A.
Special Provision A123 applies to the entry of Batteries, dry shown in light print in DGR 4.2 List of Dangerous Goods. Dry batteries are fundamentally not restricted but if the provisions of SP A123 are not met, they are not permitted for air transport. SP A123 reads as follows:

“This entry applies to Batteries, electric storage, not otherwise listed in Subsection 4.2 List of Dangerous Goods. Examples of such batteries are alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries. Any electrical battery or battery powered device, equipment or vehicle having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport so as to prevent:
(a) a short-circuit (e.g. in the case of batteries, by the effective insulation of exposed terminals, or, in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals, and
(b) accidental activation.
The words “Not Restricted” and the Special Provision number must be included in the description if the substance on the Air Waybill as required by 8.2.6, when an Air Waybill is used.”

There is a dagger symbol behind the entry of Batteries, dry in 4.2 List of Dangerous Gods. Referring to Appendix A Glossary, we read:

“BATTERIES, DRY Sealed, non-vented batteries if the type used in flashlights or in the operation of small apparatus. They contain zinc salts and other solids, or may be oif the nickel cadmium type or other combinations of metals. Such batteries must be packed in inner packagings in such a manner as to effectively prevent short circuits. Examples of such batteries are alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium.”

As so stated, all common dry batteries must abide with SP A123 otherwise they may not be accepted for air transport. Instead of packing them randomly in an inner packaging which may likely cause short-circuits, the batteries must be individually insulated and packed neatly in the inner packaging not allowing them to move around.