IATA has officially released DGR 64th, which will be implemented on January 1, 2023. The following changes have been made to the lithium battery section of DGR 64th.

Classification change

3.9.2.6 (g): test summaries are no longer required for button cells installed in equipment.

Package instruction change

• PI 965 & PI 968 (packing instructions for separate shipping of lithium batteries)

Addition Requirements-Section IA: addition of cells to the requirements for batteries over 12kg.

Addition Requirements-Section IB: addition of 3m stacking test for packaging parts.

3m stacking test requirements:

Stack height: 3m (with test sample) – tested by converting the number and weight of stacked packaging pieces into pressure.

Test time: 24h;

Passing requirements: no damage to the battery cells or batteries.

• PI 966 & PI 969 (packaging instructions for lithium batteries and equipment packed together)

Addition Requirements-Section II: the outer packaging needs to meet the requirements of 5.0.2.4, 5.0.2.6.1 and 5.0.2.12.1: when the battery and the equipment are packed separately and then packed in an outer packaging, a 1.2m drop test can be done on the packaging of the lithium battery or the whole package.

Overpacks-Section II: newly added requirement: the packing elements are secured in a synthetic package and that the intended function of each package is not damaged.

• PI 967 & PI 970 (packaging instructions for lithium batteries installed in equipment)

Addition Requirements-Section I&II: the outer packaging of the equipment shall conform to the requirements of 5.0.2.4, 5.0.2.6.1, large equipment can be transported unpacked or on pallets if effective protection is provided

Overpacks-Section II: newly added requirement: the packing elements are secured in a synthetic package and that the intended function of each package is not damaged.

Label Change

7.1.5.5.4 The operating label for lithium batteries no longer requires a contact number (shown below on the right). The operating label diagram for the DGR 63th is shown on the left and can continue to be used until December 31, 2026.

Warm tip: The biggest change of DGR 64th in lithium battery is that the 3m stacking test of the packaging parts is added when the lithium battery is transported separately, this test needs 3 packaging parts and the test time needs 24h, considering that this requirement is new, it is expected that the number of prophase project is very large, so the samples should be prepared and the test should be completed in advance.