Why is ICAO Making 30% Battery Charge Mandatory for Air Cargo in 2026?
Key Points
- 1The ICAO mandatory 30% State of Charge (SoC) limit for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (PI 966) becomes effective on January 1, 2026.
- 2This new rule, adopted in the 2025-2026 ICAO Technical Instructions, is a critical step to mitigate the risk of thermal runaway and cargo fires.
- 3The change impacts manufacturers, shippers, and airlines, requiring them to adjust logistics processes to ensure compliance with the new dangerous goods standard (UN 3481).
- 4The 30% SoC requirement already applied to standalone lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) and is now extended to other high-risk cargo categories.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is strengthening global aviation safety.
New mandatory standards target the transportation of lithium batteries by air.
These changes aim to mitigate fire risks in aircraft cargo holds.
They are included in the 2025-2026 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions.
This update is reflected in the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
Mandatory State of Charge (SoC) Limit
The most significant change is the mandatory 30% State of Charge (SoC) limit.
This limit applies to lithium-ion batteries shipped in specific configurations.
Specifically, it targets batteries packed with equipment (Packing Instruction 966).
This includes items like power tools and spare battery packs shipped together.
The 30% SoC rule was already mandatory for standalone lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480).
For batteries installed in equipment (PI 967), the 30% SoC remains a strong recommendation.
The new mandatory requirement takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Thermal Runaway Prevention
Reducing the battery's charge is a key fire risk mitigation measure.
A lower State of Charge significantly reduces the potential for a thermal runaway event.
Thermal runaway is a rapid, self-heating fire that is difficult to extinguish.
Aircraft cargo fire suppression systems were not designed to contain these fires.
This makes the transport of undeclared or improperly packaged batteries a major safety hazard.
Impact on Global Supply Chain
The new ICAO standards will require significant adjustments across the supply chain.
- Manufacturers and Shippers must adapt production and logistics processes.
- They must ensure all compliant shipments meet the 30% SoC before transport.
- If the SoC exceeds 30%, special approval from relevant States is required.
This affects a wide range of products, including consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
For example, electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries (UN 3556) are also subject to this reduced SoC requirement.
The transitional period allows the industry time to modify supply chain operations.
Compliance ensures the safe transport of dangerous goods by air globally.
Regulatory Framework
ICAO, a United Nations agency, sets the global standards for aviation.
These standards are formalized in the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
IATA then publishes the DGR, which is recognized by major airlines worldwide.
This multi-layered approach is designed to enhance safety.
It addresses the risks associated with the increasing volume of lithium batteries in air cargo.
Non-compliance with these rules remains a primary cause of incidents.
All entities must ensure proper packaging, marking, and documentation (Shipper's Declaration).
For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights.
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Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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