IATA 1st April 2016 update
I just had a message from ebay Global Shipping Program that a packet to Switzerland was being delayed due to possible prohibited goods being suspected. On viewing the IATA update I found that:
'Changes to the Provisions for Lithium Batteries
Effective 1 April 2016
1. UN 3480, PI 965, Section IA and IB. Lithium ion cells and batteries must be offered for
transport at a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity.
Cells and/or batteries at a SoC of greater than 30% may only be shipped with the
approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written
conditions established by those authorities.
UN 3480, PI 965, Section IA and IB are forbidden for carriage on passenger aircraft. All
packages must bear the Cargo Aircraft Only label in addition to the other marks and
labels required by the Regulations.'
I don't know if this is going to turn out to be the reason for my delay but I was not aware of this change, which seems to be that Li-Ion batteries are normally only permitted in a state of low charge. I wonder how many other ebay shippers are aware of this?