The rechargeable battery Association (PRBA) of the United States and recharge of Europe put forward many suggestions to ensure the safe transportation of lithium-ion batteries.

The United Nations (UN) sub committee of experts on the transport of dangerous goods has agreed to adopt several proposals to amend the international dangerous goods regulations affecting the labelling, packaging and transport of lithium batteries.

The amendment provides financial and regulatory relief to PRBA and recharge members without compromising the safe transportation of lithium batteries.

These proposals, which will come into force on January 1, 2023, include:

Eliminating the phone number required on the lithium battery logo will save members thousands of dollars without compromising security.

The UN's stringent packaging requirements for large lithium batteries have been eased, which will help port authorities and members of transport agencies that ship from China to misunderstand the packaging requirements.

Modify the packaging requirements for large, damaged or defective lithium batteries to allow more than one battery per package.

Modify the lithium battery test summary to simplify compliance with the new requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2020. The proposal has received strong support from the industry and is co authored by seven industry associations.