Equipment with lithium batteries: verify the correct battery model before booking transport

What scope does the IATA 2026 document cover?

IATA's 2026 battery guidance is intended for air transport. The document distinguishes batteries shipped separately, batteries packed with equipment and batteries contained in equipment; it also presents the information included in the UN 38.3 test summary. IATA notes that this is guidance material, not the sole basis for confirming compliance.

Therefore, buyers of equipment with batteries need to identify the actual configuration as soon as they make an inquiry. Air transport rules do not automatically apply to shipments by road or sea.

Do not just ask, “Do you have battery documents?”

The editorial team's suggestion is to ask the supplier to prepare a list of equipment models and their corresponding battery models. If a device is supplied with spare batteries, list them as a separate line item. A folder containing many certification files that cannot be linked to the purchased goods will force the transport coordinator to start asking questions again from the beginning.

Checklist before confirming the order

1. Collect photos of battery labels, battery types and manufacturer-published specifications; determine whether the batteries are loose, packed with equipment or installed in equipment. For multiple suppliers, mark the source of each model and the expected quantity. Do not use documents for a similar-looking battery in place of the actual battery.

2. Request the UN 38.3 test summary or a means of access for a qualified person to review it. According to IATA guidance, summary information includes identification details such as the manufacturer, model, report number and report date. Having a PDF alone does not prove that the document matches the product.

3. Send the data together with the intended transport method to the receiving carrier for review before packing the goods. Ask them to confirm the applicable conditions, missing information and scope of acceptance. If the battery model changes later, resubmit the information for review.

Maintain a control point when suppliers change components

The requirement to notify of battery model changes can be included in the purchase order and sample approval process. When receiving photos of finished goods, compare the labels with the approved list and record the result by batch. If a discrepancy cannot yet be explained, keep that portion of the goods pending confirmation to avoid passing incorrect information to the booking stage.

Confirm with the carrier before delivery

IATA states that countries and airlines may apply stricter requirements. Acceptance of a shipment therefore needs to be confirmed for the specific route and configuration. This article only supports data preparation; it does not provide dangerous goods packing instructions, confirm import conditions or promise transport acceptance for all types of batteries.