[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 2, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15510-15516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7959]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 171, 172, 173, and 175

[Docket No. RSPA-02-11989 (HM-224C)]
RIN 2137-AD48


Hazardous Materials; Transportation of Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: RSPA (we) proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations (HMR) regarding the transportation of lithium batteries. 
These proposals are consistent with changes recently made to the United 
Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN 
Recommendations). They would increase the level of safety associated 
with the transportation of lithium batteries and facilitate the 
transport of these materials in international commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 14, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to the Docket Management System, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL 401, 400 Seventh St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Identify the docket number, RSPA-02-11989 
(HM-224C) at the beginning of your comments and submit two copies. If 
you wish to receive confirmation of receipt of your comments, include a 
self-addressed stamped postcard. You may also submit comments by e-mail 
by accessing the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on ``Help'' to obtain instructions for filing the 
document electronically.
    The Docket Management System is located on the Plaza Level of the 
Nassif Building at the U.S. DOT at the above address. You can view 
public dockets between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except federal holidays. You can also view comments on-
line at http://dms.dot.gov.

[[Page 15511]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Gale, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Standards, RSPA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001, Telephone (202) 366-8553.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under the HMR, 49 CFR parts 171-180, most lithium batteries and 
equipment containing or packed with lithium batteries are regulated as 
Class 9 materials. Lithium batteries have to be tested in accordance 
with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, and, among other things, must 
be equipped with an effective means of preventing short circuits, 
packaged in Packing Group II performance level packagings, and 
identified on shipping papers and package markings and labels. 49 CFR 
173.185(e). However, Sec. 173.185 contains two significant exceptions 
for lithium batteries. The first exception, in 173.185(b), excepts from 
the requirements of the HMR:
    (1) Liquid cathode cells containing no more than 0.5 grams of 
lithium or lithium alloy per cell;
    (2) Liquid cathode batteries containing an aggregate quantity of no 
more than 1 gram of lithium or lithium alloy;
    (3) Solid cathode cells containing no more than 1 gram of lithium 
or lithium alloy per cell;
    (4) Solid cathode batteries containing an aggregate quantity of no 
more than 2 grams of lithium or lithium alloy;
    (5) Lithium ion cells containing no more than 1.5 grams of 
equivalent lithium content; and
    (6) Lithium ion batteries containing no more than 8.0 grams of 
equivalent lithium content.

