New ICAO Power Bank Addendum Now in Effect
Introduction: ICAO Finalizes Power Bank Addendum
In February, my teammate, Karrie Ishmael, wrote an article on an upcoming addendum on the use of power banks on aircrafts.
Background: What Prompted the Change?
Based on an ICAO meeting held in October 2025 in Montreal, it was recommended that an amendment be created to the exceptions for dangerous goods of the operator and provisions for passengers and crew relating specifically to power banks.
New Rules Now in Effect
Well, it is now official, as of March 27, 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued the addendum to its Technical Instructions addressing the use and handling of power banks, with the changes taking effect immediately. In addition, a guidance document has been released to assist operators in implementing the changes. The official addendum is available HERE.
Where can the Guidance Document be Found?
A guidance document has been created to help operators evaluate, manage, and implement the new requirements introduced by the new addendum on power banks. In addition, a separate guidance document, focused specifically on passengers and crew traveling with lithium batteries for personal use, has been revised and is available HERE.
The addendum affects operators whose crew rely on power banks to charge or operate equipment as part of their job duties, which falls under the category of “Dangerous Goods of the Operator.”
Key Changes in the Addendum
The changes in the addendum also include:
- separating power banks from spare batteries
- limiting passengers (and crew) to two power banks for personal use.
- prohibiting passengers from recharging the power bank in flight
Access the official ICAO power bank addendum HERE.
This guidance should be used alongside the 67th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and will remain valid through December 31, 2026. The 68th edition of the IATA DGR, effective January 1, 2027, will incorporate these updates into the main regulatory text.
Key Resources and Links
- ICAO Addendum
- Changes Regarding Power Banks
- Passengers Travelling with Lithium Batteries – Guidance Document
Contact our Regulatory Experts with questions about Addendums or Regulations—we’re here to help. Give us a call at 855.734.5469 or send us an email.
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