PRBA - PRBA at Conferences Held in China and Japan

Associations Remind U.S. DOT of Legal Obligations in Light of Extensive Comments Filed on Lithium Battery Rulemaking

On April 7, 2010, a letter prepared by PRBA was sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of General Counsel requesting that they take steps to assure the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) fully complies with its legal obligations in considering the extensive comments filed on the Agency's proposed rulemaking on lithium batteries. The letter also was signed by numerous trade associations, organizations and companies concerned about the lithium battery rulemaking. The letter reminds the DOT's General Counsel of PHMSA's requirements under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA), the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and the other authorities that bear on the lawfulness of any final rule promulgated by the Agency.

Click here to download a coy of the letter.

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PRBA Urges PHMSA to Reject Lithium Battery Rulemaking And Adopt Internationally Recognized Transport Regulations

Washington, D.C. —PRBA- The Rechargeable Battery Association has recommended that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration drop its proposed rule on the air shipment of lithium cells and batteries and instead adopt the International Civil Aviation Organization requirements in effect since 2009 but never implemented in the United States.

"Only by bringing U.S. regulations up to the current international standards will PHMSA be taking appropriate, legally sustainable action," PRBA said in its March 12 filing with the agency. PHMSA announced its proposed rule on transportation of lithium batteries on Jan. 8, 2010.

"PRBA remains strongly committed to safety," said George Kerchner, PRBA’s executive director. “But this rule would not address the principal cause for concern—non-compliance by shippers with existing transport regulations—while imposing unacceptable costs on all Americans."

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ICAO Agrees to Adopt PRBA Lithium Battery Proposals, Rejects Pilots Association Proposals

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) met in Montreal, Canada on October 5 -16, 2009 to complete their work on amending the ICAO Technical Instructions on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Approximately 110 papers were filed with DGP, including 24 papers related to lithium batteries. Four PRBA proposals were adopted by the DGP. PRBA also was successful in securing reasonable changes to the lithium battery Packing Instructions. The changes adopted during this meeting will go into effect on January 1, 2011. [more]

UN Panel Adopts PRBA Proposal

United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has endorsed a major PRBA initiative by modifying the international testing requirements for rechargeable lithium cells and batteries [more]

The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association Supports DOT Prohibition on Spare Lithium Batteries in Checked Baggage

The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association today announced its support for new Department of Transportation rules that prohibit airline passengers from packing spare lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries and lithium ion rechargeable batteries in checked baggage but allow travelers to bring spare batteries in carry-on luggage

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PRBA at Conferences Held in China and Japan

Participants Discussed New Battery Safety and Transportation Rules

Monday, December 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. â€“ The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association today emphasized the value of international battery conferences held recently in China and Japan, noting the need for increased global awareness of battery safety, shipping, recycling and standard-setting initiatives. â€œThe battery industry is a truly global industry. It is imperative that battery manufacturers, shippers, and carriers work with national and international agencies on the latest regulatory developments impacting the battery industry,â€ said PRBA Executive Director George Kerchner.

The Sino-U.S. Dangerous Goods Forum held October 20-22 in Shanghai attracted more than 300 attendees, including PRBA members, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and China Aviation Authority officials, and representatives from Chinaâ€™s airlines, battery testing labs and battery industry. Speakers at the conference, organized at the behest of PRBA, informed members of Chinaâ€™s battery and airline industries about the impact of the new International Air Transport Association lithium battery dangerous goods regulations that take effect Jan.1, 2009. Mr. Kerchner also discussed ongoing United Nations efforts to upgrade lithium battery tests and PRBA proposals to amend the testing requirements for large format batteries used in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.

â€œThere are more than 1,000 battery manufacturers and assemblers in China and the size of its market is expected to surpass the U.S. battery market by 2012. Given these numbers, PRBA is pleased that we had the opportunity to explain the new international regulations that will dramatically affect Chinese battery manufacturers and airlines,â€ Mr. Kerchner said.

Mr. Kerchner, PRBA Board Members and PRBA General Counsel David Weinberg attended the second annual World Rechargeable Battery Regulatory Forum held in Tokyo on October 28-29. Over 50 battery industry representatives from Europe, Korea, Japan and the United States convened at the WRBRF to consider regulatory and standards issues affecting the industry and ways to improve international coordination on these matters.

Issues discussed during the forum included implementation of the European Commissionâ€™s battery directive, transportation regulations, battery collection and recycling initiatives, impacts of EC REACH Directive on battery industry and international battery standards.

â€œThese high-level substantive meetings that include leaders in the global battery industry are extremely useful and pave the way toward increased international cooperation on numerous fronts,â€ Mr. Kerchner emphasized.

About PRBA

The members of PRBA power the consumer electronics revolution and produce more than half of the worldâ€™s lithium-ion cells and account for billions of dollars in annual worldwide sales. We deliver a safe, efficient, and essential power source for notebook computers, cell phones, power tools, PDAs, MP3 players and other cordless devices. PRBA members also manufacture batteries designed for use in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. . With more than 70 members, PRBA is widely recognized as the nationâ€™s authoritative source for information on portable rechargeable batteries. Visit PRBA online at www.PRBA.org.