Though these batteries and cells need to meet some additional 
requirements, such as being protected against short circuits and 
packaged in strong outer packagings, the batteries are not required to 
be tested in accordance with UN Manual of Tests and Criteria and there 
are no requirements for markings or labels on packages or shipping 
documents to communicate to a carrier, emergency response personnel or 
the public the presence of lithium batteries. The second exception, in 
Sec. 173.185(c), excepts from the HMR those lithium batteries and cells 
where the anode of each cell, when fully charged, does not contain more 
than 5 grams of lithium content and the aggregate lithium content of 
the anodes of each battery, when fully charged, is not more than 25 
grams. These batteries and cells must be tested in accordance with UN 
Manual of Tests and Criteria and be designed or packed in such a way as 
to prevent short circuits under conditions normally incident to 
transportation. A package containing these batteries and cells is also 
not required to be marked or labeled and a shipping document is not 
required to accompany a shipment to communicate the presence of lithium 
batteries.
    The requirements in the HMR relative to the transportation of 
lithium batteries are generally consistent with those in the UN 
Recommendations, the International Civil Aviation Organization's 
Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air 
(ICAO Technical Instructions) and the International Maritime Dangerous 
Goods Code (IMDG Code). Recently, in order to maintain consistency with 
the international regulations and in particular the 11th Edition of the 
UN Recommendations, RSPA revised Sec. 173.185 (Docket HM-215D; June 21, 
2001, 66 FR 33316) to include a definition for equivalent lithium 
content for lithium ion cells and batteries and to provide the 
applicable aggregate lithium quantities relevant to excepting lithium 
ion cells and batteries from the requirements of the HMR. In December 
2000, the 12th Edition of the UN Recommendations relative to the 
transportation lithium batteries was again revised. It is anticipated 
that the ICAO Technical Instructions and IMDG Code will also be revised 
in the near future to reflect these changes. Therefore, the amendments 
being proposed today would, in addition to increasing the level of 
safety associated with the transport of lithium batteries, maintain the 
consistency of the HMR with the United Nations Recommendations on the 
Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations) and, thus, facilitate 
the transport of these materials in international commerce.
    The changes adopted into UN Recommendations were a result of an 
incident involving lithium batteries that occurred on April 28, 1999, 
at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In that incident a shipment 
of two pallets of lithium batteries that were excepted from the HMR 
caught fire and burned after being off-loaded from a Northwest Airlines 
flight from Osaka, Japan. While the pallets were being handled by cargo 
handling personnel, the packages were damaged. This is believed to have 
initiated the subsequent fire. The fire was initially fought by 
Northwest employees with portable fire extinguishers and a fire hose. 
Each time the fire appeared to be extinguished, it flared up again. The 
two pallets involved in the fire contained 120,000 non-rechargeable 
lithium batteries. Because of the exceptions in Sec. 173.185(b), these 
batteries were not required to be tested in accordance with UN Manual 
of Tests and Criteria and the packages were excepted from hazard 
communication requirements (i.e., marking, labeling and shipping 
papers). On November 7, 2000, another incident occurred involving 
lithium batteries. In this incident, which involved a declared shipment 
of lithium sulfur dioxide batteries, a battery short circuited causing 
a small fire and rupture of the battery. The battery burned through its 
inner packaging and charred an adjoining package.
    On November 16, 1999, also in response to the LAX incident, the 
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued five recommendations 
to RSPA on the transportation of lithium batteries. A copy of those 
recommendations and a copy of our response to the NTSB can be found in 
the public docket.
    On September 7, 2000, we published a Safety Advisory in the Federal 
Register (65 FR 54366) to:
    (1) Inform persons of the LAX incident and the potential hazards 
that shipments of lithium batteries may present while in 
transportation;
    (2) Recommend actions to offerors and transporters to ensure the 
safety of such shipments;
    (3) Provide information concerning the current requirements for the 
transportation of lithium batteries;
    (4) Inform persons of recommendations we received from the NTSB on 
the transportation of lithium batteries and our response to those 
recommendations;
    (5) Inform persons of the actions we have taken to date and plan to 
take in the future to address the hazards of these batteries; and
    (6) Provide information concerning initiatives being taken by 
members of the battery manufacturing and distribution industry to 
address concerns relating to transportation of these batteries.
    As noted in the Safety Advisory, we are currently reevaluating the 
hazards posed by lithium batteries in transportation. Information is 
being collected from lithium battery manufacturers, shippers, and 
Federal agencies with extensive experience in testing and the use of 
lithium batteries. DOT is also conducting other evaluations to obtain 
additional information. We stated in the Safety Advisory that upon 
completion of our evaluation of lithium batteries, we would initiate 
any additional actions

[[Page 15512]]

necessary to address the hazards posed by the transportation of lithium 
batteries. Though we have not completed our reevaluation of the hazards 
posed by lithium batteries in transportation, we believe that it is in 
the best interest of safety and international commerce to amend the HMR 
at this time based on the amendments to the UN Recommendations.
    On July 9, 2001, we received a petition (P-1417) from the Portable 
Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) requesting that this NPRM allow 
aircraft passengers and crew to carry in checked or carry-on baggage 
certain lithium ion and lithium polymer rechargeable batteries and to 
provide an exception from the testing requirements in the UN Manual of 
Tests and Criteria for certain lithium and lithium ion cells and 
batteries manufactured prior to January 1, 2003. Our response to P-1417 
is discussed below.

II. Proposed Amendments

    The changes being proposed in this notice can be summarized into 
the following categories: (1) Changes to test methods for lithium 
batteries; (2) revisions to exceptions for small batteries (e.g., those 
of 1 gram or less of lithium content); (3) elimination of an exception 
for larger batteries (e.g., cells up to 5 grams of lithium content and 
batteries up to 25 grams of lithium content); (4) exceptions for 
aircraft passengers and crew; and (5) editorial changes. The following 
paragraphs discuss these changes in detail.

A. Changes to the Test Methods for Lithium Batteries

    The test methods for lithium batteries and cells in the UN Manual 
of Tests and Criteria were revised to provide more precise descriptions 
of the procedures and criteria. The revised test method consists of 
eight tests compared to six in the previous test method series. The 
tests are designed to measure the ability of the cells or batteries to 
maintain their construction integrities against internal or external 
shorts in normal transport environments. Parameters considered for the 
transport environments include temperature, altitude, vibration, shock, 
impact, overcharge, forced discharge and intentional short. The test 
criteria were developed to minimize the probability that lithium cells 
or batteries will become an ignition (fire) source during transport by 
all modes.

