With the continuous expansion of the global lithium battery market, countries have increasingly strict safety requirements for lithium battery transportation. Multiple new regulations to be implemented in 2026 will profoundly affect the international trade of lithium battery products. This article comprehensively interprets the latest requirements for lithium batteries in air transport, sea transport, MSDS, and Dangerous Goods Classification Identification Reports in 2026, helping enterprises prepare for compliance in advance.

I. Interpretation of 2026 New Air Transport Regulations for Lithium Batteries

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 67th edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The new regulations impose stricter requirements on the air transport of lithium batteries, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Upgraded State of Charge (SoC) Restrictions

According to IATA DGR 67th edition, starting from January 1, 2026, significant changes will be made to the SoC requirements for lithium battery air transport:

• PI966 (Lithium batteries packed with equipment):

  • Part I: Lithium batteries must be transported with an SoC not exceeding 30% of the rated capacity. Exceeding 30% requires approval from both the country of origin and the country where the airline is registered.
  • Part II: Controlled by battery capacity tiers. For batteries with a capacity exceeding 2.7Wh, the SoC must not exceed 30% during transport; for those not exceeding 2.7Wh, an SoC not exceeding 30% is recommended, but exceeding it still falls within the "normal transport scope".

• PI967 (Lithium batteries installed in equipment): It is recommended that the SoC does not exceed 30% or the equipment displays no more than 25%. This provision is advisory, not mandatory.

• PI952 (Vehicles powered by lithium batteries): Taking 100Wh as the threshold, for batteries with a capacity exceeding 100Wh, the SoC must not exceed 30% or the equipment displays no more than 25% during transport; otherwise, approval is required for transportation.

2. Stricter Packaging Requirements

The new regulations add new packaging requirements:

• The packaging instruction chapters for lithium-ion batteries (PI966, PI967) and lithium metal batteries (PI969, PI970) have added a 3-meter stacking test requirement to ensure packaging strength and safety.
• All packages must pass rigorous tests to prove they can effectively protect batteries during transport, preventing short circuits, damage, or hazards.

II. Key Points of 2026 New Sea Transport Regulations for Lithium Batteries

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), lithium battery sea transport in 2026 will follow the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) Amendment 42-24. Major updates include:

• Changes to dangerous goods classification and labeling requirements.
• Updates to lithium battery packaging and stowage regulations.
• Adjustments to transport documents and declaration requirements.

Enterprises need to understand and adapt to these changes in advance to ensure sea-transported lithium batteries comply with the latest regulations.

III. 2026 Update Requirements for MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

MSDS is a key document for lithium battery transport. The following new requirements will be implemented in 2026:

1. Regulatory Updates

• GHS 11th Revised Edition: 2026 MSDS reports must comply with the standards of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) 11th Revised Edition.
• EU REACH Regulation Annex II: According to Regulation (EU) 2020/878, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the EU market must meet new requirements, including:
  • Adding a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) for mixtures in Section 1 of the SDS.
  • Emphasizing whether substances have endocrine-disrupting properties in Section 2 (Hazard Identification).
  • Adding Specific Concentration Limits (SCL), multiplication factors, and Acute Toxicity Estimates (ATE) in accordance with CLP 1272/2008.

2. Content Requirements for MSDS Reports

MSDS reports must include information in the following 16 sections and be written in the official language of the importing country:

1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
2. Hazards Identification
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
4. First-Aid Measures
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. Transport Information
15. Regulatory Information
16. Other Information

IV. 2026 Update to Dangerous Goods Classification Identification Report

The Dangerous Goods Classification Identification Report (air/sea transport identification report) is a mandatory document for lithium battery transport. Major changes in 2026 include:

• Updated Testing Standards: Testing and evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with the latest 2026 standards.
• Sample Requirements: Provide images of new regulation-compliant outer packaging, opened outer packaging, and inner packaging.
• Testing Items: Including but not limited to altitude simulation, thermal test, vibration, impact, external short circuit, crush, overcharge, forced discharge, etc.

V. Enterprise Compliance Strategies

Facing the new regulations to be implemented in 2026, lithium battery manufacturers and exporters should:

1. Prepare in Advance: Since updates generally do not accept expedited services—especially lithium battery UN38.3 reports requiring more than 2 weeks—enterprises should initiate update work as early as possible.
2. Comprehensively Assess Product Compliance: Compare new regulation requirements, check product compliance in classification, labeling, packaging, documentation, etc., identify gaps, and rectify in a timely manner.
3. Choose Professional Testing Institutions: Cooperate with qualified professional testing institutions to ensure the accuracy and authority of tests and reports.
4. Strengthen Internal Training: Ensure relevant employees understand new regulation requirements, and ensure all links from production to export comply with regulations.
5. Optimize Supply Chain Management: Communicate new regulation changes with suppliers and customers to ensure compliance throughout the entire supply chain.

The comprehensive update of lithium battery transport regulations in 2026 reflects the global trend of increasingly strict supervision over lithium battery transport safety. Faced with these changes, enterprises must respond proactively and layout in advance to ensure products smoothly enter target markets, avoiding economic losses and goodwill damage caused by non-compliance.

As a professional testing and certification institution, we are committed to providing customers with the latest and most comprehensive lithium battery testing and certification services. If you have any questions about 2026 lithium battery transport regulations, please feel free to contact us for professional technical support and solutions!