New Lithium Metal Battery Air Transport Regulations to be Considered at First International Lithium Battery Transport Coordination Meeting

January 9th, 2014 | Posted in General

The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel plans to hold meetings in February and April 2014 to consider new air transport restrictions on lithium metal batteries. The first meeting is scheduled for February 4 – 6, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. According to ICAO, the primary purpose of this “First International Lithium Battery Transport Coordination Meeting” is to review the air transport of lithium metal batteries in Classes C and E aircraft cargo compartments and develop recommendations that will provide “the international aviation community with an acceptable level of risk and afford the battery industry the least possible burden in implementation.”

The main objectives are:

• to provide information, based on areas of expertise, on aircraft fire protection systems and their effects on mitigating the risks of lithium metal batteries via presentations or information;
• to provide meeting participants with information on the risks lithium metal batteries present in air transport;
• to become the resource of multidisciplinary knowledge and information on the air transport of lithium metal batteries as cargo in Classes C and E cargo compartments;
• to review, discuss and develop, as needed, draft standards for lithium metal batteries shipped in Classes C and E aircraft cargo compartments; and
• to provide recommendations for updated information on the risks associated with the transport of lithium metal batteries and mitigation strategies determined to be appropriate.

The full terms of reference for the meeting can be downloaded here.

PRBA will be represented at the meeting by Executive Director George Kerchner. Please contact Mr. Kerchner at 202.719.4109 or gkerchner@wileyrein.com for more information.