B. Revisions to the Exceptions for Small Batteries

    We believe that in order for small batteries to be excepted from 
most of the requirements of the HMR, they should be shown to 
demonstrate that they are significantly robust and can withstand 
conditions of transport. Therefore, in order for these batteries and 
cells to continue to be excepted from the HMR, we are proposing that 
they be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. 
The LAX incident highlighted the need for some kind of hazard 
communication to appear on the outside of the packages and on shipping 
documents and to increase the integrity of packages containing lithium 
batteries and cells. Therefore, we are proposing that each package 
containing more than 24 cells or 12 batteries: (1) Be marked to 
indicate that it contains lithium batteries, and that special 
procedures be followed in the event that the package is damaged; (2) be 
accompanied by a document indicating that the package contains lithium 
batteries and that special procedures be followed in the event that the 
package is damaged; (3) weigh no more than 30 kilograms (gross weight); 
and (4) be capable of withstanding a 1.2 meter drop test in any 
orientation without shifting of the contents that would allow short 
circuiting, and without release of package contents. We are not 
proposing to impose these requirements on packages that contain either 
12 or fewer lithium batteries or 24 or fewer cells, so as to minimize 
potential cost impacts on aircraft passengers, small retail outlets, 
and similar small volume shippers. We are also proposing to adopt one 
quantity limit for these cells and batteries in place of the limits 
that currently depend on cathode type (i.e., liquid or solid). These 
proposed changes are consistent with the recent amendments to the UN 
Recommendations and the ICAO TI. The hazard communication and packaging 
provisions are also consistent with the industry-adopted voluntary 
program that was discussed in the Advisory Notice.
    PRBA requested that we include in the proposed rule a provision 
that will clarify when all lithium and lithium ion cells and batteries 
will be subject to the new UN testing requirements. PRBA requested that 
testing not be required on those lithium cells and batteries that are 
manufactured prior to January 1, 2003 and that:
    (1) For lithium metal or lithium alloy cells, contain no more than 
1 gram of lithium;
    (2) For lithium ion cells, contain no more than 1.5 grams of 
equivalent lithium content;
    (3) For lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, contain no more 
than an aggregate lithium content of 2 grams; and
    (4) For lithium ion batteries, contain no more than 8 grams of 
equivalent lithium content. PRBA stated that these exceptions are 
necessary to allow sufficient time to exhaust current inventories and 
for implementation of testing procedures.
    RSPA agrees that a period of time should be provided to 
manufacturers of lithium batteries to test those battery designs that 
are currently on the market. RSPA believes that it would be 
unreasonable to require these manufacturers to test these designs 
immediately or in just a few months after the effective date of a final 
rule. However, RSPA does not agree that these batteries should be 
allowed to be transported for an indefinite period of time without 
being subject to the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. 
Therefore, consistent with changes recently adopted into the ICAO 
Technical Instructions, we are proposing that those lithium battery 
designs manufactured before January 1, 2003, not be required to be 
tested until January 1, 2005.

C. Elimination of the Exception for Larger Batteries

    Currently in the HMR, cells that contain 5 grams or less of lithium 
or lithium alloy and not more than 25 grams of lithium or lithium alloy 
per battery are excepted from the HMR if they pass tests specified in 
the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Cells and batteries that do not 
meet the test requirements and cells and batteries that contain lithium 
and lithium alloys above these limits are subject to the HMR as a Class 
9 material and must be packed in UN performance-oriented packagings, 
and marked, labeled, and described on shipping papers in accordance 
with the HMR. We no longer believe that these cells or batteries 
containing relatively large quantities of lithium should be excepted 
from the hazard communication and packaging requirements of the HMR 
and, therefore, are proposing to eliminate the exception found in 
Sec. 173.185(c).

