Important Regulatory Update: IATA DGR 67th Edition (2026) New Requirements for Lithium Battery State of Charge in Air Transport
Introduction
As a leading international freight forwarder based in Shenzhen, a global hub for electronics and technology exports, we are writing to inform our valued clients and partners about a significant update to international air transport regulations concerning lithium batteries. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 67th edition of its Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which introduces clarified and, in some cases, mandatory requirements regarding the State of Charge (SoC) for lithium-ion batteries shipped by air. These changes, effective January 1, 2026, are critical for all parties involved in the global supply chain of battery-powered devices and vehicles.
Overview of Key Changes in IATA DGR (67th Edition)
The core of the update revolves around specific SoC limits for different classifications of lithium-ion batteries during transportation. The primary threshold is that the battery's SoC must not exceed 30% of its rated capacity, or, for batteries contained in equipment, the device must display a charge level of 25% or less. The application of this rule varies from a mandatory requirement to a strong recommendation, depending on the battery's UN classification, packing instruction (PI), and energy rating.
Detailed Requirements by Battery Category
The following table and summaries outline the specific rules based on the IATA DGR documentation:
| UN Number & Description | Packing Instruction (PI) | Sub-Section / Condition | State of Charge (SoC) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (e.g., drill, robot vacuum) |
PI966 | Section I | Mandatory: SoC ≤ 30%. Shipments exceeding this limit require approval from both the State of Origin and the airline's State. |
| UN3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (e.g., drill, robot vacuum) |
PI966 | Section II - Batteries 2.7 Wh | Mandatory: SoC ≤ 30%. Approval required if exceeded. |
| UN3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (e.g., drill, robot vacuum) |
PI966 | Section II - Batteries ≤ 2.7 Wh | Recommended: SoC ≤ 30%. Exceeding this level is permitted for normal transport without special approval. |
| UN3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (e.g., phones, tablets) |
PI967 | Sections I & II | Recommended: SoC ≤ 30% or a device display showing ≤ 25%. This is a recommendation, not a mandatory requirement. |
| UN3556 Lithium ion battery-powered vehicles (e.g., e-scooters, e-bikes) |
PI952 | Battery 100 Wh | Mandatory: SoC ≤ 30% or display showing ≤ 25%. Approval required if exceeded. |
| UN3556 Lithium ion battery-powered vehicles (e.g., e-scooters, e-bikes) |
PI952 | Battery ≤ 100 Wh | Recommended: SoC ≤ 30% or display showing ≤ 25%. |
Critical Notes for Shippers and Declarants
- Regulatory Harmonization: As of now, no national civil aviation authorities or airlines have filed differences (stricter requirements) against these specific IATA DGR 67th Edition provisions. This means the rules described above represent the current global standard for IATA-member airlines.
- Airline-Specific Documentation Requirements: Several major airlines, including Korean Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana Airlines, and STARLUX Airlines, have implemented an additional procedural requirement. They mandate that the statement "State of Charge not more than 30%, or not more than 25% displayed" must be explicitly declared in the "Handling Information" box (Field 18) of the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD). It is advisable to confirm this requirement with the operating carrier for each shipment.
Implications for Your Supply Chain
Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety of air transport, avoid shipment delays, rejections, or penalties at the airport, and maintain a smooth logistics flow. As your freight forwarder, we strongly advise all shippers and manufacturers to:
- Review Internal Processes: Ensure your warehousing and pre-shipment procedures include a step to measure and adjust the SoC of lithium batteries and products containing them to the required levels.
- Update Documentation: Incorporate the necessary SoC declarations and certifications into your shipping documentation and commercial invoices as required.
- Communicate with Partners: Inform your suppliers and buyers about these requirements to align expectations and responsibilities across the supply chain.
We recommend initiating a review of your upcoming shipments that involve lithium batteries to facilitate a seamless transition under the new rules.
Source: This advisory is based on official information from the Civil Aviation Dangerous Goods Transport Management Center of China, pertaining to the IATA DGR 67th Edition.
Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only. While based on official sources, regulations are subject to change. For definitive guidance on specific shipments, please consult the latest IATA DGR manual or contact our dangerous goods compliance team.