【New Air Transport Regulations】Enhanced Lithium Battery Energy Restrictions! Key Changes Effective January 2026 You Must Know!

          Frequently Shipping Goods with Lithium Batteries? Whether it’s electronic products, power tools, or electric vehicles, the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (67th Edition) will take effect on January 1, 2026! This update involves multiple packing instruction categories, with some recommendations becoming mandatory. We’ve summarized the key points to help you understand the new rules quickly!

Lithium Batteries Packed Separately but Shipped in the Same Box as Equipment (PI966 / UN3481)
Example: Remote control and its battery placed separately in the same outer box; smart robot host and battery in the same box but not installed.
Mandatory Requirements:

• Battery charge must not exceed 30%!
• Exceeding 30% in special cases? Approval is required for transport.
  Nuances:
• Capacity > 2.7Wh: Exceeding 30% requires approval for transport.
• Capacity ≤ 2.7Wh: Exceeding 30% is still within the normal range and does not require approval.

Lithium Batteries Installed in Equipment (PI967 / UN3481)
Example: Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
Recommended Measures (Non-Mandatory):

• Charge level ≤ 30%, or device display shows ≤ 25%.

Lithium Battery-Powered Vehicles (PI952 / UN3556)
Example: Electric balance bikes, electric scooters, etc.
Divided into two categories based on battery capacity:

1. Battery Capacity > 100Wh:

         Mandatory Requirements:

• Charge level ≤ 30% or device display shows ≤ 25%.
• If exceeded, approval is required for transport.

         2.Battery Capacity ≤ 100Wh:

           Recommended Measures:

• Try to keep the charge level below 30% or device display not exceeding 25%.
  Effective Date: January 1, 2026
  Applicability: International Air Transport