D. Exceptions for Aircraft Passengers and Crew

    Consistent with the amendments recently adopted into the ICAO 
Technical Instructions, RSPA is also proposing to except from the HMR 
the carriage aboard an aircraft of consumer electronic devices by 
passengers and crew. In addition, RSPA would allow passengers and crew 
to carry spare batteries for such devices subject to limits as to 
lithium content and number for larger batteries. These proposed 
amendments are also consistent with a

[[Page 15513]]

PRBA petition for rulemaking requesting that we allow aircraft 
passengers and crew to carry up to three lithium ion or lithium polymer 
rechargeable batteries that contain between 8 and 25 grams of 
equivalent lithium content, provided they pass the tests in the UN 
Manual of Tests and Criteria. PRBA states that under the current HMR, 
passengers using these batteries in electronic devices can transport 
these items unregulated but that under the changes adopted by UN 
Recommendations, and consequently proposed in this NPRM, they would 
have to be transported as Class 9 materials. Though RSPA agrees that we 
should continue to allow aircraft passengers and crew to transport 
consumer electronic devices containing such lithium or lithium ion 
cells or batteries and their spares as unregulated, RSPA does not agree 
that the exception provided for lithium ion batteries should also be 
provided for lithium polymer batteries. First, for lithium polymer 
batteries, the exception in Sec. 173.185(c) only allows those lithium 
polymer batteries that contain between 5 and 25 grams of lithium, not 
equivalent lithium content. Second, lithium polymer batteries are the 
same as lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries for purposes of 
compliance with the requirements of Sec. 173.185; there are no 
provisions for determining equivalent lithium content for these 
batteries.

E. Editorial Changes

    We are proposing to make several editorial changes to Sec. 173.185 
to help users better understand their responsibilities. First, we are 
proposing to move the definition of ``lithium content'' from 
Sec. 173.185(a) to Sec. 171.8 and eliminate the first sentence of 
Sec. 173.185(a) because it is unnecessary. We would move the provisions 
of paragraph (e) to paragraph (a) and move all the exceptions into 
paragraph (d). The exceptions would also be revised for clarity. We 
would also remove Special Provision 29 because it is unnecessary.
    We are also proposing to add provisions to Sec. 173.220, consistent 
with recent changes adopted in the ICAO Technical Instruction, for the 
shipment of vehicles and engines that contain lithium batteries. These 
provisions would require that such lithium batteries be of the same 
type that has passed the UN Tests, be securely packed in a battery 
holder and be protected against short circuits.

III. Rulemaking Analysis and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This proposed rule, if adopted, would not be considered a 
significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866 and, therefore, was not subject to formal review by the Office of 
Management and Budget. This proposed rule is not considered significant 
under the Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the Department of 
Transportation (44 FR 11034). The hazard communication and packaging 
provisions proposed in this NPRM are consistent with a voluntary 
program implemented by the lithium battery industry following the LAX 
incident and, therefore, would impose no appreciable new cost on the 
industry. The testing of currently manufactured batteries or cells 
would not be required until January 1, 2005, thus, providing two years 
to test current designs of batteries or cells. In addition, (1) these 
tests have been adopted in the ICAO Technical Instruction; (2) the vast 
majority of the these cells and batteries are manufactured outside the 
U.S. and subsequently transported by aircraft into the U.S. under the 
ICAO Technical Instructions; and (3) the small number of cells and 
batteries manufactured in the U.S. are subsequently transported by 
aircraft in the U.S. under the ICAO Technical Instructions. For these 
reasons, the costs associated with these proposals are negligible. 
Benefits resulting from this proposal include enhanced transportation 
safety by decreasing the likelihood and severity of a transportation 
incident involving lithium cells and batteries and consistency of 
domestic and international standards. Interested persons are invited to 
provide comments on RSPA's preliminary regulatory evaluation which is 
available for review in the public docket. We are particularly 
interested in receiving well-documented comments that substantiate or 
refute our understanding that the costs associated with this proposal 
are negligible.

