Lithium Battery Shipping Special Provisions And Prohibitions Checklist

By Mike Bond
22 feb 2013

Special Provisions – Allow for the transport of lithium batteries other than in accordance with defined conditions or limits, or which require the shipper to take additional precautions when preparing batteries for transport.

EXCERPT -

Special Provision A88 – Applies to prototype or low production lithium cells or batteries that have not yet passed the UN test requirements in subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria may be transported aboard cargo aircraft, if approved by the appropriate authority of the State of origin and the following requirements are met:

Must be approved by the appropriate authority of the State of origin.

Cells or batteries are packed in an outer packaging that is metal, plastic, or plywood drum or a metal, plastic, or wooden box that meets the criteria for Packing Group I packing’s.

Each cell or battery is individually packed in an inner packaging inside an outer packaging and surrounded by cushioning material that is non-combustible, and nonconductive.

Cells or batteries are protected from short-circuiting.

Lithium batteries with a mass of 12kg or greater and having a strong impact resistant outer casing, or assembly of such batteries may be packed in strong outer packagings or protective enclosures. The batteries or battery assemblies must be protected against short circuiting.