Lithium batteries now attract dangerous goods fee

Shippers declarations are now required for all products containing Lithium Batteries and may be subject to a dangerous goods fee.

The 55th Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulation issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) came into effect on 01 January 2014.

To comply with the new documentation requirements set out for UN3480 Section 1B of PI965 and UN3090 Section 1B of PI968, cells or batteries shipped by air must be described on a Shipper’s Declaration as set out in Section 8 of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulation.

Qantas Freight head of sales and service Mitch Wild says because the Shippers Declaration is now required, a Dangerous Goods Fee is applicable on these shipments.

“It will be compulsory to supply a Shipper’s Declaration from 31 March 2014. Failure to comply with the updated regulation may result in freight being delayed, and additional document amendment fees may also be incurred,” he says.

Clarke Global director Martin Moyano says this requirement may catch many importers and exporters by surprise.

“Many consumer electronic goods ship with batteries included and importers now need to make sure these batteries meet the standards set out in the packing instructions for dangerous goods,” he says.

For further information, see Section 1B of Packing Instruction 965 and Packing Instruction 968 of the Dangerous Goods Regulation or contact Martin Moyano at Clarke Global Logistics.

Links:

• IATA Packing Instruction 965-970 
• The IATA has also issued a document to provide guidance for complying with provisions applicable to the transport by air of lithium batteries as set out in the DGR.