper on the Team Global shipment waybill is legally responsible to ensure 100% compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. This responsibility persists even if the shipment containing the Lithium Batteries does not actually belong to or was made by the person, company or entity identified on the waybill.

To avoid any undesirable consequences, please alert Team Global whenever you intend to send any shipments containing Lithium Batteries. Our team of experts will be pleased to guide you through the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Following an IATA/ICAO decision to ban loose Lithium Metal batteries on passenger aircraft as from January 2015, Team Global is unable to accept these batteries on its network.  The IATA /ICAO regulation applies to loosely packed Lithium Metal batteries adhering to Section II, PI-968 while Lithium Metal batteries packed with equipment (PI-969) or contained in equipment (PI-970) are acceptable for transport.

For PI-967 and PI-970 there is the requirement that the consignment is limited to a maximum of 2 packages (each containing maximum 4 cells or 2 batteries contained in equipment).

If the shipment exceeds 2 packages, the application of the lithium battery handling label (and the subsequent requirements) apply.

This limitation of 2 packages per consignment enters only in force as of 1st of January 2017, since the regulations foresee a 12 month transitional period, however, shippers are recommended to implement it as soon as possible.

Following the ICAO/IATA changes effective 01st April 2016, PI-965 is forbidden on passenger aircraft. Due to this we offer a limited service to certain destinations. PI-965 Section II requires separate account approval. For additional information please contact our customer services team. Lithium lon batteries packed with equipment (PI-966) or contained in equipment (PI-967) are acceptable for transport.