ICAO Lithium Battery Safety Update

Effective: 27 March 2026

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued an addendum to the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284, 2025–2026 Edition).

Applicability

All operators.

Purpose

• Reduce the likelihood and impact of lithium battery thermal events.

• Align operational practices with the updated ICAO Technical Instructions (Doc 9284, 2025–2026 Addendum).

What Has Changed – Summary

• Additional restrictions now apply to lithium batteries and power banks carried by operators (eg for Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs)).
• Power banks are now treated separately from spare batteries.

• New, clearer restrictions address:

• Quantity limits.
• Charging and usage onboard.
• Storage requirements for passengers and crew.

Operator-Carried Electronic Devices (Use On Board)

Applicable Devices

• Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs).

• Portable electronic devices.
• Power banks and spare batteries used for operational purposes.

Key Requirements

Battery Protection: Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be individually protected when not in use, for example:

• Stored in original retail packaging.

• Terminals covered (eg taped).

Prevent Accidental Activation: Devices must be secured to prevent inadvertent switching on.

Battery Limits (unchanged):

• Lithium metal batteries: Maximum 2 g lithium content.

• Lithium-ion batteries: Maximum 100 Wh.

Compliance Standard: All batteries must meet:

• UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.

Documentation Requirement: Procedures for carriage, use, and storage must be included in:

• Operations Manual, or

• Applicable local instructions.

This ensures clarity for both flight crew and ground personnel.

Passenger and Crew Requirements

Power banks are now regulated separately from spare batteries.

Carrying Restrictions

• Must be carried in carry-on baggage only.

• Maximum of two (2) power banks per person.
• Must be individually protected when not in use.

Onboard Restrictions

• Recharging power banks on board is NOT permitted.
• Using power banks to charge devices during flight is NOT permitted.

Key Takeaways

• Power banks are now subject to distinct rules, separate from spare batteries.
• Onboard charging and use of power banks is prohibited.

• Clear communication is essential:

• Inform passengers at check-in.
• Reinforce through passenger briefings.

These measures are particularly important for safe operations in small aircraft environments.

Additional Guidance

Further guidance developed by IATA is also available.