The Minister of Transport has issued a new protective direction banning the shipment of lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft’s.
Effective April 1, 2016, the ban prohibits passenger aircraft in Canada from transporting shipments of lithium-ion batteries (packed on their own and outside of equipment). The protective direction reduces potential fire risks associated lithium-ion batteries. Should one lithium-ion battery in a shipment overheat and catch fire, it could cause a chain reaction, resulting in the other batteries igniting as well.
The new protective direction falls in line with recommendations by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and will remain in effect until new permanent rules for lithium batteries are added to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods, much like gasoline, propane, and sulfuric acid. In Canada, the shipping and importing of lithium batteries are subject to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 and its regulations.
Transport Canada regulates the safe handling, offering for transport, transporting and importing of lithium batteries by specifying classification, documentation, labelling, packaging and training requirements.
All designs and types of lithium batteries must meet the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria to be shipped safely. Shippers and importers must meet the requirements set out in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations for the handling, offering for transport, transporting and importing of lithium batteries in Canada. The requirements vary by mode of transport.
Further information on transportation of Dangerous Goods can be found here.