Reference / Paper · 2026
IATA Battery Guidance Document — Transport of Lithium Metal, Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries (Revised for the 2026 Regulations)
Air transport rules for shipping packs and kits.
- shipping
- lithium batteries
- dangerous goods
Reference / Paper · 2026
Air transport rules for shipping packs and kits.
Battery Guidance Document Transport of Lithium Metal, Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Revised for the 2026 Regulations Introduction This document is based on the provisions set out in the 2025-2026 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) and the 67th Edition (2026) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The provisions of the DGR with respect to lithium and sodium ion batteries may also be found in the IATA Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) 13th Edition. In addition to the content from the DGR, the BSR also has additional classification flowcharts and detailed packing and documentation examples for these batteries. Reference to “sodium ion battery” in this document, is to be taken as those that meet the testing and classification criteria for UN 3551, Sodium Ion Battery with organic electrolyte set out in the Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, sub-section 38.3. The information in this document is intended for guidance purposes only. It should not be relied upon as a source of regulatory compliance. Information on the DGR and BSR can be found at: http://www.iata.org/dgr https://www.iata.org/en/publications/manuals/battery-shipping-regulations/ Further specific guidance material can be identified under “additional information” towards the end of this document. Please note that there has been significant restructuring of the material in this document. When compared to the 2025 edition of this document; certain text changes can be identified by: Addition of an item Change to an item Deletion of an item This document does not consider batteries other than lithium metal, lithium ion and sodium ion with organic electrolyte. OSS/Cargo Page 1 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Table of Contents Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Cargo-Tracking Devices, Data Loggers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Electronic Bag Tags ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Classification ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Classification Flowcharts .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Classification Flowchart – Lithium Ion Batteries ................................................................................................... 10 Classification Flowchart – Lithium Metal Batteries .............................................................................................. 11 Classification Flowchart – Sodium Ion Batteries .................................................................................................. 12 Recent and Upcoming Changes.................................................................................................................................... 13 Safety of the Supply Chain.......................................................................................................................................... 13 Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 966) Section I and Section II ......................................... 14 Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment (PI 967) Section I and Section II ......................................... 14 Sodium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 977) and contained in equipment (PI 978) Section I and Section II................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Vehicles powered by batteries (PI 952) .................................................................................................................. 15 Hybrid Powered Vehicles ................................................................................................................................................. 15 Prohibitions ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Restrictions ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Transport of lithium batteries under State Approvals .............................................................................................. 16 Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Part A – Questions Related to Definitions .............................................................................................................. 18 Part B – Questions Related to Design Type Testing Provisions ..................................................................... 19 Part C – Questions Related to the Battery Test Summary ............................................................................... 20 Part D – Questions related to Classification .......................................................................................................... 21 Part E – Questions related to Packaging................................................................................................................ 23 Part F – Questions related to Marking and Labelling.......................................................................................... 