[Avionics Today 12-31-2014] Canada has announced a ban on transporting lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger flights in the country. This comes alongside a suite of amendments to Canada’s Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR), including new labeling and Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) requirements for certain dangerous goods.
In 2014, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a ban on the shipment of lithium metal batteries as cargo aboard passenger aircraft. The main concern is that if ignited, they can cause any nearby batteries to overheat and catch fire as well. Most passenger airlines in Canada have already voluntarily banned lithium metal batteries as cargo.
The prohibition comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, to comply with the ICAO ban. It applies to all shipments of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger planes within Canada. It does not apply to batteries already contained in or packed with equipment, but only to those packaged and shipped separately and the ban will not affect travellers’ personal devices such as laptops and smartphones, which use lithium ion batteries.
"These updates are welcomed by stakeholders because they promote harmonization and the proper identification of dangerous goods. They will help improve public safety and reduce the risk of accidents while streamlining and clarifying regulatory requirements for shippers and carriers," said Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Transport.