Welcome

Over the past twenty years PRBA has developed cooperative working relationships with transportation and environmental organizations ranging from local and national groups throughout North America to national and international industry related trade associations and government agencies in Europe and Asia. In 2004, PRBA was granted official observer status by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonised System of Chemical Classification and Labeling. These relationships will assist PRBA member companies in dealing with "globalization" issues such as the transportation of, collection, and labeling of rechargeable batteries as they manufacture and sell globally.

Signed: George Kerchner
Recent News
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PRBA Assails Fundamental Flaws in FAA Safety Study On Air Shipments of Lithium Batteries

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

PRBA-The Rechargeable Battery Association today said a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) study on the potential risks posed by the air transport of lithium batteries was based on flawed assumptions, unsound methodology and faulty data.

PRBA Endorses U.N. Efforts to Improve Lithium Ion Battery Transport Safety Regulations

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

PRBA-The Rechargeable Battery Association today praised efforts last week by the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to bolster the lithium ion battery transport safety regulations.

ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel Rejects DOT Proposal on Lithium Batteries; Delays Final Decision to January

Monday, October 24, 2011

On October 19, 2011, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel rejected the U.S. Department of Transportation's proposal to change the quantity limits on excepted lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries in Section II of Packing Instructions 965 and 968 of the ICAO Technical Instructions. The DOT proposal was rejected by a vote of 10-6.

National Fire Protection Association Holds Workshop on Lithium ion Battery Hazards

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Fire Protection Research Foundation hosted a workshop on lithium
ion battery storage protection strategies in Baltimore, Maryland on August 30th. In
preparation for that meeting, the Foundation released a 112-page study of the hazards
associated with lithium ion battery storage, with an aim of developing fire protection
strategies to mitigate loss associated with fire incidence with lithium ion batteries in bulk
storage and distribution, alone and in manufactured products.

Quebec Releases Producer Responsibility Regulation; All Lead-Acid Batteries Excluded

Friday, July 01, 2011

The Canadian Province of Quebec recently released a new producer responsibility regulation for batteries and numerous other consumer products. The regulation is scheduled to be published in the Gazette officielle du Quebec in early July, after which time more details about the rule and its implementing statute will be available.

An initial review of the rule shows all rechargeable batteries to be covered, except any lead-acid batteries, any "motor vehicle" batteries, and any batteries designed exclusively for industrial use. Also, all types of nonrechargeable, single use batteries are covered. Battery manufacturers will be responsible for implementing recycling programs by July, 2012, provided the rule is published this month. Participation in RBRC’s Canada program should be one alternative available to respond to Quebec’s program requirements. Manufacturers of products that contain covered batteries are responsible for recycling as well, but have until July, 2013 to participate.

Industry Coalition Urges Crackdown On Lithium Battery Shippers Who Fail to Comply with Air Safety Regulations

Monday, June 20, 2011

Washington — A broad-based coalition of trade associations representing manufacturers of batteries, consumer electronics and medical devices as well as air freight companies, airlines and retailers have urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to act against shippers of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries that fail to comply with applicable air transportation safety regulations. A copy of the coalition letter can be downloaded here.