--- title: Latest Changes In Lithium Battery Regulations description: Get up to date with the latest changes in lithium battery regulations, including new lithium battery shipping restrictions requiring labeling of packages. image: https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/lithium-battery-warning-label.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - [Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - Back - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - [Engineering](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - Back - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - [Products](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - [Design Guides](https://www.epectec.com/guides/) - Back - Resources - Back - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - Back - [Contact Information](https://www.epectec.com/contact/) - [Our Sales Team](https://www.epectec.com/contact/our-sales-team.html) - [Office Locations](https://www.epectec.com/contact/office-locations.html) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.epectec.com/contact/career-opportunities.html) - [InstantPCB*Quote*™](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - Back - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) - [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) - [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Latest Changes In Lithium Battery Regulations Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Latest Changes In Lithium Battery Regulations [![Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/ed-mchmahon.jpg "Ed McMahon")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Written by [Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon) Posted on January 25, 2017 at 9:24 AM ![Ed McMahon](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/ed-mchmahon.jpg "Ed McMahon") - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Shipping of [lithium batteries](http://www.epectec.com/batteries/lithium-battery-technologies.html) is a very important process that requires significant investment in training and equipment. In April of 2016, new [lithium battery shipping regulations](https://blog.epectec.com/lithium-batteries-air-shipping-regulation-changes) were passed that forbid lithium batteries from passenger aircraft and limited the SOC (state of charge) for any battery shipped via air cargo to 30%. Additionally, there were new labeling and packaging requirements instituted for all shipments of lithium batteries. All these new changes add cost and time to [companies that manufacture battery packs](http://www.epectec.com/batteries/gallery/) and OEMs that use these batteries in their end products. In January of 2017, even more regulations went into effect that will require OEMs who ship their end product with a lithium battery to label their packaging to identify that it includes a battery. At the speed these new regulations are coming out, a lot within the industry are speculating that it is possible that lithium batteries may be banned from all aircraft in the near future. If that does happen, it would change the dynamics of developing and manufacturing custom battery packs for the entire supply chain. ![Lithium Battery Warning Label](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/lithium-battery-warning-label.jpg?width=800&name=lithium-battery-warning-label.jpg "Lithium Battery Warning Label") ## What State Of Charge Should I Ship Batteries In My Equipment? With the new regulations that came into effect in April of 2016, Epec made the decision to ship all of our batteries at 30% SOC regardless if they shipped air or ground to our customers. Recently, there was a discussion with one of our customers (a Fortune 100 medical device company) which led to how they should ship batteries when they are installed inside of their equipment. After reviewing all of the pros and cons, the customer agreed that it would be a sound decision for them to use the 30% maximum SOC even when installed in their equipment. Much of what is shipped gets shipped via ground transport, but what happens once it leaves your control? Even if you have UN 38.3 certification and have done everything right, what is your liability if your product finds its way into air cargo with over 30% SOC? At Epec (and now with our customers), we have made it our policy to ship all batteries at 30% SOC. This means that if one of our batteries is ever found with a higher SOC, it had to be done by someone other than us. Liability is a big concern for battery manufactures as there is enough that can go wrong if there is a design or manufacturing issue. Taking this stance helps us reduce some liability for us and our customers. It sounds easy, but it does add cost to us, our OEMs, and their end customers. Most products will not work for very long with only 30% SOC so the end customer will need to charge before first use. Not to mention that OEMs need to change their internal procedures and have the battery discharged down to 30% after final test. ## Summary At the end of the day, the new lithium battery shipping restrictions are all manageable by companies that have invested in the right people, processes, and equipment. However, we are only at the beginning of this process and expect more lithium battery regulation changes to come. ### Additional Resource: - [Lithium Battery Regulations and How They Affect OEM's Webinar](http://www.epectec.com/webinar/06-24-2016/lithium-battery-regulation-and-how-they-affect-oems.html) - [Regulation Changes Q&A for Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturers](https://blog.epectec.com/regulation-changes-q-and-a-for-lithium-ion-battery-manufacturers) - [Lithium Battery Shipping: Requirements to Manage Your Product](https://blog.epectec.com/lithium-battery-shipping-requirements-to-manage-your-product) - [Lithium Battery Air Shipping Regulation Changes](https://blog.epectec.com/lithium-battery-air-shipping-regulation-changes) - [Guide to Shipping Lithium Batteries](https://blog.epectec.com/guide-to-shipping-lithium-batteries) --- ## Key Takeaways - **Regulations limit air shipment SOC to 30%:** Since April 2016, lithium batteries shipped by air cannot exceed a 30% state of charge, and passenger aircraft are prohibited from carrying them. - **Labeling and packaging rules add complexity:** New labeling requirements introduced in 2017 mandate OEMs to identify packaging that contains batteries, increasing costs and procedural adjustments. - **Standardized 30% SOC shipping policy:** Epec and its customers adopted a uniform 30% SOC policy for all shipments, whether by air or ground, to reduce liability and ensure compliance. - **Liability remains a major concern:** Even when regulations are followed, manufacturers risk exposure if their products enter air cargo with a higher SOC, making strict internal controls essential. - **More regulation is expected:** Industry experts predict additional restrictions in the future, potentially even a full ban of lithium batteries on aircraft, which could significantly affect global supply chains. