PHMSA's Proposed Rule on Lithium Battery Transport Can Create Confusion, Stakeholders Say
Industry stakeholders support the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s proposal to harmonize U.S. and international rules for lithium battery air shipment, but said some of the proposed rules will lead to confusion and could jeopardize safety. PHMSA’s proposed rule, published…
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in January, seeks to harmonize U.S. regulations for air transport of lithium cells and batteries with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions 13010305. In comments, the Rechargeable Battery Association said the proposed rule allows carriers and shippers to comply with either existing PHMSA regulations or the International instructions. These dual standards “create a cloud of confusion for everyone in the battery industry,” said George Kerchner, the association’s executive director in a statement. “Confusion limits compliance. And lack of compliance jeopardizes safety.” Comments on the rule were due March 5.