Background

Lithium batteries and any Li-battery-powered electronics with Li-battery (Li-ele-products) must comply with the Dangerous Goods Regulation published by IATA. With compact design and high energy density of the lithium battery, it is possible that any incident of lithium battery could lead to a major tragedy if transported by air. Statistics has shown an increase in number of aviation cargo incidents involving Li-ele-products.

Risks & Concerns

With the potential of poor production quality and counterfeit issue in electronics manufacturing, this poses potential threat to aviation safety. In addition, the supply chain model, between Hong Kong and China for international export, makes the threats less identifiable by the presence of conflict of interest between supply chain entities, multi-layered consolidation, etc.

Recommendation

According to Compliance and Awareness Information Paper No. 6 (DGP-WG/LB/2-IP/6) issued by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel Working Group on lithium batteries 2014, it is encouraged to establish a greater level of voluntary compliance on lithium batteries air transport. An effective means was to push compliance back down the entire supply chain towards the manufacturer. Thus establishing a trust-based programme along the lithium battery supply chain is essential.