B. Executive Order 13132

    This proposed rule has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 
(``Federalism''). This proposed rule would preempt State, local, and 
Indian tribe requirements but does not propose any regulation that has 
substantial direct effects on the States, the relationship between the 
national government and the States, or the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, the 
consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not 
apply.
    The Federal hazardous materials transportation law, 49 U.S.C. 5101-
5127, contains an express preemption provision (49 U.S.C. 5125(b)) that 
preempts State, local, and Indian tribe requirements on certain covered 
subjects. Covered subjects are:
    (1) The designation, description, and classification of hazardous 
materials;
    (2) The packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and 
placarding of hazardous materials;
    (3) The preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents 
related to hazardous materials and requirements related to the number, 
contents, and placement of those documents;
    (4) The written notification, recording, and reporting of the 
unintentional release in transportation of hazardous material; or
    (5) The design, manufacture, fabrication, marking, maintenance, 
recondition, repair, or testing of a packaging or container 
represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in 
transporting hazardous material.
    This proposed rule addresses covered subject items (1), (2), and 
(3) above and would preempt State, local, and Indian tribe requirements 
not meeting the ``substantively the same'' standard. This proposed rule 
is necessary to incorporate changes recently adopted in international 
standards and increase the level of safety associated with the 
transportation of lithium batteries.
    Federal hazardous materials transportation law provides at 
Sec. 5125(b)(2) that, if DOT issues a regulation concerning any of the 
covered subjects, DOT must determine and publish in the Federal 
Register the effective date of Federal preemption. The effective date 
may not be earlier than the 90th day following the date of issuance of 
the final rule and not later than two years after the date of issuance. 
RSPA proposes that the effective date of Federal preemption will be 90 
days from publication of a final rule in this matter in the Federal 
Register.

C. Executive Order 13175

    This proposed rule has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175 
(``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments''). 
Because this proposed rule does not have tribal implications and does 
not impose direct compliance costs, the funding and consultation 
requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply.

[[Page 15514]]

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-611) requires each 
agency to analyze proposed regulations and assess their impact on small 
businesses and other small entities to determine whether the proposed 
rule is expected to have a significant impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. The provisions of this proposal would apply to 
lithium battery manufacturers and other persons who offer lithium 
batteries for transportation in commerce, some whom are small entities. 
However, it is anticipated that the costs associated with the more 
stringent requirements of this proposal, such as the testing of lithium 
batteries, would be incurred by lithium battery manufacturers, which 
are not small businesses. In addition, an exception from the new hazard 
communication system has been provided for small shipments of lithium 
batteries. It is our belief that most small businesses that offer 
lithium batteries for transportation would be able to utilize that 
exception. Therefore, RSPA certifies that this proposed rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This proposed rule would not impose unfunded mandates under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. It would not, if adopted, result 
in costs of $100 million or more, in the aggregate, to any of the 
following: State, local, or Native American tribal governments, or the 
private sector.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    RSPA believes that this proposed rule may result in a modest 
increase in annual burden and costs based on a new information 
collection requirement. The proposals regarding the shipment of lithium 
batteries that result in a new information collection requirement have 
been submitted to OMB for review and approval.
    Section 1320.8(d), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations requires 
that RSPA provide interested members of the public and affected 
agencies an opportunity to comment on information collection and 
recordkeeping requests. This notice identifies a new information 
collection request (i.e., the requirement to indicate on shipping 
documents that packages contain lithium batteries) that RSPA has 
submitted to OMB for approval based on the requirements in this 
proposed rule. RSPA has developed burden estimates to reflect changes 
in this proposed rule. RSPA estimates that the total information 
collection and recordkeeping burden proposed in this rule would be as 
follows:
    OMB No. 2137-xxxx:
    Total Annual Number of Respondents: 1,000.
    Total Annual Responses: 100,000.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 834.
    Total Annual Burden Cost: $10,000.
    RSPA specifically requests comments on the information collection 
and recordkeeping burdens associated with developing, implementing, and 
maintaining these requirements for approval under this proposed rule.
    Requests for a copy of the information collection should be 
directed to Deborah Boothe, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards 
(DHM-10), Research and Special Programs Administration, Room 8102, 400 
Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001, Telephone (202) 366-
8553.
    Written comments should be addressed to the Docket Management 
System as identified in the ADDRESSES section of this rulemaking. 
Comments should be received prior to the close of the comment period 
identified in the DATES section of this rulemaking. Under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, no person is required to respond to or comply 
with an information collection requirement unless it displays a valid 
OMB control number. If these proposed requirements are adopted in a 
final rule, RSPA will submit the information collection and 
recordkeeping requirements to the Office of Management and Budget for 
approval.

G. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each year. The RIN number contained in the heading 
of this document may be used to cross-reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 171

    Exports, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Imports, Incorporation by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

49 CFR Part 172

    Education, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Labeling, Markings, Packaging and containers, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

49 CFR Part 173

    Hazardous materials transportation, Packaging and containers, 
Radioactive materials, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, 
Uranium.

