Regulation: Insight: Basis for discussion

Until now, lithium batteries have been classified for transport according to battery type (lithium-ion and lithium-metal) as well as size and energy content.

In recent years, this system has given rise to a wealth of special regulations depending on the mode of transport, new findings on the various stages and new developments. Now, the classification is to be reorganized into a hazard-oriented system.

With the change in regulations in 2029, so-called hazard types A–F are expected to be introduced, based on gas release potential (volume in liters) and the risk of heat propagation (thermal runaway).

A new feature is a quantitative assessment of critical and non-critical gas release by calculating the maximum possible gas volume from energy content and state of charge (SoC). This is intended to improve the classification of smaller batteries in particular.

Overall, the document proposes an integrated system that redefines the hazard, labelling and packaging of lithium and sodium-ion batteries. The main case for transport is the specification of packaging conditions for products that pass at 100 per cent SoC (type A), whereby the hazard can be reduced by a SoC reduction or protection by the packaging, so that they should then be transported with the hazard potential of types C, D or E-F.

The table below contains a proposal for packaging requirements in various transport scenarios. Packaging requirements are then assigned according to hazard type, for example:

• Type A–B: robust outer packaging in accordance with PI 941 of the IATA DGR or PI 940, with short-circuit and activation protection
• Type C, D–E‑F: less stringent packaging requirements with reduced SoC or tested protective measures
• Waste batteries and untested batteries with a high TR risk: stricter regulations (PI 944, PI 943) or transport ban.

The system has not yet been finalized. A number of discussions still need to be held, for example on the labelling of packages.

Daniela Schulte-Brader

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