The US Department of Transportation has been working towards new lithium battery hazardous materials regulations since 2010. In addition, the International Civil Aviation Organization and Federal Aviation Administration have been advocating for more stringent air transport regulations on lithium metal batteries based on extensive flammability testing conducted by the FAA in 2013 and 2014. The implications for an industry that produced approximately 4.5 billion lithium ion cells and 2.5 billion lithium metal cells in 2013 are significant not only from a cost perspective but also for shippers and carriers trying to comply with an ever-increasing complex set of regulations. An overview of these regulations will be presented to prepare companies for new regulatory requirements that are expected to go into effect in 2015.