49 CFR Part 175

    Air carriers, Hazardous materials transportation, Radioactive 
materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR Chapter I would be 
amended as follows:

PART 171--GENERAL INFORMATION, REGULATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 171 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    2. In Sec. 171.7, in the paragraph (a)(3) table, under the entry 
``United Nations'', the second entry would be revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 171.7  Reference material.

    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Source and name of material                                   49 CFR reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     *                *                *                *                *                *                *
               United Nations
 
     *                *                *                *                *                *                *
   UN Recommendations on the Transport of     172.102; 173.21; 173.56; 173.57; 173.124; 173.128; 173.166;
    Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and       173.185
   Criteria, Third Revised Edition (1999)
  including the revisions contained in the
  Report of the Committee of Experts on its
 Twenty-First Session ``Amendments to Third
  Revised Edition of the UN Manual of Tests
    and Criteria, ST/SG/AC.10/27 Add.2''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 15515]]

* * * * *
    3. In Sec. 171.8, a definition for ``Equivalent lithium content'' 
and ``Lithium content'' would be added in appropriate alphabetical 
order to read as follows:


Sec. 171.8  Definitions and abbreviations.

* * * * *
    Equivalent lithium content means, for a lithium ion cell, the 
product of the rated capacity, in ampere-hours, of a lithium ion cell 
times 0.3. The equivalent lithium content of a battery equals the sum 
of the grams of equivalent lithium content contained in the component 
cells of the battery.
* * * * *
    Lithium content means the mass of lithium in the anode of a lithium 
metal or lithium alloy cell. For a lithium ion cell see the definition 
for ``equivalent lithium content''.
* * * * *

PART 172--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE, SPECIAL PROVISIONS, HAZARDOUS 
MATERIALS COMMUNICATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION, AND 
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

    4. The authority citation for part 172 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.


Sec. 172.102  [Amended]

    5. In Sec. 172.102(c)(1), special provision ``29'' would be 
removed.

PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND 
PACKAGINGS

    6. The authority citation for part 173 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127, 44701; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.53.

