IATA published guidance implementing the March 27, 2026 ICAO addendum on power banks. Passengers are limited to a maximum of 2 power banks, must carry them in carry-on baggage only, and cannot recharge power banks or use them to charge devices during flight. Power banks rated 100-160 Wh will not be permitted under the 68th Edition DGR (2027) due to safety concerns over thermal runaway incidents and non-conforming manufacturers.
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 67th Edition (2026), effective January 1, 2026, establishes new UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte: UN 3551 (sodium ion batteries, standalone) and UN 3552 (sodium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment). Sodium-ion batteries with aqueous alkali electrolyte continue to be transported as UN 2795 (Batteries, wet, filled with alkali). Classification follows the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3. Shippers must ensure proper classification and documentation for sodium-ion battery shipments by air.
IATA DGR 67th Edition introduces new UN numbers for batteries installed in cargo transport units: UN 3563 for lithium metal batteries and UN 3564 for sodium ion batteries. These new classifications address the specific hazard considerations for large-scale battery installations in cargo containers, distinct from individual battery shipments. New hybrid vehicle classifications under UN 3166 are also provided.
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 67th Edition (2026), effective January 1, 2026, makes the 30% state of charge (SoC) limit mandatory for additional lithium-ion battery configurations. Previously recommended, the SoC ≤ 30% requirement is now mandatory for UN 3481 (lithium ion batteries packed with equipment, cells/batteries > 2.7 Wh) and UN 3556 (vehicles, lithium ion battery powered, battery > 100 Wh). Shippers must implement internal controls for pre-shipment charge verification and documentation workflows. Special Provision A331 allows shipments exceeding 30% SoC with written approval from State of Origin and State of Operator.
IATA released an updated Battery Guidance Document for the transport of lithium metal, lithium ion, and sodium ion batteries. The document is aligned with the 2025-2026 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions and the 67th Edition (2026) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, providing practical implementation guidance for battery shipping compliance.
IATA issued updated guidance for passengers traveling with lithium batteries, revised for the 2025 regulations. Based on the 2025-2026 Edition of ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the 66th Edition (2025) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The document addresses different limitations and requirements for lithium batteries transported by air as cargo versus carried by passengers, helping airlines and passengers understand safe transport obligations.