Lithium Ion Batteries: New rules on airshipments coming

At the recent meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) dangerous goods panel, it was agreed to introduce a State of Charge (SoC) requirement of 30% for more categories of lithium ion batteries being transported by air.

This change will apply to lithium ion batteries packed with equipment – where a device has its battery packed in the same box. Currently the SoC requirement only applies to lithium ion batteries shipped by air on their own. It has been recognized that the reduction of SOC from 100% to 30% SOC significantly reduces the hazards of Li-ion batteries.