Meaning
IATA transport directives outline the specific requirements for shipping lithium ion batteries that are packed with equipment. Following packing instruction 966 ensures that the batteries are secured within the same outer box as the device they power but are not actually installed in it. This distinction is important for air safety because it changes how the cargo is handled and what labels must be applied to the exterior.
Equipment Packaging
Protection for the cells must be sufficient to prevent damage from the movement of the heavier device during transit. Under packing instruction 966, the batteries must be individually wrapped or placed in an inner container to stop them from touching each other or any conductive surface. The device itself must be protected against accidental activation.
This layering of safety measures ensures that a mechanical shock does not lead to an electrical failure.
Labelling Requirement
Clear communication on the outside of the box informs the carrier of the package contents. A shipment following packing instruction 966 must display the lithium battery mark and may require a hazardous goods declaration depending on the total weight. The documentation must state the specific instruction number to allow for quick verification by airport staff.
Correct labeling prevents the cargo from being delayed or rejected at the security gate.
Safety Certification
Compliance with the rules includes a requirement that the cells have passed the UN 38.3 testing series. Packing instruction 966 only applies to batteries that are proven to be stable under the pressures and temperatures of flight. The total net quantity of lithium in the package is also restricted to minimize the risk to the aircraft.
Shippers maintain records of these tests to prove their adherence to international aviation law.
