Dangerous Goods Air Transport Compliance Guide: From Lithium Batteries to Chemicals Transport Regulations

The following is the framework and core content of the “Dangerous Goods Air Transport Compliance Guide: From Lithium Batteries to Chemicals Transport Regulations”, covering the latest standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

Dangerous Goods Air Transport Compliance Guide: From Lithium Batteries to Chemicals Transport Regulations
Part I: Basic Regulations and Responsibilities
International Regulations
ICAO “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air” (TI)

IATA “Dangerous Goods Regulations” (DGR)

China’s “Civil Aviation Dangerous Goods Transport Management Regulations” (CCAR-276)

Other regional regulations (such as the US FAA, European EASA)

Responsible Entity

Shipper: classification, packaging, marking, declaration

Carrier: acceptance, loading, emergency handling

Ground agent: storage, document verification

Part II: Classification and identification of dangerous goods

1. Nine categories of dangerous goods (classified by ICAO/IATA)
   Class 1 Explosives

Class 2 Gases (such as compressed oxygen, sprays)

Class 3 Flammable liquids (such as alcohol, paint)

Class 4 Flammable solids (such as sulfur, magnesium powder)

Class 5 Oxidizers and organic peroxides

Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances

Class 7 Radioactive substances

Class 8 Corrosive substances (such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide)

Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous goods (including lithium batteries, dry ice, asbestos, etc.)

2. Common special items
   Lithium batteries (UN3480/UN3090): must comply with UN38.3 test, SOC (state of charge ≤30%), and short-circuit proof packaging.

Chemicals: MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) must be provided and the CAS number must be clearly stated.

Part III: Compliance points for the entire transportation process

1. Packaging requirements
   UN specification packaging: pass the drop and stacking tests, and mark the UN code (such as UN4G/X15/S).

Exclusive packaging for lithium batteries:

Single battery ≤20Wh, battery pack ≤100Wh (PI 965 Section IA/IB).

Anti-short circuit: electrode insulation, independent inner packaging.

2. Marking and labeling
   Basic marking: UN number, product name, shipper/consignee information.

Label:

Primary/secondary hazard label (such as flammable liquid + corrosive).

Lithium battery handling label (such as “Lithium Battery Handling”).

3. Document preparation
   Dangerous goods declaration (Shipper’s Declaration):

Must be signed by an IATA-certified person.

Indicate emergency contact information.

Airway bill (AWB): Mark “Dangerous Goods as per attached DGD”.

4. Transport restrictions
   Prohibited from transporting on passenger aircraft: some highly dangerous items (such as explosives, radioactive materials).

Limited quantity exemption (LTD Qty): Small quantities of chemicals that comply with IATA Chapter 2.6 can simplify the process.

Part IV: Lithium Battery Specific Compliance
Classification
Lithium-ion battery (UN3480) vs. lithium metal battery (UN3090).
Batteries built into equipment (PI967/PI970) vs. batteries transported separately (PI965/PI968).
Key requirements
Transportation of “defective/recalled” lithium batteries is prohibited from 2023.
The total weight of each package is ≤35kg (passenger) or ≤300kg (freight).
Part V: Consequences of violations and emergency response
Penalty cases:
Undeclared lithium batteries: fines up to $50,000 (FAA case).
Unqualified packaging: flight rejection, blacklist risk.
Emergency response:
Leakage treatment: Use absorbent materials (such as sand) to isolate chemicals.
Fire: Materials that prohibit water (such as metal fires use Class D fire extinguishers).
Appendix
Common Tools

IATA DGR Manual Subscription Link

Dangerous Goods Transport Consultation Portal for National Civil Aviation Administrations

Template Download

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) Template

Lithium Battery Test Report (UN38.3) Template

Tip: Regulations are updated every year (such as IATA’s new lithium battery labeling requirements in 2024). It is recommended to regularly participate in training organized by IATA or the Civil Aviation Administration (such as DGR courses).

If you need detailed operating procedures for a certain type of dangerous goods (such as lithium batteries or chemicals), you can further expand the corresponding chapters.