    7. Section 173.185 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 173.185  Lithium cells and batteries.

    (a) Cells and batteries. A lithium cell or battery, including a 
lithium polymer cell or battery and a lithium ion cell or battery, must 
meet the following requirements:
    (1) Be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in 
the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Third Revised Edition (1999), Part 
III, subsection 38.3. A cell or battery and equipment containing a cell 
or battery which was first transported prior to [effective date of the 
final rule] and is of a type proven to meet the criteria of Class 9 by 
testing in accordance with the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and 
Criteria, Second Edition, 1990 is not required to be retested in 
accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Third Revised 
Edition (1999), Part III, subsection 38.3;
    (2) Incorporate a safety venting device or otherwise be designed in 
a manner that will preclude a violent rupture under conditions normally 
incident to transportation;
    (3) For a battery containing cells or series of cells that are 
connected in parallel, be equipped with an effective means to prevent 
dangerous current flow (e.g., diodes, fuses, etc.);
    (4) Be packed in inner packagings in such a manner as to prevent 
short circuits, including movement which could lead to short circuits;
    (5) Be packaged in combination packagings conforming to the 
requirements of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group II 
performance level. Inner packagings must be packed within metal boxes 
(4A or 4B), wooden boxes (4C1, 4C2, 4D,or 4F), fiberboard boxes (4G), 
solid plastic boxes (4H2), fiber drums (1G), metal drums (1A2 or 1B2), 
plywood drums (1D), plastic jerricans (3H2), or metal jerricans (3A2 or 
3B2);
    (6) Be equipped with an effective means of preventing external 
short circuits; and
    (7) Not be offered for transportation or transported if any cell 
has been discharged to the extent that the open circuit voltage is less 
than two volts or is less than \2/3\ of the voltage of the fully 
charged cell, whichever is less.
    (b) Cells or batteries packed with equipment. Cells or batteries 
packed with equipment may be transported as items of Class 9 if the 
batteries and cells meet all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this 
section, except paragraph (a)(5) of this section. The cells or 
batteries must be packed in an inner packaging that is further packed 
with the equipment in a strong outer packaging.
    (c) Equipment containing cells and batteries. Cells and batteries 
contained in equipment may be transported as items of Class 9 if the 
batteries and cells meet all the requirements of paragraph (a) of this 
section, except paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5) of this section, and the 
equipment is packed in a strong outer packaging that is waterproof or 
is made waterproof through the use of a liner unless the equipment is 
made waterproof by nature of its construction. The equipment and cells 
or batteries must be secured within the outer packaging and be packed 
as to effectively prevent movement, short circuits, and accidental 
operation during transport.
    (d) Exceptions. (1) Small cells and batteries. A lithium cell or 
battery, including a cell or battery packed with or contained in 
equipment, is not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter 
if it meets the following requirements:
    (i) For a lithium metal or lithium alloy cell, the lithium content 
is not more than 1.0 g. For a lithium-ion cell, the equivalent lithium 
content is not more than 1.5 g;
    (ii) For a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, the aggregate 
lithium content is not more than 2.0 g. For a lithium-ion battery, the 
aggregate equivalent lithium content is not more than 8 g;
    (iii) The cell or battery is of the type that meets the lithium 
battery testing requirements in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, 
Part III, subsection 38.3. A cell or battery that was manufactured 
before January 1, 2003 is not required to be tested until January 1, 
2005;
    (iv) Cells or batteries are separated so as to prevent short 
circuits and are packed in a strong outer packaging or are contained in 
equipment; and
    (v) Each package containing more than 24 lithium cells or 12 
lithium batteries must be:
    (A) Marked to indicate that it contains lithium batteries, and that 
special procedures should be followed in the event that the package is 
damaged;
    (B) Accompanied by a document indicating that the package contains 
lithium batteries and that special procedures should be followed in the 
event that the package is damaged;
    (C) Capable of withstanding a 1.2 meter drop test in any 
orientation without damage to cells or batteries contained in the 
package, without shifting of the contents that would allow short 
circuiting and without release of package contents; and
    (D) Except in the case of lithium cells or batteries packed with or 
contained in equipment, in packages not exceeding 30 kg gross mass.
    (2) Cells and batteries, for disposal. A lithium cell or battery 
offered for transportation or transported to a permitted storage 
facility or disposal site by motor vehicle is excepted from the 
specification packaging requirements of this subchapter and the 
requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(7) of this section when 
protected against short circuits and packed in a strong outer packaging 
conforming to the requirements of Secs. 173.24 and 173.24a.
    (3) Shipments for testing. A lithium cell or battery is excepted 
from the requirement of (a)(1) of this section when transported by 
motor vehicle for

[[Page 15516]]

purposes of testing. The cell or battery must be individually packed in 
an inner packaging, surrounded by cushioning material that is non-
combustible, and nonconductive.
    (e) A lithium cell or battery that does not comply with the 
provisions of this section may be transported only under conditions 
approved by the Associate Administrator.
    8. In Sec. 173.220, paragraph (b)(5) would be added to read as 
follows:


Sec. 173.220  Internal combustion engines, self-propelled vehicles, 
mechanical equipment containing internal combustion engines, and 
battery powered vehicles and equipment.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries contained in vehicles or 
engines must be of a type that has successfully passed each test in the 
UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3, be securely 
fastened in the battery holder of the vehicle or engine, and be 
protected in such a manner as to prevent damage and short circuits. 
Equipment, other than vehicles or engines, containing lithium batteries 
must be transported in accordance with Sec. 173.185.
* * * * *

PART 175--CARRIAGE BY AIRCRAFT

    9. The authority citation for part 175 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5127; 49 CFR 1.53.
    10. In Sec. 175.10, paragraph (a)(27) would be added to read as 
follows:


Sec. 175.10  Exceptions.

    (a) * * *
    (27) Consumer electronic devices (watches, calculating machines, 
cameras, cellular phones, lap-top computers, camcorders, etc.) 
containing lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries when carried by 
passengers or crew member for personal use. Each spare battery must be 
individually protected so as to prevent short circuits and carried in 
carry-on baggage only. In addition, each spare battery must not exceed 
the following:
    (i) For a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, a lithium content 
of not more than 2 grams per battery; or
    (ii) For a lithium ion battery, an aggregate equivalent lithium 
content of not more than 8 grams per battery, except that up to two 
batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of more than 8 
grams but not more than 25 grams may be carried.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2002, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR part 106.
Robert A. McGuire,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 02-7959 Filed 4-1-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P