GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Lithium Battery Packing Instruction

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.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/

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Definition & Explanation

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.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Lithium Battery Packing Instruction (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction), accessed 2026-11-05
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2026). Lithium Battery Packing Instruction. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction
BibTeX: @misc{lithiumbatterypacking2026, title = {Lithium Battery Packing Instruction}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/lithium-battery-packing-instruction}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-11-05} }

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