In global trade, ensuring that lithium-ion battery-containing products are transported by air safely and in compliance with regulations is a critical aspect that enterprises must prioritize.

Air transport has become the preferred choice for many enterprises to export goods due to its efficiency and speed. However, products containing lithium-ion batteries pose certain safety risks during international air transport and thus need to adhere strictly to international regulations and standards. The Air Transport Identification Report is an essential document to ensure the safe and compliant transport of these products.

I. What Is an Air Transport Identification Report?

The Air Transport Identification Report, officially known as the Identification and Classification Report for Air Transport of Goods, is a key document issued by professional institutions after conducting a comprehensive assessment of goods. Its primary purpose is to determine whether the goods are suitable for air transport.

It acts like a "air transport passport" for the goods, detailing the characteristics and potential risks of the goods during air transport. It serves as a critical basis for airlines, airports, customs, and other authorities to review whether the goods can be transported by air.

II. Why Do Lithium-Ion Battery Products Need an Air Transport Identification Report?

Lithium-ion batteries are prone to combustion when exposed to heat, impact, or extrusion. During transport, they must be handled in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The Air Transport Identification Report is crucial for battery-containing goods for the following reasons:

1. Safety Requirements: By conducting a detailed analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the goods, the identification report can identify potential hazards in advance—such as whether the goods may leak, explode, or self-ignite during transport. This allows airlines to formulate preventive measures and emergency response plans beforehand.
2. Regulatory Compliance: IATA has strict regulations on the air transport of lithium-ion batteries. Providing an Air Transport Identification Report is an important document to prove that the goods comply with these regulations, helping the goods pass inspections smoothly and avoiding refusal of transport or penalties due to non-compliance.
3. Customs Clearance Convenience: The report provides customs with key information such as the goods’ characteristics, value, and purpose. This helps customs better judge the legality and safety of the goods, accelerating the inspection and release process.

III. Specific Regulations for Air Transport of Lithium-Ion Batteries

According to IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), the main regulations for air transport of lithium-ion batteries are as follows:

1. Battery Type and Power Restrictions

• Lithium-Ion Batteries:
  • Individual batteries are classified as UN3480 (shipped independently, not installed in equipment) or UN3481 (shipped with equipment).
  • Lithium-ion batteries must be transported with a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30%.
  • Batteries with a watt-hour (Wh) rating exceeding 100Wh require prior approval from the airline; those exceeding 160Wh are prohibited from being carried on passenger aircraft.
• Lithium-Metal Batteries:
  • Equipment containing lithium-metal batteries for personal use (with no more than 2 grams of lithium per individual battery), such as mobile phones, can generally be transported normally.

2. Packaging Requirements

• Standalone Batteries: Each lithium-ion battery must be placed in a separate, fully sealed inner package to prevent accidental activation caused by collision or vibration. The outer package must have good water resistance and be able to withstand pressure changes during air transport.
• Equipment with Built-In Batteries: Batteries must be firmly installed in the equipment to ensure they do not loosen or fall off during transport. The equipment’s packaging must also prevent the batteries from being damaged by extrusion or impact.
• Labeling: The outer carton must clearly display dangerous goods labels, UN numbers, and relevant transport information.

3. Documentation Requirements

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Details the chemical properties, potential risks, and emergency measures of the product.
• UN38.3 Test Report: All lithium-ion batteries must pass UN38.3 testing before international transport to verify their ability to withstand various environmental conditions during air transport. This is one of the most important documents required by civil aviation regulations.
• Dangerous Goods Transport Declaration Form: Required for export in accordance with IATA regulations.

IV. Relationship Between UN38.3 Certification and Air Transport Identification Report

UN38.3 certification is an international standard for the transport safety of lithium-ion batteries, aiming to ensure the stability and safety of lithium-ion batteries during transport. It includes test items such as altitude simulation, thermal testing, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact/crush, overcharge, and forced discharge.

The UN38.3 test report is one of the key foundational documents for applying for an Air Transport Identification Report. When applying for air transport identification for lithium-ion battery products, it is usually necessary to provide the UN38.3 test report as supporting documentation.

V. Application Process for Air Transport Identification Report

1. Submit Application: Submit an application to a qualified identification institution and sign a service agreement.
2. Send Samples: Send representative samples that reflect the overall characteristics and transport requirements of the goods to the identification institution.
3. Fill in Application Form: Complete a detailed goods information form, including the goods’ name, specifications, quantity, purpose, manufacturer, and other details.
4. Provide Documentation: Usually required to provide battery specifications, UN38.3 test report (for lithium-ion batteries), etc.
5. Goods Identification: The identification institution conducts an assessment of the goods in accordance with standard requirements, which may involve physical property testing, chemical composition analysis, and other processes.
6. Issue Report: After the identification is completed, the institution issues the Air Transport Condition Identification Report for Goods. The standard processing time is generally 7 working days.

VI. Conclusion

The Air Transport Identification Report is an essential document for the safe and compliant air transport of lithium-ion battery-containing products. As global market requirements for battery product safety become increasingly strict, understanding regulatory requirements in advance, planning certification strategies, and selecting a professional and reliable testing institution will lay a solid foundation for the expansion of an enterprise’s international business.

For battery manufacturers, equipment producers, and traders, fully recognizing the importance of the Air Transport Identification Report and completing the relevant procedures in strict accordance with requirements is a key step to ensure the smooth export of products and promote the smooth progress of international trade.