26 Part G – Questions related to Documentation ...................................................................................................... 30 Part H – Questions related to Training .................................................................................................................... 32 Additional Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 35 Abbreviations, Acronyms, Symbols .............................................................................................................................. 36 OSS/Cargo Page 2 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Definitions Lithium Battery refers to a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising many types of cathodes and electrolytes. For the purposes of the DGR they are separated into lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries are generally primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Also included within lithium metal are lithium alloy batteries. Lithium metal batteries are generally used to power devices such as watches, calculators, cameras, temperature data loggers, car key fobs and defibrillators. Note: Lithium metal batteries packed by themselves (not contained in or packed with equipment) (Packing Instruction 968) are forbidden for transport as cargo on passenger aircraft). ▪ ▪ ▪ In accordance with Special Provision A201, lithium metal cells or batteries that meet the specified quantity limits may be shipped on a passenger aircraft under an approval issued by the authority of the State of Origin, State of Destination and State of the Operator. Or in the case of urgent medical need, one consignment of lithium batteries may be transported as Class 9 (UN 3090) on passenger aircraft with the prior approval of the authority of the State of Origin and with the approval of the operator, see Special Provision A201. All other lithium metal cells and batteries can only be shipped on a passenger aircraft under exemption issued by all States concerned. Figure 1 - Example of Lithium Metal Cells and Batteries Lithium-ion batteries (also abbreviated as Li-ion batteries) are secondary (rechargeable) battery where the lithium is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. Also included within the category of lithium-ion batteries are lithium polymer batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally used to power devices such as mobile telephones, laptop computers, tablets, power tools, hybrid and electric vehicles and e-bikes. Other similar sources of power (power banks, power packs, etc, designed to primarily provide power to another device) are also classified as batteries and not batteries contained in equipment. Figure 2 - Example of Lithium Ion Cells and Batteries OSS/Cargo Page 3 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Note: Lithium ion batteries packed by themselves (Packing Instruction 965 - not contained in or packed with equipment): a. must be shipped at a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. Cells and/or batteries at a SoC of greater than 30% may only be shipped with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator in accordance with Special Provision A331; and b. cannot be shipped on a passenger aircraft unless approved by the relevant authorities in accordance with Special Provision A201. Sodium ion battery, with organic electrolyte is a rechargeable electrochemical system where the positive and negative electrode are both intercalation or insertion compounds, constructed with no metallic sodium (or sodium alloy) in either electrode and with an organic non-aqueous compound as an electrolyte. Sodium ion cells and batteries with organic electrolyte must be transported as UN 3551 or UN 3552 as appropriate. Note: Sodium-ion batteries with aqueous alkali electrolyte must be transported as UN 2795 Batteries, wet, filled with alkali. Figure 3 - Example of Sodium Ion Cells and Batteries Aggregate lithium content means the sum of the grams of lithium content contained by the cells comprising a battery. The technical definition of a battery, button cell and cell, as indicated in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, is as follows: Battery means two or more cells or batteries which are electrically connected together and fitted with devices necessary for use, for example, case, terminals, marking and protective devices. Units which have two or more cells that are commonly referred to as "battery packs", "modules" or "battery assemblies" having the primary function of providing a source of power to another piece of equipment are for the purposes of the UN Model Regulations and this guidance document treated as batteries. See definitions for “cell” and “single cell battery”. (See also “Power Banks”) Button cell or battery means a round small cell or battery when the overall height is less than the diameter. Cell means a single encased electrochemical unit (one positive and one negative electrode) which exhibits a voltage differential across its two terminals and may contain protective devices. Note: Under the UN Model Regulations, UN Manual of Tests and Criteria and this guidance, to the extent the encased electrochemical unit meets the definition of “cell” herein, it is a “cell”, not a “battery”, regardless of