Packing Instructions (PI)

Packing Instructions (PI) are IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) specifications that provide detailed requirements for packaging, marking, labeling, and quantity limits for each dangerous good acceptable for air transport. Each substance in the IATA dangerous goods table is assigned a specific PI number found in Table 4.2, such as PI965 for lithium-ion batteries or PI353 for paint in Packing Group II. The most commonly referenced PIs are PI965-970, which govern lithium battery shipments with specific sections (IA, IB, or II) that determine packaging requirements, weight limits, and aircraft restrictions based on battery type and energy content. Most packing instructions require UN performance-tested specification packaging, except when shipping in Limited Quantities under Y-designated PIs.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment on AWB 020-45678912 contains smartphone lithium-ion batteries classified as UN3480 and must follow PI965 Section IA requirements, including UN specification packaging, Class 9 hazard labels, and cargo aircraft only restrictions. An Emirates SkyCargo consignment AWB 176-23456789 ships laptops with internal batteries under UN3481, following PI967 Section II with lithium battery handling labels and a maximum 5kg per package limit for passenger aircraft transport.

• PI numbers
• PI965
• PI966
• PI967
• PI968
• PI969
• PI970
• dangerous goods packing instructions

What is the difference between PI965 and PI966 for lithium battery shipments?

PI965 applies to standalone lithium-ion batteries (UN3480), while PI966 applies to lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (UN3481). As of April 1, 2022, Section II of PI965 has been eliminated, requiring all standalone lithium-ion battery shipments to comply with Section IA or IB requirements.

Where can I find the correct Packing Instruction number for my dangerous goods shipment?

Match your substance to the Packing Instruction shown in Table 4.2 of the IATA DGR. Locate your material's proper shipping name in column B of the IATA DGR's dangerous goods list, then reference the packing instruction numbers in columns G, I, and K.