Meaning
The hazardous goods transport regulations developed by the international air transport association govern the packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for shipping loose lithium ion batteries by air. This iata pi 965 standard applies specifically to cells and batteries shipped on their own, rather than packed with or contained in equipment. The rules measure the safety of the package during flight and set a hard limit of thirty percent state of charge for all shipped batteries.
The regulation does not apply to lithium metal cells, which are governed by a separate instruction. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for all commercial air shipments.
Regulatory Categories
Dividing the standard into different sections based on the watt hour rating and the weight of the shipment helps optimize compliance paths. Under iata pi 965, shipments must travel on cargo-only aircraft and are prohibited on passenger flights to ensure transport safety. Section one covers high capacity batteries that require full dangerous goods documentation, certified packaging, and trained handling personnel.
Section two provides a streamlined pathway for low capacity cells but still mandates specific package markings and a thirty percent state of charge. Logistics managers must choose the correct section to avoid shipment delays and severe regulatory penalties. The choice dictates the type of packaging materials required for the shipment.
Packaging Requirements
Preparing shipments requires high quality packaging that has passed standard drop tests and pressure differential evaluations. The iata pi 965 protocol requires that inner packagings completely enclose each battery to prevent short circuits and accidental activation during transport. The outer packaging must be strong enough to withstand the forces encountered in air transport, including vibrations and temperature changes.
Standardized warning labels must be affixed to the outside of the box, displaying the lithium battery hazard symbol. These measures are designed to contain any thermal event that may occur during the flight. The documentation must be presented to the airline prior to loading.
Air transport
Air carriers inspect every shipment of lithium batteries to ensure full compliance with the current version of the regulations. The use of iata pi 965 requires the shipper to sign a legally binding declaration that the batteries have passed un thirty eight point three testing. Sourcing agreements should clearly define which party is responsible for certifying compliance and paying the associated processing fees.
Any non-compliance can lead to shipments being grounded and significant financial liabilities for the exporter. This standard ensures that air transport remains a safe and reliable option for distribution.
