From January 1, 2027, the 14th edition of the Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) and the 68th edition of the DGR from IATA come into effect. The changes for shipments containing batteries cover marking, packing instructions, and specific requirements for lithium and sodium-ion batteries. Companies planning international air shipments of electronics, batteries, and equipment containing batteries should take these updates into account.

We explain what exactly is changing in the IATA battery regulations for 2027 and what needs to be done now.

Who the battery transportation rules apply to

Manufacturers, exporters, online stores, and distributors shipping abroad should check the requirements for:

  • Smartphones, laptops, and tablets;
  • Power banks and standalone batteries;
  • Wireless headphones and smartwatches;
  • Power tools and industrial equipment;
  • Devices with lithium button cells;
  • Prototype devices with batteries.

The requirements depend on the characteristics of the battery and how it is transported. A standalone battery, a battery packed with equipment, and a battery installed inside a device may require different documentation. Therefore, one preparation scheme does not fit the entire range of electronics.

Battery marking: what is changing

In the BSR 2027 announcement, IATA highlights two updates:

  • The old lithium battery mark, which included a field for a phone number, is being phased out. Companies should plan the transition to the current battery mark.
  • A new requirement for the placement of the battery mark in relation to other applicable hazard labels on the surface of the package. The battery mark must be on the same side of the package as other applicable hazard labels. If the battery mark is currently placed on one side of the box and other markings on another, the layout will need to be changed.

For the warehouse, this means checking stocks of labels and the templates used to prepare boxes. Particular attention should be paid to goods that are packed in advance and handed over to the carrier later.

What to do with old labels

If you have a stock of labels with the old lithium battery mark, use them by the end of December 2026. After January 1, 2027, such labels cannot be used for air shipments. Plan the transition in advance.

What else is changing in 2027

The new edition of the BSR also contains a number of other changes:

  • Rules are being introduced for hybrid batteries containing both lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells;
  • Packing instructions are being significantly revised, especially for sodium-ion and prototype batteries;
  • Rules for button cells installed in equipment are being clarified;
  • For certain Section II shipments, such button cells will not be counted toward the limit of 4 cells / 2 batteries.

So, preparing for 2027 is not just about replacing one mark. It is worth checking the battery type, packing instruction, marking, and requirements for the specific product.

What businesses should check before January 1, 2027

  • Review your product range. Make a list of products with batteries that you plan to ship in 2027.
  • Collect information from the manufacturer. Prepare battery specifications and available technical documentation for review by your logistics partner.
  • Take inventory of your remaining old labels and calculate when to order new ones.
  • Update your work instructions. After the changes are approved, provide the warehouse with up-to-date templates and determine who is responsible for controlling shipment preparation.

Shipping electronics with batteries through GlobalPost

The presence of a battery inside a product does not automatically mean that international shipping is prohibited. However, for air transportation, it is important to correctly determine the battery type, packing method, marking, and documents. Provide GlobalPost with a product description, battery specifications, quantity of goods, and destination country. This will make it possible to check whether transportation is possible and determine the requirements for preparing the cargo.

Before arranging the shipment, also review the section Goods prohibited and restricted for transportation.

GlobalPost organizes international air transportation of goods with batteries from Ukraine. We know the current IATA requirements, help correctly prepare the documents, and prepare shipments in accordance with the applicable rules.

Have questions? Submit a request — we will find a solution for your cargo!

The official list of key changes has been published by IATA. Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR)