As a reminder, the 56th edition of the International Air Transport Association (“IATA”) Dangerous Goods Regulations (“DGR”) will become effective on January 1, 2015. This edition includes amendments to requirements for shipping lithium batteries by air cargo.

Dangerous Goods regulatory changes related to lithium batteries being incorporated into the 56th Edition of the IATA DGR are:

• Lithium metal batteries (UN3090) packed as standalone items will be forbidden for transport aboard passenger aircraft, must be marked with a CAO label and consolidation/ULD restrictions will apply

• Clarification language has been added for lithium ion and metal batteries packed with equipment that limits the amount of spares allowed in a package

Customers that are shipping lithium batteries by air should ensure compliance with these new regulations in order to avoid unnecessary delays with cargo movement.

For specific questions and concerns, please contact your local Expeditors representative.

Additional information on the regulations applicable to the transport of lithium batteries by air and technical pages may be found on the IATA website here and here.