（Question on State of Charge for lithium batteries effective 01 April 2016.）
Q.
Effective 01 April 2016, lithium ion battery shipment when presented for transport, the State of Charge (SoC) must not exceed 30% of the rated capacity. How can this be ensured by the acceptance staff at the time of acceptance? Will there be any indication provided by the shipper in this regard to ensure compliance with the regulations and assure free acceptance? Or what could be the suggested method to check the SoC? (29 Feb 16)
A.
There is no requirement for the shipper to specifically prove that lithium batteries shipped as UN 3480 are at 30% SoC, or for the operator to somehow verify the lithium ion batteries are at no more than 30% SoC.
The shipper by signing the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is certifying that “I declare that all of the applicable air transport requirements have been met.” This is a legal declaration. This is no different to a shipper stating on the Shipper’s Declaration that the flammable liquid is actually Packing Group II, or that the dangerous goods are as described by the UN number and proper shipping name shown.
All shippers are expected to abide with the rules, therefore, if in doubt it is advisable not to accept the shipment.
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