Press release:

PHMSA 11-07

Friday, December 28, 2007
New US DOT Hazmat Safety Rule to Place Lithium Battery Limits in Carry-
on Baggage on Passenger Aircraft Effective January 1, 2008

Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in
checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008 once new federal safety
rules take effect. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of
lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in
checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in
carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.

Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and
most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked
luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two
extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries*, such as laptop
and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in
carry-on baggage.

"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original
retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional
short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator
of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can
overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by
the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression system
would not be capable of suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-
rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited in flight.

"This rule protects the passenger," said Lynne Osmus, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) assistant administrator for security and
hazardous materials. "It's one more step for safety. It's the right
thing to do and the right time to do it."

In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA, the
National Transportation Safety Board, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, the battery and airline industries, airline employee
organizations, testing laboratories, and the emergency response
communities to increase public awareness about battery-related risks
and developments. These useful safety tips are highlighted at the
public website: http://safetravel.dot.gov.