ICAO Panel Votes Against Battery Ban

A proposal to ban shipment of lithium-ion batteries on passenger flights was brought before the ICAO dangerous goods panel earlier this week, but the panel reportedly voted against making a recommendation to ICAO's Air Navigation Bureau that the ban be adopted. Shipment of lithium-ion batteries have become an increasingly contentious issue in recent years as they have been found to present a fire risk if improperly stored, while demand has exploded as a result of their use in consumer electronic devices. The panel did recommend certain procedural safeguards be implemented with regard to battery shipment. The Bureau is expected to follow the panel's recommendation.