whether the unit is termed a “battery” or a “single cell battery” outside of the UN Model Regulations, the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria and this guidance. Consignment: one or more packages of dangerous goods accepted by an operator (airline) from one shipper at one time and at one address, receipted for in one lot and moving to one consignee at one destination address. OSS/Cargo Page 4 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Indicated Battery Capacity is to be taken as the indicated remaining usable battery capacity that the user sees via a display gauge or indicator lights. Net quantity, is either: a. the weight or volume of the dangerous goods contained in a package excluding the weight or volume of any packaging material; or b. the weight of an unpackaged article of dangerous goods (e.g. UN 3166). For the purposes of this definition “dangerous goods” means the substance or article as described by the proper shipping name shown in Table 4.2, e.g. for “Fire extinguishers”, the net quantity is the weight of the fire extinguisher (the article). For articles packed with equipment or contained in equipment, the net quantity is the net weight of the article, e.g. for “Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment”, the net quantity is the net weight of the lithium ion batteries (the article) in the package. Overpack means an enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for convenience of handling and stowage. Dangerous goods packages contained in the overpack must be properly packed, marked, labelled and in proper condition as required by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The overpack must not contain packages enclosing different substances which might react dangerously with each other or packages of dangerous goods which require segregation according to Table 9.3.A. In addition, packages containing • UN 3090, lithium metal batteries prepared in accordance with Section IA or Section IB of PI968, • UN 3480, lithium ion batteries prepared in accordance with Section IA or Section IB of PI 965, or • UN 3551, sodium ion batteries prepared in accordance with PI 976. are not permitted in an overpack with packages containing dangerous goods classified in Class 1 other than Division 1.4S, Division 2.1, Class 3, Division 4.1 or Division 5.1. Power bank (power pack, mobile battery, etc.), these are portable devices designed to be able to charge consumer devices such as mobile phones and tablets. For the purposes of this guidance document and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, power banks are to be classified as batteries and must be assigned to UN 3480, lithium ion batteries, or UN 3090, lithium metal batteries, as applicable. Note: When carried by passengers, there are new restrictions on power banks. Further information can be found in the “Passengers travelling with lithium batteries guidance document including small vehicles “. Rated capacity means the capacity, in ampere-hours or milliampere-hours, of a cell or battery as measured by subjecting it to a load, temperature and voltage cut-off point specified by the manufacturer. Note: The following IEC standards provide guidance and methodology for determining the rated capacity: 1. IEC 61960-3 (Edition 1.0 2017-02): Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes -Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications; 2. IEC 62133 -2 (Edition 1.1 Amd1 2021-07): Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications; OSS/Cargo Page 5 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 3. IEC 62660-1 (Second Edition 2018-12): Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles- Part 1: Performance testing. State of Charge (SoC): The State of Charge (SoC) represents the percentage of capacity stored in a battery or energy storage system relative to its rated capacity. State of Origin: The country (State) in the territory of which the consignment is to first be loaded on an aircraft. State of the Operator: The country (State) in which the operator's principal place of business is located or, if there is no such place of business, the operator's permanent residence. State of Destination: The country (State) in the territory of which the consignment is finally to be unloaded from an aircraft. Watt-hour rating: expressed in Wh, the Watt-hour rating of a lithium cell or battery is calculated by multiplying the rated capacity in ampere-hours by the nominal voltage. OSS/Cargo Page 6 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Cargo-Tracking Devices, Data Loggers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Electronic Bag Tags Many shipments of time and temperature sensitive products including food, pharmaceutical, medical devices, vaccines, and industrial chemicals such as chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) slurries, adhesives, and sealants contain, or have attached to the package(s) and/or overpack(s) small battery-powered tracking devices and/or data loggers. Most of these devices use lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries as a power source. To be permitted in transport all lithium cell and battery types must have passed the applicable tests set out in Subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. The