Major update! Lithium battery transportation ushered in three new standards

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published the 2025 version of the Dangerous Goods Code (DGR), Version 66, a major update to air transport regulations for lithium batteries. These changes will take effect from January 1, 2025, and will have a profound impact on lithium battery manufacturers, transportation companies, and related logistics enterprises.

Add UN number

In the new DGR, IATA introduced three new United Nations numbers (UN numbers) for different types of sodium-ion batteries to adapt to the development of new energy technologies. New UN numbers include:

• UN 3551 (sodium ion battery);

• UN 3552 (sodium-ion battery installed in equipment);

• UN 3552 (sodium-ion battery packaged with device).

New packaging requirements

In terms of packaging, the new DGR adds three new packaging clauses, PI 976, PI 977 and PI 978, specifically for sodium-ion batteries containing organic electrolytes. These new packaging terms correspond to different UN numbers and are designed to provide more detailed guidance for the safe transport of lithium batteries.

New test requirements

For the packaging of lithium ion batteries and lithium metal batteries, the new DGR adds a 3-meter stacking requirement in PI 966-II, PI 967-I/II, PI 969-II, PI 970-I/II and other provisions to ensure the strength and safety of the packaging. At the same time, new requirements are also put forward for the charge of lithium batteries. For example:

These new IATA regulations highlight the continued concern for the safety of lithium battery transportation, and also reflect the increased adaptability of the air transportation industry to the development of new energy technologies. Lithium battery manufacturers and transportation companies need to pay close attention to these changes and ensure that their products and transportation processes meet the latest safety standards.