The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has endorsed a proposal that will ban, on an interim basis, the shipment of lithium-ion batteries aboard passenger aircraft.
According to an ICAO press release issued on February 23, 2016, the ICAO’s action applies to the shipment of lithium-ion batteries as cargo in passenger aircraft. Further, lithium-ion batteries intended for shipment in cargo aircraft must not exceed 30 percent of their maximum state of charge. Batteries with a state of charge of greater than 30 percent will require prior approval by regulators and the carrier.
The ICAO’s action does not restrict the transport of personal electronic devices carried by passengers or aircraft crew members.
The ICAO ban on the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft takes effect April 1, 2016.