below recommendations on shipping active devices are based on the provisions set out in the 2025-2026 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) and the 67th Edition of the IATA DGRs. When shipped as a cargo consignment, battery-powered tracking devices and data loggers that contain fully regulated lithium cells or batteries are subject to all of the provisions of the DGR, including training, packing, marking and labelling, and documentation requirements. Exceptions (IATA DGR 1.2.7.1(i)): Data loggers and cargo tracking devices with installed lithium batteries, attached to or placed in packages, overpacks or unit load devices are not subject to any provisions of these Regulations provided the following conditions are met: a. the data loggers/cargo tracking devices must be in use or intended for use during transport; b. each cell or battery must meet the provisions of 3.9.2.6(a), (e), (f) (if applicable) and (g); c. for a lithium-ion cell or battery, a Watt-hour rating not exceeding 20 Wh; d. for a lithium metal cell, a lithium content not exceeding 1 g; e. for a lithium metal battery, an aggregate lithium content not exceeding 1 g; f. the number of data loggers/cargo tracking devices in or on any package or overpack must be no more than the number required to track or to collect data for the specific consignment; g. the data loggers/cargo tracking devices must be capable of withstanding the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport; h. the devices must not be capable of generating a dangerous evolution of heat; i. the devices must meet defined standards for electromagnetic radiation to ensure that the operation of the device does not interfere with aircraft systems. Note: This exception does not apply where: ▪ the cells or batteries exceed the energy or lithium mass limits, or ▪ the devices are powered by sodium ion batteries. In both of these cases, there is provision in the relevant packing instructions to permit these devices when active and accompanying cargo that is being tracked or monitored. Data loggers or cargo tracking devices which are not active, are to be offered for transport as a consignment in accordance with Packing Instruction 967, 970, or 978. OSS/Cargo Page 7 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Classification Lithium, and sodium ion, batteries are classified in Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous goods as: ▪ UN 3090, Lithium metal batteries; and ▪ UN 3480, Lithium ion batteries; and ▪ UN 3551, Sodium ion batteries with organic electrolyte or, if installed in a piece of equipment or packed separately with a piece of equipment for which it is designed to power as: ▪ UN 3091, Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment; or ▪ UN 3091, Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment; and ▪ UN 3481, Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment; or ▪ UN 3481, Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment; and ▪ UN 3552, Sodium ion batteries contained in equipment; or ▪ UN 3552, Sodium ion batteries packed with equipment Lithium battery test summary – except for button cells installed in equipment (including circuit boards), manufacturers and subsequent distributors of cells or batteries and equipment powered by cells and batteries manufactured after 30 June 2003 must make available the test summary as specified in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Revision 8, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5. Note: The requirement is for the manufacturer and subsequent distributors to make this test summary available. Rather than providing a paper copy of the test summary with every consignment, compliance may be achieved by placing the test summary on a website and providing a QR code or URL with the battery, its packaging or on the transport documentation. OSS/Cargo Page 8 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 The following table provides details of the information required in the test summary: Lithium, or sodium ion, cell or battery test summary in accordance with sub-section 38.3 of Manual of Tests and Criteria The following information shall be provided in this test summary: a. Name of cell, battery, or product manufacturer, as applicable; b. Cell, battery, or product manufacturer's contact information to include address, phone number, email address and website for more information; c. Name of the test laboratory to include address, phone number, email address and website for more information; d. A unique test report identification number; e. Date of test report; f. Description of cell or battery to include at a minimum: i. Lithium ion, or lithium metal, or sodium ion, cell or battery; ii. Mass; iii. Watt-hour rating, or lithium content; iv. Physical description of the cell/battery; and v. Model numbers. g. List of tests conducted and results (i.e., pass/fail); h. Reference to assembled battery testing requirements, if applicable (i.e. 38.3.3 (f) and 38.3.3 (g)); i. Reference to the revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria used and to amendments thereto, if any; and j. Name and title of responsible person as an indication of the validity of information provided. Further information on the test summary is available in Part C of the