Organisations shipping batteries by air — or shipping products containing batteries — are well aware that this is one of the most closely regulated and frequently updated areas within dangerous goods transport.
IATA has now updated its Battery Guidance Document in alignment with the 2025–2026 ICAO Technical Instructions and the 67th Edition (2026) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The revised guidance covers:
Lithium metal batteries
Lithium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte
The document is detailed and technical in nature you can download the full document here. In this article, we summarise the most significant updates and clarify what they mean in practical terms for shippers and operators.
For air transport, lithium and sodium-ion batteries are classified in Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods due to the risk of thermal runaway.
The primary UN numbers include:
UN 3090 – Lithium metal batteries
UN 3480 – Lithium-ion batteries
UN 3551 – Sodium-ion batteries (organic electrolyte)
When packed with or contained in equipment, these become:
UN 3091
UN 3481
UN 3552
It is important to remember that even shipments prepared under Section II remain regulated dangerous goods. While certain labelling, packaging and documentation requirements may be reduced, the shipments are still subject to the DGR and related obligations.
The most operationally significant update concerns the expansion of State of Charge (SoC) controls.
The 30% SoC limit for lithium-ion batteries shipped alone (UN 3480 / PI 965) has been established for some time. However, from 1 January 2026, this control expands further.
Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 966) must now be offered for transport at:
No more than 30% of rated capacity, or
A higher SoC only with approval under Special Provision A331 from the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.
This requirement applies to:
Section I shipments
Section II shipments where cells or batteries exceed 2.7 Wh
The rationale is clear: reducing the State of Charge reduces the likelihood and severity of thermal runaway events.
Organisations shipping lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment should review their procedures ahead of implementation.
For lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment, a reduced SoC is not mandatory under current provisions.
However, IATA strongly recommends offering these shipments at:
≤ 30% SoC, or
≤ 25% indicated battery capacity
While not compulsory, adopting this practice contributes to a consistent risk mitigation approach across operations.
Sodium-ion batteries are now clearly embedded within the regulatory framework under:
UN 3551 (batteries alone)
UN 3552 (packed with or contained in equipment)
Although the ICAO Technical Instructions do not currently mandate specific SoC limits for sodium-ion batteries under PI 977 or PI 978, IATA recommends alignment with lithium-ion best practice:
≤ 30% SoC where practicable
As sodium-ion technology develops, further regulatory evolution should be anticipated.
The updated guidance also clarifies requirements for battery-powered tracking devices and data loggers, commonly used in pharmaceutical and temperature-controlled shipments.
If such devices contain fully regulated lithium cells or batteries and are shipped as a consignment, they are subject to the full DGR requirements.
An exception exists for active devices installed in or on packages, overpacks or ULDs, provided strict conditions are met, including:
Compliance with UN 38.3
Energy limits (e.g., lithium-ion ≤ 20 Wh)
No dangerous heat generation
Compliance with electromagnetic standards
Limited to the number required for the shipment
The exception does not apply if:
Energy limits are exceeded
The device is powered by sodium-ion batteries
Inactive devices must be shipped under the relevant packing instruction (e.g., PI 967, PI 970, PI 978).
The 2026 guidance also provides clarification regarding battery-powered vehicles:
UN 3171 – Battery-powered vehicle
UN 3556 – Vehicle, lithium-ion battery powered
UN 3557 – Vehicle, lithium metal battery powered
UN 3558 – Vehicle, sodium ion battery powered
For batteries exceeding 100 Wh, vehicles must be offered at:
≤ 30% SoC, or
≤ 25% indicated battery capacity
Shipments exceeding 30% require State approvals under Special Provision A331.
There is no relaxation of passenger aircraft restrictions.
The following remain prohibited as cargo on passenger aircraft:
UN 3480 – Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone
UN 3090 – Lithium metal batteries shipped alone
UN 3551 – Sodium-ion batteries shipped alone
Cargo Aircraft Only requirements continue to apply.
The guidance reinforces that manufacturers and subsequent distributors must make available a compliant UN 38.3 test summary, except in limited cases such as button cells installed in equipment.
The test summary:
Does not need to accompany every shipment
Must be accessible upon request
May be provided via URL or QR code
Ensuring accessibility and traceability of this documentation remains essential.
The FAQ section addresses common areas of confusion, including:
Classification of power banks
Mixed battery and equipment shipments
Charging cases and wearable devices
When the lithium battery mark is required
Why Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are not required for batteries
These practical clarifications are particularly valuable in preventing shipment delays and operator rejections.
For Section IB shipments, full dangerous goods training under DGR 1.5 remains mandatory.
For Section II shipments, formal dangerous goods training is not required; however, personnel must receive documented adequate instruction, including:
Clear written procedures
Demonstrated competence
Maintained training records
Periodic refresher instruction
With expanded SoC requirements coming into effect, reviewing internal training materials is advisable.
Organisations shipping lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment should prioritise:
Reviewing PI 966 procedures (particularly Section II > 2.7 Wh)
Confirming how SoC will be measured and verified
Establishing a process for A331 approvals if required
Updating written procedures and staff instruction
Ensuring UN 38.3 test summaries are accessible
Battery transport remains a high-focus area for regulators and operators alike. The 2026 updates reinforce the importance of risk mitigation through State of Charge control, clear classification, and supply chain accountability.
Ensuring that procedures, documentation and training reflect the 67th Edition (2026) IATA DGR will support smoother shipments and reduce the risk of delays or non-compliance.
To support your internal review and operational planning, we have created a practical one-page compliance checklist summarising the key requirements introduced in the 2026 IATA update. This resource is designed for use by shippers, freight forwarders and compliance teams as a quick-reference tool alongside the Regulations.
You can download the PDF checklist here. We recommend sharing it with relevant personnel and incorporating it into your 2026 readiness review.
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