The U.S. bans the transportation of lithium batteries on passenger aircraft

Lithium batteries are not allowed to be transported as cargo on passenger planes. Even on special cargo planes, the power of lithium batteries as consignments must not exceed 30%.

On February 26, the Pipeline and Dangerous Goods Security Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDoT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a provisional The Regulations amended the regulations on the management of airborne consignment of dangerous goods such as lithium batteries: Lithium batteries shall not be transported as cargo on passenger planes, and even on special cargo planes, the power of lithium batteries as consignments shall not exceed 30%.

Previously, the two departments have issued regulations prohibiting passengers from checking lithium batteries (such as the lithium battery module contained in the smart luggage).

However, as for mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets that can be carried around, they have not been affected by this rule change. Passengers can still bring these devices into the cabin or store them in their luggage.

Although accidents are rare, once a lithium battery catches fire, it will pose a great threat to nearby people-especially in confined spaces, In the cargo hold with super high density of cargo. The FAA pointed out that in the event of a battery fire, the on-board fire extinguishing system may be difficult to cope with, or lead to catastrophic consequences.

It is reported that from 2010 to 2013, there were 39 incidents related to air cargo transportation, 13 of which involved lithium batteries that smoked, overheated, exploded or caught fire. Fortunately, under the new regulations, such incidents are expected to be fundamentally prevented.

In addition, there were three aircraft accidents between 2007 and 2011, including two fatal crashes, which were all related to lithium-ion battery fires during cargo shipments.

The FAA issued a warning on lithium batteries in 2016, urging airlines to study the risks of using lithium batteries as cargo, including 'the potential risk of catastrophic hull loss.' The warning refers to batteries that are shipped as components, not batteries that are already in devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, or hoverboards. Many large American airlines have already started to implement this international standard voluntarily.

The number of batteries transported is smaller, and the flight and property safety of flights are also guaranteed. US Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said: 'The new regulations will help solve the challenges brought by the transportation of lithium batteries and enhance the travel safety of the public.'

In addition, for aviation safety, starting from January 1, 2019, the 60th edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 'Dangerous Goods Regulations' has officially begun to be implemented Up. Among them, there are new requirements and changes in the lithium battery transportation rules. For example, SPA213 requires that the conditions applicable to this type of lithium battery are met and the transportation is carried out under approved conditions. The new lithium battery operation label and the 9th category label must be used. Wait.