FAQ’s of this guidance document. Classification Flowcharts The following (3) classification flowcharts are intended to provide guidance on the classification for lithium ion, lithium metal and sodium ion batteries. OSS/Cargo Page 9 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Classification Flowchart – Lithium Ion Batteries All cells and batteries must be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III Subsection 38.3 (DGR 3.9.2.6) Passed UN Test? No May only be transported under State Approval as per Special Provision A88 Yes Lithium Ion Batteries (limited to a maximum of 30% SoC) Lithium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells ≤ 20 Wh Batteries ≤ 100 Wh Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells ≤ 20 Wh Batteries ≤ 100 Wh Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells ≤ 20 Wh Batteries ≤ 100 Wh UN 3480 PI 965 Section IA IMP: RBI UN 3480 PI 965 Section IB IMP: RBI UN 3481 PI 966 Section I IMP: RLI UN 3481 PI 966 Section II IMP: ELI UN 3481 PI 967 Section I IMP: RLI UN 3481 PI 967 Section II * IMP: ELI Limit per package: Pax A/C = Forbidden CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging Limit per package: Pax A/C = Forbidden CAO = 10 kg 1.2 m drop, 3 m stack tested Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg * exceptions to battery mark OSS/Cargo Page 10 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Classification Flowchart – Lithium Metal Batteries All cells and batteries must be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III Subsection 38.3 (DGR 3.9.2.6) Passed UN Test? No May only be transported under State Approval as per Special Provision A88 Yes Lithium Metal Batteries Packed with Equipment Lithium Metal Batteries Lithium Metal Batteries Contained in Equipment Cells > 1 g Batteries > 2 g Cells ≤ 1 g Batteries ≤ 2 g Cells > 1 g Batteries > 2 g Cells ≤ 1 g Batteries ≤ 2 g Cells > 1 g Batteries > 2 g Cells ≤ 1 g Batteries ≤ 2 g UN 3090 PI 968 Section IA IMP: RBM UN 3090 PI 968 Section IB IMP: RBM UN 3091 PI 969 Section I IMP: RLM UN 3091 PI 969 Section II IMP: ELM UN 3091 PI 970 Section I IMP: RLM UN 3091 PI 970 Section II * IMP: ELM Limit per package: Pax A/C = Forbidden CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging Limit per package: Pax A/C = Forbidden CAO = 2.5 kg 1.2 m drop, 3 m stack tested Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg * exceptions to battery mark OSS/Cargo Page 11 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Classification Flowchart – Sodium Ion Batteries All cells and batteries must be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part III Subsection 38.3 (DGR 3.9.2.6) Passed UN Test? No May only be transported under State Approval as per Special Provision A88 Yes Sodium Ion Batteries (limited to a maximum of 30% SoC) Sodium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment Sodium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells ≤ 20 Wh Batteries ≤ 100 Wh Cells > 20 Wh Batteries > 100 Wh Cells ≤ 20 Wh Batteries ≤ 100 Wh UN 3551 PI 976 IMP: RBI UN 3552 PI 977 Section I IMP: RLI UN 3552 PI 977 Section II IMP: ELI UN 3552 PI 978 Section I IMP: RLI UN 3552 PI 978 Section II * IMP: ELI Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 35 kg xxxx Limit per package: Pax A/C = 5 kg CAO = 5 kg * exceptions to battery mark Limit per package: Pax A/C = Forbidden CAO = 35 kg UN Specification packaging OSS/Cargo Page 12 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Recent and Upcoming Changes Safety of the Supply Chain The supply chain can be considered as the interconnected network of processes and entities involved in the production, handling, and distribution of goods from the manufacturer to the end user. An efficient supply chain aims to ensure that products are transported quickly, safely and costeffectively. When taking a holistic approach to the “Safety of the Supply Chain”, it has to be in the context of a coordinated effort to ensure that all stakeholders perform their safety functions when handling and transporting cargo and hazardous materials. • • • • • • • Manufacturers are responsible for manufacturing and classification of their products and making the information available where it supports transport safety. Shippers are responsible for properly packaging, marking, labelling and documenting dangerous goods and for compliance with safety regulations. Freight forwarders play a key role in coordinating logistics and ensuring proper routing, whilst also monitoring for consignments that may contain undeclared dangerous goods. Operators, and their agents, ensure that all employees involved in handling passengers or cargo are trained to recognize the hazards presented by dangerous goods and to manage an arising emergency. Regulators set and enforce safety standards for all parties in the domestic supply chain and collaborate with each other where international borders are involved. Passengers and crew are presented with information, with the aim of ensuring that dangerous goods are not inadvertently carried on board. There is also a coordinating role for international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In the future there will be an increasing focus on the parties involved in the cargo supply chain safety and their