PHMSA has issued an interim final rule regarding the transportation of lithium cells and batteries by aircraft. The IFR will prohibit lithium ion cells and batteries from being transported as cargo on passenger aircraft, prevent the batteries from being shipped with more than 30% state of charge aboard cargo only aircraft if they are not packaged with or within equipment, limits the use of alternative provisions for small shipments to one package per consignment.
Passengers and crew members are not restricted from bringing electronic devices that contain lithium ion cells or batteries in their carry-on luggage. The interim final rule will be effective on March 6, 2019. Interested parties may submit comments on the interim final rule until May 6, 2019.
