IATA DGR Lithium Battery Shipment Compliance Checklist Section 4.2

Lithium batteries are the highest-volume dangerous goods category in aviation. Section II lithium ion batteries (UN 3480, UN 3481) must be shipped at or below 30% state of charge, packaged in strong outer packaging, and not exceed the quantity limits per package. This checklist follows IATA DGR Packing Instructions 965-970 and the 2024 ICAO Technical Instructions amendments. Loose lithium cells without equipment require CAO (cargo aircraft only) shipment above certain Wh ratings. Ground handlers

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: DG Compliance Manager
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: IATA DGR, ICAO Technical Instructions, 49 CFR 175

Battery Type and UN Number Identification

Determine whether batteries are lithium ion or lithium metal, standalone or in/with equipment, and the correct UN number.

  • Lithium ion cells/batteries (rechargeable): UN 3480 (standalone) or UN 3481 (in/with equipment)?
  • Lithium metal cells/batteries (non-rechargeable): UN 3090 (standalone) or UN 3091 (in/with equipment)?
  • Correct UN number, PSN, and packing instruction on Shipper's Declaration?
  • Applicable IATA PI (965, 966, 967, 968, 969, or 970):

Watt-Hour (Wh) Rating and Cell Limits

Verify each cell and battery does not exceed Wh limits for the applicable IATA packing instruction and aircraft type.

  • Lithium ion cells: Wh rating per cell does not exceed 20 Wh (Section II PI 965)?
  • Lithium ion batteries (pack): Wh rating does not exceed 100 Wh (Section II)?
  • Lithium metal: cell lithium content does not exceed 1g; battery content does not exceed 2g (Section II)?
  • Battery Wh rating and cell count per package:

State of Charge (SOC) for UN 3480 and UN 3090

Standalone lithium ion batteries (UN 3480) must not exceed 30% SOC per IATA DGR PI 965 Section II.

  • UN 3480 batteries shipped at 30% state of charge or less?
  • SOC limit marking or shipper declaration of SOC present on package?
  • UN 3481 batteries in/with equipment: no SOC restriction applies but equipment must be protection-switched off?

Packaging Integrity and Quantity Limits

Lithium battery packages must be strong outer packaging with terminals protected and quantity limits per package met.

  • Terminals protected from short circuit (caps, tape, or packaging prevents contact)?
  • Outer package is 'strong outer packaging' meeting IATA DGR requirements (not single-wall box)?
  • Quantity per package does not exceed limits for passenger or cargo aircraft as applicable?
  • Handling label (lithium battery) affixed on each package?

Acceptance Certification and Documentation

Complete the acceptance check and certify the shipment meets all applicable IATA DGR requirements.

  • Shipper's Declaration complete and signed (or exemption applies per PI Section II)?
  • AWB marked with DG indicator and Net Quantity of Dangerous Goods?
  • Shipment accepted for passenger aircraft / cargo aircraft only / prohibited (mark one):
  • Acceptance checker signature:

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Why Use This IATA DGR Lithium Battery Shipment Compliance Checklist Section 4.2?

This iata dgr lithium battery shipment compliance checklist section 4.2 helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for dg compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with IATA DGR, ICAO Technical Instructions, 49 CFR 175. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the IATA DGR Lithium Battery Shipment Compliance Checklist Section 4.2 cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 5 sections: Battery Type and UN Number Identification, Watt-Hour (Wh) Rating and Cell Limits, State of Charge (SOC) for UN 3480 and UN 3090, Packaging Integrity and Quantity Limits, Acceptance Certification and Documentation. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this IATA DGR Lithium Battery Shipment Compliance Checklist Section 4.2?

This checklist is designed for DG Compliance Manager professionals in the transportation & logistics industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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