Wall Street Journal - 12/31/12
Gadget Batteries Scrutinized

Debate is escalating over the safest ways to package, label and handle shipment of lithium batteries, used in cellphones and laptops, that can pose a fire hazard on aircraft.

Brian (K1BRF) writes:
This quote is from a news story in the tech section of the Wall Street Journal this morning.
"Starting next year, any battery shipment containing more than two lithium-ion batteries will have to comply fully with those detailed ICAO hazardous-goods requirements. "

It is unclear whether this will include end use devices because I can't see them restricting iPads and iPods.

The discussion is about new freight restrictions on bulk air shipments but if they are worried about just two batteries in freight, it may be a matter of time before these restriction affect passenger-carried "cargo". There are 1.3 billion lithium batteries sold annually.

Just a heads up to folks who may be carrying lithium ion batteries to keep an eye out for new regulation changes. Maybe it will turn out to be a tempest in a teacup for hams, maybe not. But, changes are coming in the freight arena anyway. Please see the article for further details.

Brian
K1BRF