Regulation ChangeLiveLive RegulationReporting Deadline
30% State of Charge Mandate Extended to Batteries Packed with Equipment
IATA Lithium Battery RegulationsInternational Air Transport Association (IATA)Global
Announced
Jan 1, 2026
Effective
Jan 1, 2026
Implementation
Jan 1, 2026
Description
Starting January 1, 2026, lithium batteries packed with equipment must be shipped at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. This extends the existing 30% SoC requirement which previously applied only to lithium metal and lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves (not packed with or installed in equipment). Shippers must verify and document SoC compliance for all lithium battery shipments packed with equipment.
Sources
- OfficialLithium Batteries Fact Sheet
Key Findings
30% State of Charge Mandate Extended to Batteries Packed with Equipment
ion batteries when shipped by themselves, i.e., when not packed with the equipment the battery powers or installed in equipment are required to be shipped at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. With effect from 1 January 2026, shipments of batteries packed with the equipment that they power, will also have to be at a State of Charge not exceeding 30%. Are all lithium batteries allowed as carg