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:
Related Transport & Logistics Checklists
- IATA DGR Dangerous Goods Shipper Declaration Verification Checklist
- IATA DGR Packaging & Marking Compliance Verification Checklist
- FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Maintenance Return to Service Record Checklist
- FAA 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D Annual Inspection Scope Checklist
- FAA 14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier Maintenance Program Audit Checklist
- FAA 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station Quality System Audit Checklist
- ICAO Annex 14 Aerodrome Runway Safety Inspection Checklist
- ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management System SMS Implementation Checklist
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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.