respective efforts in working to mitigate risks and maintain the safety and integrity of the air transport system. From 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries that are packed with equipment and vehicles powered by lithium ion or sodium ion batteries must be offered for air transport with the battery at a reduced state of charge, unless otherwise approved by the relevant States (Special Provision A331). These changes have been adopted by ICAO into the 2025-2026 edition of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The objective of these changes is to reduce the potential risk posed by lithium-ion and sodium ion batteries in air transport. It has been demonstrated that reducing the state of charge in a lithium-ion cell or battery, reduces the potential for a lithium-ion cell to go into thermal runaway. OSS/Cargo Page 13 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 966) Section I and Section II From 1 January 2026 Section I Lithium-ion cells and batteries must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. Cells and/or batteries at a state of charge greater than 30% of their rated capacity may only be shipped with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities. Section II Lithium-ion cells and batteries with a Watt-hour rating in excess of 2.7 Wh must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. Cells and/or batteries at a state of charge greater than 30% of their rated capacity must be offered for transport in accordance with the provisions of Section I of PI 966 with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities. Note: Guidance and methodology for determining the rated capacity can be found in sub-section 38.3.2.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Cells and batteries shipped at a reduced state of charge are less prone to thermal runaway. Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment (PI 967) Section I and Section II It is recommended that, for lithium-ion cells and batteries which are contained in equipment, those cells and batteries are offered for transport: ▪ ▪ at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity; or with an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%. While a reduced State of Charge is not mandatory for these items, the transport of products containing lithium batteries at not more than 30% (or 25% IBC) is strongly recommended as a transport safety measure. Note: Guidance and methodology for determining the rated capacity can be found in sub-section 38.3.2.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Cells and batteries shipped at a reduced state of charge are less prone to thermal runaway. Sodium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 977) and contained in equipment (PI 978) Section I and Section II Currently, the ICAO Technical Instructions are silent regarding the state of charge in these two packing instructions. Sodium ion batteries are an emerging technology and additional regulations will be developed if there appears to be an unexpected risk that can be easily mitigated. In the interest of maintaining a consistent and cautious approach towards aviation safety, it is recommended that shippers consign equipment with the batteries at a state of charge not exceeding 30%. OSS/Cargo Page 14 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Vehicles powered by batteries (PI 952) The following UN numbers and proper shipping names apply to vehicles where the principal source of power is from a battery: ▪ UN 3171 - Battery-powered vehicle; ▪ UN 3556 – Vehicle, lithium-ion battery powered; ▪ UN 3557 – Vehicle, lithium metal battery powered; and ▪ UN 3558 – Vehicle, sodium ion battery powered. Vehicles powered by batteries with a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh must be offered for transport with: ▪ the battery(ies) at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity; or ▪ an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%. Vehicles powered by batteries with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh and at a state of charge greater than 30% of their rated capacity may only be shipped with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities. Whilst not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that vehicles powered by batteries with a watthour rating not exceeding 100 Wh are offered for transport with: ▪ the battery(ies) at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity; or ▪ an indicated battery capacity not exceeding 25%. Note: 1. Guidance and methodology for determining the rated capacity can be found in sub-section 38.3.2.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. 2. Indicated Battery Capacity is easier for shippers to identify and determine. 25% is not directly equivalent to a 30% SoC but is a practical approach that delivers an equivalent safety mitigation. 