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The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) implemented a prohibition of primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries on passenger-carrying aircraft. The prohibition, which became effective on Dec. 29, 2004, was enacted based on research from incidents involving the transport of lithium batteries.
While the law does not prohibit primary lithium batteries on cargo aircraft, FedEx Express is implementing, on an interim basis, additional packaging requirements for primary lithium batteries as outlined below. These requirements are in effect immediately and apply to all primary lithium batteries and cells, including:
- Lithium batteries and cells shipped fully marked, labeled and certified in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations.
- Lithium batteries and cells shipped under "Competent Authority" granted by any national authority.
- Lithium batteries and cells previously excepted from other regulatory requirements in the IATA dangerous goods regulations Part 1 of Packing Instruction 968.
To check commodity acceptability to your destination, select Get Rates and Transit Times, enter your shipment details and then choose the Get Detailed Quote option. If you have questions, contact FedEx International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services").
Packaging Requirements for Primary Lithium Batteries
- Primary lithium batteries and cells must be individually packaged in fully enclosed inner packaging consisting of plastic blister wrap, pasteboard or other fully enclosed packaging that will protect each battery and cell from making contact with another lithium battery or cell, or any item that is capable of conducting electricity, in order to prevent short-circuiting. Please note: Multiple batteries enclosed in a single form-fitting "retail ready" blister pack are acceptable.
- Shippers are required to contact FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration at 1.901.4DG.SAFETY (1.901.434.7233) and certify that they comply with this new interim lithium battery and cell standard.
- We will accept shipments of primary lithium batteries and cells offered as "excepted" or nonregulated per the IATA dangerous goods regulations with preapproval from FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration. Contact FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration or your FedEx account executive for complete details and procedures.
- FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration will maintain an internal list of approved shippers. Recipients or distributors cannot continue to ship primary lithium batteries unless they are on the approved shipper list. Contact FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration or your FedEx account executive for details on how to be placed on the list.
- The above requirements are in addition to the IATA dangerous goods regulations and any other packaging or shipping requirements.
Requirements for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
- FedEx Express only accepts lithium battery shipments prepared according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA regulations, including the new U.S. DOT marking requirement, as applicable.
- Once the U.S. DOT PHMSA and FedEx Express have concluded reviews of the transportation issues related to lithium batteries, we will make a decision on whether to modify these requirements or make them permanent. Please refer any questions to FedEx Express Dangerous Goods Administration at 1.901.4DG.SAFETY (1.901.434.7233).
*This includes both UN 3480, UN 3481 and UN 3091 batteries sent fully regulated and Part 1 batteries, which if sent fully regulated, would be classified as UN 3480, UN 3481 and UN 3091.