ICAO panel proposes banning lithium batteries on passenger flights

The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) focused on a proposed prohibition of lithium batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, according to a meeting report received by the U.S. Airforwarders Association and disseminated to its members.

The DGP met in Montreal during the week of April 7. The panel agreed to adopt the prohibition on lithium batteries, but this doesn’t include those batteries packed with or contained in equipment, or those carried by passengers in the aircraft’s cabin, according to the meeting report.

This decision is expected to be approved by the DGP’s parent committee, the Air Navigation Commission (ANC), at its scheduled meeting later in April.

“Please note, the ANC may adopt the DGP’s decision but has within its prerogative, the option of amending/extending it,” the report said. “The actual text of the decision, including associated consequential amendments, can be expected towards the end of May.”

The DGP discussed an effective date for the prohibition of Jan. 1, 2015, “but this date could be moved up or pushed back depending on the discussion and decisions of the ANC,” according to the report.