3. Batteries shipped at a reduced state of charge are less prone to thermal runaway. Hybrid Powered Vehicles Vehicles which are powered by both flammable gas/liquid and a battery, are classified primarily under the provisions for flammable gas or flammable liquid powered vehicles. Often these vehicles are designed to maintain a high battery charge, whereby it is difficult to reduce the indicated battery capacity to 25%. In order to communicate the inherent hazard regarding the batteries in these hybrid vehicles, the addition of the descriptive text “hybrid” has been made to the proper shipping names for UN 3166. These are: ▪ UN 3166 – Vehicle, flammable gas powered, hybrid ▪ UN 3166 - Vehicle, flammable liquid powered, hybrid While the descriptive text does not form part of the proper shipping name and is not mandatory, it is expected that Operators will be adjusting their booking systems to actively question whether a consignment of UN 3166 is a hybrid powered vehicle. The addition of the word “hybrid” as a descriptive item does not change the proper shipping name and the vehicle is still properly classified for other modes of transport. OSS/Cargo Page 15 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Prohibitions Lithium ion batteries All lithium-ion cells and batteries shipped by themselves (UN 3480) are forbidden for transport as cargo on passenger aircraft. All packages prepared in accordance with Packing Instruction 965, Section IA and IB, must bear a Cargo Aircraft Only label, in addition to other required marks and/or labels. Lithium metal batteries All lithium metal cells and batteries shipped by themselves (UN 3090) are forbidden for transport as cargo on passenger aircraft. All packages prepared in accordance with Packing Instruction 968, Section IA and IB, must bear a Cargo Aircraft Only label, in addition to other required marks and/or labels. Sodium ion batteries All sodium ion cells and batteries shipped by themselves (UN 3551) are forbidden for transport as cargo on passenger aircraft. All packages prepared in accordance with Packing Instruction 976, must bear a Cargo Aircraft Only label, in addition to other required marks and/or labels. Restrictions Lithium ion and sodium ion batteries All lithium ion cells and batteries (UN 3480) and sodium ion cells and batteries (UN 3551) must be shipped at a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. Cells and/or batteries at a SoC of greater than 30% may only be shipped with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities, see Special Provision A331. Packing with other dangerous goods: ▪ UN 3090, lithium metal batteries prepared in accordance with PI 968, ▪ UN 3480, lithium-ion batteries prepared in accordance with PI 965 and ▪ UN 3551 sodium ion batteries prepared in accordance with PI 976, must not be packed in the same outer packaging or overpack with dangerous goods classified as: − Class 1 (explosives) other than Division 1.4S, − Division 2.1 (flammable gases), − Class 3 (flammable liquids), − Division 4.1 (flammable solids) or − Division 5.1 (oxidizers). Transport of lithium batteries under State Approvals The IATA DGRs reference certain special provisions where the appropriate national authorities may consider approving the transport of batteries, which do not meet the criteria set out in the DGRs. These are: • Special Provision A88 – Pre-production prototype and low production runs. • Special Provision A99 – lithium or sodium ion battery mass exceeding 35 kg. • Special Provision A183 – Waste cells and batteries and those being shipped for recycling and disposal. • Special Provision A201 – transport of lithium or sodium ion batteries on passenger aircraft. OSS/Cargo Page 16 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 • Special Provision A331 – transport of lithium ion or sodium ion batteries at greater than 30% SoC. • Special Provision A334 – transport of lithium or sodium ion batteries on a passenger aircraft where packaging mitigation exists. In most circumstances, the requirement is that approvals must be issued by the States of Origin and Operator. Certain States have set out that where their State is the State of Destination, then approval from that State is also required. Appendix D of the IATA DGR sets out contact details for dangerous goods regulators in various States. Even though a shipper may have a State of Origin Approval, an operator is not obligated to transport a consignment presented under that approval. Prior to seeking a State of Origin Approval, shippers are encouraged to first make enquiries and find an Operator that already has, or is willing to seek a State of Operator Approval. A specialist logistics provider may be needed to establish and coordinate the links in the supply chain. OSS/Cargo Page 17 01/01/2026 IATA Guidance Document for Lithium Batteries and Sodium ion Batteries – 2026 Frequently Asked Questions Part A – Questions Related to Definitions A.01 What are the various types of lithium batteries? Lithium batteries fall into two broad classifications: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries are generally non-rechargeable and contain metallic lithium. Lithium-ion batteries contain lithium which is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte and are rechargeable. Within these two broad classifications there are many different chemistries. For example, within lithium-ion batteries there are lithium polymer, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium ion to name a few. A.02 What is the difference between a cell and a battery? A cell is a single encased electrochemical unit consisting of one positive and one negative electrode that exhibits a voltage differential across