US: DoT bans passenger airlines from carrying lithium-ion batteries

The US DoT issued an interim final rule Wednesday that prohibits passenger airlines from carrying rechargeable lithium-ion cells or batteries as cargo, noting their potential of causing uncontrollable fire in cargo holds. The interim rule, a regulation issued without advance public notice as a proposed rule, also requires that Li-ion batteries and cells be shipped at no more than a 30% state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft. The rule does not restrict passengers or crew from bringing on board personal electronic devices containing Li-ion batteries, or restrict cargo airlines from transporting batteries or cells exceeding 30% of charge when packed or contained in devices. “The FAA Technical Centre’s research found that lithium batteries subject to certain conditions could result in adverse events". <br/>