
Lithium and sodium ion batteries can be carried by air depending on configuration and Watt-hour rating (for rechargeable) or lithium content (for non-rechargeable). In addition, spare batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. To assist shippers in understanding the complete requirements related to the transport of. . In the 23rd edition of the UN Model Regulations, the UN SCoETDG, made provisions for sodium ion batteries, with liquid organic electrolytes, marking a significant shift for 2025.. . Preparation is a key component in understanding the terms of the Regulations. IATA has created a training course on Shipping. [pdf]
For proper training on dangerous goods including the Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air course, IATA offers a wide variety of safety courses to ensure you are competent in dealing with dangerous goods. This is required for all who participate in the shipping and handling of dangerous goods.
With the rapid growth in global demand for battery-powered products and the shift toward net-zero carbon emissions, air transport faces new challenges in handling and shipping batteries safely. From electric vehicles (EVs) to e-bikes, the increasing shipment of batteries poses potential risks not only to aircraft but also to passengers and crew.
IATA has created a training course on Shipping Batteries by Air that covers all aspects of the identification, packing, marking and labeling, as well as the documentation requirements on lithium batteries transportation. Batteries are dangerous goods posing safety risks if not in line with transport regulations.
That’s why the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is promoting the increased viability of air transport for lithium-ion batteries through a four-part approach: Promote the development of outcome-based, harmonized safety-related screening standards and processes for lithium batteries.
Regulations for shipping lithium batteries by air are in place to protect everyone who would come in contact with a lithium battery shipment while it is being transported as air cargo; with training being required for everyone in this supply chain, to protect the aircraft, and the people in the aircraft, that is carrying the batteries.
A table in the Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations manual gives the precise weight of batteries per package on both cargo and passenger aircraft. All marks and labels must be clearly visible on the exterior of all packages and overpacks. Proper marking and labeling is required when shipping lithium batteries by air.

Some types of Lithium-ion batteries such as contain metals such as , and , which are toxic and can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills. Additionally, fires in landfills or battery-recycling facilities have been attributed to inappropriate disposal of lithium-ion batteries. As a result, some jurisdictions require lithium-ion batteries to be recycled. Despite the environmental cost of improper disposal of lithium-ion batte. The manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries produces several types of pollution emissions, including greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and toxic substances. [pdf]
While the principle of lower emissions behind electric vehicles is commendable, the environmental impact of battery production is still up for debate.
For batteries, a number of pollutive agents has been already identified on consolidated manufacturing trends, including lead, cadmium, lithium, and other heavy metals. Moreover, the emerging materials used in battery assembly may pose new concerns on environmental safety as the reports on their toxic effects remain ambiguous.
When there’s a lack of regulation around manufacturing methods and waste management, battery production hurts the planet in many ways. From the mining of materials like lithium to the conversion process, improper processing and disposal of batteries lead to contamination of the air, soil, and water.
From the mining of materials like lithium to the conversion process, improper processing and disposal of batteries lead to contamination of the air, soil, and water. Also, the toxic nature of batteries poses a direct threat to aquatic organisms and human health as well.
Nevertheless, the leakage of emerging materials used in battery manufacture is still not thoroughly studied, and the elucidation of pollutive effects in environmental elements such as soil, groundwater, and atmosphere are an ongoing topic of interest for research.
The study, focused on China and India, found that domesticating EV supply chains could raise sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by up to 20%, underscoring the importance of clean supply chain strategies. Credit: Bumper DeJesus, Princeton University EV battery production could increase SO2 pollution, with China and India facing distinct challenges.

For all methods of transport the U.S. legal requirements are laid down in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 173.159) which state: 1. Batteries should be individually wrappedso that there is no chance of the terminals coming into contact with any external material or other battery terminals in the same package –. . Non-spillable lead acid batteries (those that use Gel or Absorbent Glass Matt technology) require the same packaging as those filled with acid with the following differences: 1. No acid proof liner is required. 2. The box must. . Carriers will usually require these to be drained of acid and enclosed in an acid proof liner. Some may state that the battery is also covered. . Just because your lead acid battery won’t do what you want it to do like start and engine does not mean that it is completely dead. Shorting out the. [pdf]
Similarly, the IMDG code sets out similar requirements at Packing instruction P801 when you are shipping internationally by Sea. Using UN packaging would also be acceptable to ship lead acid batteries within Canada as well as by Sea internationally. If you are shipping internationally by air, we would look in IATA at Packing instruction 870.
UN specification packaging such as 4G fiberboard boxes, various types of drums, and wooden boxes are all compliant to ship lead acid batteries per the 49CFR. If you are shipping by air, a leakproof liner is also a requirement as well.
Let’s take a look at the various domestic and international regulations. For the purpose of this blog, we will be examining Lead Acid Batteries classified as UN2794 which are Batteries, wet, filled with acid. Per the 49CFR 173.159, lead acid batteries must be packaged in a manner to prevent a dangerous evolution of heat and short circuits.
Per the 49CFR 173.159, lead acid batteries must be packaged in a manner to prevent a dangerous evolution of heat and short circuits. This would include, when practicable, packaging the battery in fully enclosed packaging made of non-conductive material, and ensuring terminals aren’t exposed.
The transportation of lead acid batteries by road, sea and air is heavily regulated in most countries. Lead acid is defined by United Nations numbers as either: The definition of ‘non-spillable’ is important. A battery that is sealed is not necessarily non-spillable.
For this reason, any battery that is suspected or known to be defective (swelling, corroding or leaking, for example) is not permitted for shipping within the DHL Express network. When you're shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, it's essential to follow specific regulations regarding their state of charge (SoC).
We are dedicated to providing reliable and innovative energy storage solutions.
From project consultation to delivery, our team ensures every client receives premium quality products and personalized support.