IATA Confirms: 30% State-of-Charge Limit Expands to Lithium-Ion Batteries Packed With Equipment From Jan 1, 2026
Industry News
IATA Confirms: 30% State-of-Charge Limit Expands to Lithium-Ion Batteries Packed With Equipment From Jan 1, 2026
IATA has confirmed that, from January 1, 2026, lithium-ion batteries packed with the equipment they power must be offered for air transport at a State of Charge (SoC) not exceeding 30%. The change shifts SoC control from a best-practice topic to an operational compliance checkpoint for a wider range of shipments.
Effective Date
January 1, 2026
Key Requirement
Offer for air transport at SoC ≤ 30% for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment.
Why It Stands Out
SoC becomes a measurable gate, not just paperwork language, across more common shipment scenarios.
What IATA Confirmed
The updated position indicates that lithium-ion batteries packed with the equipment they power must meet an SoC cap of 30% when tendered for air transport from January 1, 2026. This matters because these shipments are common in accessory bundles and device + spare battery packaging formats.
Why The Change Matters Operationally
The compliance conversation shifts from documentation alone to operational readiness. If the charge level is above the threshold, shipments may face hold, delay, or rework at the point of tender. That increases the importance of pre-shipment SoC control, verification routines, and clear internal handoffs between production, packing, and logistics.
Industry Signal
In 2026, "how charged is the battery" becomes a wider compliance variable for air shipments, not only for stand-alone battery consignments.
What The Market Is Watching
| Focus Area | What Changes | Practical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-shipment charge control | SoC becomes a strict preparation point | More holds or rework if SoC is not compliant |
| Verification and records | Need a repeatable way to confirm SoC at tender | Fewer disputes with carriers and handlers |
| Packaging scenarios | Device + spare battery packs get more scrutiny | Higher likelihood of inspection and intervention |
For international shippers of power accessories, this update reinforces that logistics rules can evolve into real handling constraints. In 2026, charge level becomes part of day-to-day compliance for a broader set of air shipments involving lithium-ion batteries.
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