Hi Olivier
Good and Surprising news from IATA obtained in relation to their proposal:
Quote
---------------------
I would like to take the opportunity to correct statements made in the press regarding the future updates in the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) on data loggers containing lithium batteries.
The PCR will not be updated as quoted in the press because it quotes text that was used as a discussion point during an industry meeting. The text was proposed with the specific view of ensuring that the industry that uses these lithium battery-powered temperature data loggers be made aware of existing dangerous goods regulations. This text was not adopted into the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations in the form shown in the article and is still under revision.
As such the upcoming PCR will not include stricter rules for data loggers containing lithium batteries!
Shippers of lithium batteries and lithium battery-powered devices have been legally responsible for complying with the applicable requirements as shown in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for many years. There are very specific requirements regarding what lithium batteries are permitted and whether they are permitted in carry-on or in checked baggage only. If a company has lithium battery-powered devices in their cargo shipments today and are not following the existing regulations then they may be in violation of the applicable laws. More information regarding the lithium battery regulations can be found on our website here:
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dangerous_goods/Pages/lithium_batteries.aspx
I hope to have clarified the matter and remain at disposal should you have any further information.
Kind regards,
Andrea
Andrea GRUBER
Manager Business Process & Standards
IDFS Cargo
Tel +41 22 770 2690
Fax +41 22 770 2134
[email protected]
International Air Transport Association
33, Route de l'Aéroport
1215 Geneva 15 Airport
Switzerland
http://www.iata.org
-----------------------
unquote
So after all, at least for now, it is a non-issue.
Then we can continue with all the other cold chain tasks that await us at our desks.
All the best,
Paul