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Regulatory Helpdesk: March 19

By March 29, 2018May 13th, 2019IATA and ICAO, Regulatory Helpdesk

Proper Shipping Name, Hydrostatic Pressure Tests, Other Information on the Lithium Battery Mark, and an Interesting Lithium Battery Story

Welcome back to the Regulatory Helpdesk where we answer your dangerous goods & hazmat questions. We’re here to help you become independent with – and understand the whys and hows – of the regulations.

Proper Shipping Name for Lithium Batteries (IATA)

Q. Is it acceptable to print “Lithium Ion batteries packed in equipment” on a Class 9 Miscellaneous lithium battery label for UN3481 instead of Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment?
A. Yes. In the blue pages (Section 4) of IATA, you will notice there are 2 spots for UN number “3481”, one for lithium batteries containing equipment, and one for lithium batteries packed in equipment, so either of those printed on the label is acceptable.

Hydrostatic Pressure Test by Air (IATA)

Q. I plan on shipping an F-style container as an inner container in a combination package. Per IATA  §6.3.5.1, it says the internal pressure test is not required for combination packages. Does this mean the inner container doesn’t have to meet the 95 kPa pressure rating if shipping liquids by air?
A. Although IATA §6.3.5.1 does state the internal pressure test is not a required test for inner packagings of combination packages, it also references §5.0.2.9 for further instructions, which states that packaging for retention of liquid must be capable of withstanding without leakage an internal pressure which produces not less than 95 kPa or not less than 75 kPa for certain packing group III liquids. So you must be certain that your inner container can withstand this pressure rating if shipping liquids by air.

Providing Extra Information on the Lithium Battery Mark (IATA)

Q. Can I print my part number on the lithium battery mark for shipment by air?
A. No. Per IATA §7.1.5.5.2. the lithium battery mark can only contain the UN number and an informational telephone number.

Lithium Batteries for Defibrillators (An Interesting Story)

Our repacking department received a call about a shipment of four lithium batteries by air because…

Two batteries were to be shipped to Hawaii and the other two batteries were to be shipped to California. The client has tried to ship them out himself as UN3090 and had them returned (client not certified) then he tried to ship them as UN 3091 but had them returned as well.

Then he called our repacking department. After recuperating all info pertaining to those batteries, we found that the batteries were classified as UN3090, LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES, and because of their lithium content, they did meet the requirements of Section 1A of Packing Instruction number 968 of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

They also needed to be prepared to be shipped onboard Cargo Aircraft Only. The batteries were placed in inner packagings that completely enclosed each battery, then were placed in a UN standardized outer packaging. On the packaging, the class 9 lithium battery label along with the Cargo Aircraft Only label with the proper shipping name and UN number were displayed.

Karrie Ishmael, CDGP

Karrie Ishmael has been with ICC since 1988. She has contributed to ICC's growth in various capacities, including customer service, sales, and marketing. In her current role as ICC's Senior Regulatory Expert and SDS author, Karrie conducts hazardous materials training classes in 49 CFR, IATA, IMDG, TDG along with OSHA and WHMIS hazard communication courses. When not training, she writes safety data sheets for customers to comply with North American and European requirements. She actively participates in many associations, including DGAC, COSTHA and is the former chair of SCHC’s OSHA Alliance Committee.

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