Verpackungsanweisung 976

Cargo aircraft only for UN 3551

1. Introduction

This entry applies to sodium ion batteries.
A single cell battery as defined in Part III, sub-section 38.3.2.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria is considered a "cell" and must be transported according to the requirements for "cells" for the purpose of this packing instruction.

2. Batteries forbidden from transport

The following applies to all cells and batteries in this packing instruction:

Cells or batteries identified as being damaged or defective in accordance with Special Provision A154 are forbidden for transport.

Waste cells or batteries and cells or batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal are forbidden from air transport unless approved by the appropriate national authority of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.

I.1 General requirements

- Each cell or battery must meet the provisions of 2;9.4.

- Part 4;1 requirements must be met.

- Cells and batteries must be offered for transport at a state of charge not exceeding 30 per cent of their rated capacity. Cells and/or batteries at a state of charge greater than 30 per cent of their rated capacity may only be shipped with the approval of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator under the written conditions established by those authorities.

 Note.- Guidance and methodology for determining the rated capacity can be found in sub-section 38.3.2.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Cells and batteries shipped at a reduced state of charge are less prone to thermal runaway.

- Batteries manufactured after 31 December 2025 must be marked with the Watt-hour rating on the outside case.

I.2 Additional requirements

- Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuits.

- Cells and batteries must be placed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery then placed in an outer packaging. The completed package for the cells or batteries must meet the Packing Group II performance requirements.

- Cells and batteries must not be packed in the same outer packaging with substances and articles of Class 1 (explosives) other than Division 1.4S, Division 2.1 (flammable gases), Class 3 (flammable liquids), Division 4.1 (flammable solids) or Division 5.1 (oxidizers).

- A cell or battery with a mass of 12 kg or greater and having a strong, impact-resistant outer casing may be transported when packed in strong outer packagings or protective enclosures (e.g. in fully enclosed or wooden slatted crates) not subject to the requirements of Part 6 of these Instructions, if approved by the appropriate authority of the State of Origin. A copy of the document of approval must accompany the consignment.

Table 976

|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                       |    Net quantity per package    |
| UN number and proper shipping name    |--------------------------------|
|                                       |   Passenger   |     Cargo      |
|---------------------------------------|---------------|----------------|
| UN 3551 Sodium ion batteries          |   FORBIDDEN   |     35 kg      |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|

I.3 Outer packagings

Boxes                       Drums                   Jerricans

Aluminium (4B)              Aluminium (1B2)         Aluminium (3B2)
Fibreboard (4G)             Fibreboard (1G)         Plastics (3H2)
Natural wood (4C1, 4C2)     Other metal (1N2)       Steel (3A2)
Other metal (4N)            Plastics (1H2)
Plastics (4H1, 4H2)         Plywood (1D)
Plywood (4D)                Steel (1A2)
Reconstituted wood (4F)
Steel (4A)