IATA Special Provision A181 applies when a package contains a combination of lithium batteries packed with equipment and lithium batteries contained in equipment. It clarifies the packaging, marking, and documentation requirements for these mixed shipments.
When Does A181 Apply?
Special Provision A181 applies to packages containing:
UN 3091 – Lithium Metal Batteries Packed With or Contained in Equipment
UN 3481 – Lithium Ion Batteries Packed With or Contained in Equipment
This commonly occurs when equipment is shipped with spare batteries in the same package.
Key Requirements
When shipping under A181:
All applicable requirements of the relevant IATA Packing Instructions must be met.
The total weight of lithium batteries in the package must not exceed the permitted limits for passenger or cargo aircraft.
The package must be marked UN 3091 or UN 3481, as appropriate.
If both lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries are included, both UN numbers must appear on the package and the Shipper's Declaration.
Button cell batteries installed in equipment, such as those fitted to circuit boards, do not need to be considered for these requirements.
Need Help?
DG Online Training provides practical IATA Dangerous Goods training covering lithium battery classification, packing instructions, marking, documentation, and Special Provisions to help ensure your shipments comply with the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.