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Battery Packs](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) --- [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/understanding-an-ipc-4101-slash-sheet) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/how-to-ensure-your-quick-turn-pcb-will-not-be-delayed) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/c0752b9b-6c31-42d7-8b25-4b0ca6cc72c5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/c0752b9b-6c31-42d7-8b25-4b0ca6cc72c5) ## Leave a Comment --- ## Related Posts --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (159)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (133)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (120)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (100)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (94)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (54)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (33)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (30)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? [![Request Design Support](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/design-support-ad.jpg?width=350&name=design-support-ad.jpg)](https://info.epectec.com/request-design-support) Our team of engineers are here to help you with all your product needs. [Request Design Support](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/0d3cd574-22cb-48a2-867e-1a7ffba28403) Manufacturing That Eliminates Risk & Improves Reliability [sales@epectec.com](mailto:sales@epectec.com?subject=Website%20Information%20Request) [(888) 995-5171](tel:888-995-5171) ##### Support & Contact Our knowledgeable staff has many years of experience in the industry. We welcome the opportunity to put our skills to work for you! Please contact us with any questions or requests. - [176 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford, MA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6JVMv3eQgw29fNY8) - [sales@epectec.com](mailto:sales@epectec.com?subject=Website%20Information%20Request) - [(888) 995-5171](tel:888-995-5171) --- ###### Certifications [![UL Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-ul.png "UL Certified Manufacturer")](http://www.ul.com/) [![ITAR Registered Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-itar.png "ITAR Registered Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) [![RoHS Compliant Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-rohs-compliant.png "RoHS Compliant Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/rohs-compliant.html) [![ISO9001 Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-iso9001.png "ISO9001 Certified Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) [![ISO27001 Certified Manufacturer](https://www.epectec.com/images/certified-iso27001.png "ISO27001 Certified Manufacturer")](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) --- - ##### About - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - [Our History](https://www.epectec.com/about/our-history/) - [Culture](https://www.epectec.com/about/culture/) - [Industries Served](https://www.epectec.com/about/industry/) - [Acquisitions](https://www.epectec.com/about/acquisitions.html) - ##### Operations - [Operational Excellence](https://www.epectec.com/operations/) - [Quality Philosophy](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-philosophy.html) - [Quality Assurance Process](https://www.epectec.com/operations/quality-assurance-process.html) - [Global Operations](https://www.epectec.com/operations/global-operations.html) - [Logistics & Supply Chain](https://www.epectec.com/operations/logistics-and-supply-chain.html) - [Inventory Stocking](https://www.epectec.com/operations/inventory-stocking.html) - [Approvals](https://www.epectec.com/operations/approvals.html) - [ITAR Registered](https://www.epectec.com/operations/itar-registered.html) - ##### Engineering - [Engineering Overview](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/overview/) - [Engineering Support](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/support/) - [Design Services](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/design-services/) - [EpecDFx™](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/epecdfx/) - [Free DFM File Check](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/free-dfm.html) - [PCB Impedance Calculator](https://www.epectec.com/engineering/impedance-calculator.html) - ##### Products - [Overview](https://www.epectec.com/products/) - [Battery Packs](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCBS](https://www.epectec.com/flex/) - [Cable Assemblies](https://www.epectec.com/cable-assemblies/) - [Printed Circuit Boards](https://www.epectec.com/pcb/) - [CNC Machining](https://www.epectec.com/cnc-machining/) - [User Interfaces](https://www.epectec.com/user-interfaces/) - [Flexible Heaters](https://www.epectec.com/flexible-heaters/) - [EC Fans & Motors](https://www.epectec.com/fans-motors/) ##### Social Community Join our Social Community and keep in touch with all our latest technology investments, current news, upcoming events, and promotions. --- © 2026 Copyright Epec, LLC. All Rights Reserved. [Tariff Resources](https://www.epectec.com/tariff-resources/)|[Privacy Policy](https://www.epectec.com/privacy-policy/)|[Term & Conditions](https://www.epectec.com/terms/site.html)|[Sitemap](https://www.epectec.com/sitemap.html) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ed McMahon", "url" : "https://blog.epectec.com/author/ed-mcmahon" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-17T19:14:21.611Z", "datePublished" : "2017-01-25T14:24:12.000Z", "headline" : "Latest Changes In Lithium Battery Regulations", "image" : [ "https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/lithium-battery-warning-label.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.epectec.com/latest-changes-in-lithium-battery-regulations", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/image/logo.png" }, "name" : "Epec Engineered Technologies" } } ```