How to Ship Lithium Batteries by Air in India (2026 IATA Rules)

Lithium batteries cause more air freight headaches than almost any other commodity. Partly because the rules change every year, partly because half the industry doesn't fully understand them, and partly because airlines each have their own additional restrictions on top of IATA's baseline rules.

If you're shipping lithium batteries from India in 2026, here's what you actually need to know.

Two Types, Very Different Rules

Lithium ion (rechargeable) and lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are both Class 9 dangerous goods, but they have different UN numbers and different packing instructions:

• Lithium ion cells: UN3480, PI 965
• Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment: UN3481, PI 966
• Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment: UN3481, PI 966
• Lithium metal cells: UN3090, PI 968
• Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment: UN3091, PI 969

The packing instruction is not interchangeable. A phone shipped with its battery inside is UN3481, PI 966 — contained in equipment. The same phone shipped separately from a spare battery becomes two line items with different PIs.

State of Charge Matters

For Section II lithium ion batteries shipped alone (UN3480), the state of charge must not exceed 30% of rated capacity. This is actively enforced. Some airlines ask for test documentation proving SOC compliance. If you're shipping EV batteries or large format cells, this becomes a significant logistics consideration — someone needs to discharge them to 30% before packaging.

Passenger vs. Cargo Aircraft

Many lithium battery shipments are restricted to cargo aircraft only (CAO). Section II quantities under PI 965 can go on passenger aircraft in limited quantities, but Section IA (above the 300 Wh per battery threshold for cells) is cargo aircraft only without exception.

Check your PI section before booking. If your airline doesn't know the difference between Section IA, IB, and II for PI 965, find a different airline or a different ground handler.

Indian Export Reality

India is a major exporter of electronic goods, EV components, and power storage systems — all involving lithium batteries. IGI Airport's DG acceptance desk sees lithium battery shipments daily. The most common rejection reason we encounter: wrong Section under PI 965/966, or missing test summary (required for Section IA).

The test summary is a manufacturer document certifying the battery meets the UN 38.3 test series. Without it, Section IA shipments don't fly. Period.

Airline-Specific Restrictions

IATA DGR gives you the baseline. Airlines add their own layers. Air India has specific restrictions on lithium battery quantities per flight. Emirates limits certain large-format batteries entirely. Some carriers require advance notification 48-72 hours before arrival.

We always check airline-specific DGR addenda before booking a lithium battery shipment. What flew on IndiGo last week may not fly on Air India today.

Domestic vs. International

For domestic flights within India, DGCA's CAR Section 8 applies. The rules broadly align with IATA DGR but there are differences. Most Indian domestic carriers have additional internal policies. If you're shipping lithium batteries domestically by air, confirm acceptance in writing before drop-off.