The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) published a Notice that would revoke the Agency’s previous rulings on lithium ion cells in favor of classifying cells in the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) applicable to batteries. Until 2018, the CBP’s tariff classification position on cells and batteries was of little practical importance because there was…
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law new requirements on the safe use of e-bikes and lithium ion batteries. The legislation requires lithium ion batteries to meet manufacturing and safety standards, includes numerous provisions for resources for state agencies, first responders, and consumers, and requires a red tag on micro-mobility device…
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The UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods met in Geneva, Switzerland in June and July to address amendments to the international dangerous goods regulations governing the transport of lithium and sodium ion batteries and other dangerous goods. PRBA filed four Working Documents with the Sub-Committee that address the following issues: Amendments…
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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received a grant to explore best practices in battery labeling and recycling for the purpose of creating a voluntary standard. In June, EPA held the first of three expected workshops in Washington, D.C. on the best practices for small-format batteries. The workshop was attended by more than 50…
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During a very active year for state-level portable battery extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the U.S., the states of Illinois and Vermont were both successful in passing legislation. PRBA participated in the legislative process and testified multiple times on both bills. In Illinois, the law covers portable and medium format primary and rechargeable batteries…
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The international dangerous goods regulations governing the transport of lithium ion batteries continue to evolve and PRBA participated in two recent meetings where these issues were addressed. The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel met in November 2023 in Montreal, Canada and agreed to substantial changes to the state of charge limits on lithium ion batteries shipped…
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PRBA has been working with legislators and NGOs in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, California, and Washington on extended producer responsibility (EPR) battery legislation, and lithium ion battery safety legislation that focuses on powered bicycles and powered mobility devices. This wave of legislative activity on EPR battery legislation was expected in light of California…
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On December 15, 2023 PRBA filed comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed risk management rule for trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for all uses. A report on the TCE proposed rule was distributed to PRBA members…
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PRBA met on December 14, 2023 with officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to discuss amendments to the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) and how lithium ion cells and batteries are currently classified under the international harmonized system (HS). The HS is administrated by the World Customs Organization and used by customs…
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The International Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Good Panel (DGP) met the week of November 13 – 17, 2023 and agreed to amend the lithium battery and vehicle Packing Instructions in the 2023-2024 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI), which govern the international transport of…
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