# Lithium Battery Packing Instruction

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A Lithium Battery Packing Instruction (PI) is the specific technical requirement – published by IATA/ICAO – that defines exactly how lithium cells and batteries must be packaged, charged, labelled, and documented for a given transport mode.

A Lithium Battery Packing Instruction (PI) is the specific technical requirement – published by IATA/ICAO – that defines exactly how lithium cells and batteries must be packaged, charged, labelled, and documented for a given transport mode. Each battery category receives its own PI number depending on cell chemistry (lithium-ion or lithium metal), configuration (contained in equipment, packed with equipment, or standalone), and transport mode. The instruction covers approved outer packaging, insulation methods to prevent short circuits, and maximum state-of-charge limits for air transport. Shippers and freight forwarders must identify the correct PI number before tendering a shipment; non-compliance routinely results in rejection by airlines or ocean carriers. Because packing instructions are updated with each new edition of the IATA DGR, verifying the current version is essential.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Lithium Battery Packing Instruction |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 126 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/ |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/lithium-battery-packing-instruction](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/lithium-battery-packing-instruction)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction/llm-summary?lang=en)*