Soldier Support: New Limitations on Shipping Lithium Batteries

BLUF: New rules impact the shipment of lithium batteries in personal property shipments.


Graphic by Cameron Porter

Prepping for a PCS? There’s an important new rule that may affect you. Starting May 15, 2023, there are some limitations placed on lithium batteries when they’re included as part of your personal property shipment. The reason is due to fire hazards that lithium batteries can cause.
 
There are two common types of lithium batteries: lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries.

• Lithium-ion batteries are found in such items as cellphones, power tools, robot vacuums, and e-bikes, for example; these batteries are rechargeable and intended for multiple uses.
• Lithium metal batteries are found in watches, remote controls, handheld games and smoke detectors. They’re typically non-rechargeable and come in various sizes and styles.

Personal property items containing: …can be shipped in household goods and unaccompanied baggage shipments. Any higher amount is now prohibited.
 
The new rule is particularly applicable to those who are moving to or from overseas. In CONUS, lithium batteries can be moved from one location to another by POV, thereby avoiding the prohibition. But the limits apply to any items with lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries placed in government shipments.

For more details and info, see Cameron Porter’s article on Army.mil HERE.