Anac updates rules for transporting power banks on flights

The National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) updated the rules for transporting portable chargers (power banks) on flights. The measures aim to reduce the risk of cabin fires, as lithium batteries can suffer from failures that lead to overheating.

The revision of Supplementary Instruction No. 175-001, which deals with the transport of dangerous articles by air, was published in the Official Gazette of the Union and incorporated the new specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organization (Oaci) on the transport of these items.

The following rules regarding portable chargers are now in effect:

- Power banks must be transported exclusively in hand luggage (existing rule, now reinforced);

- Each passenger can carry a maximum of two power banks;

- Equipment must have a capacity of up to 100Wh. Models with between 100 Wh and 160 Wh will require prior authorization from the airline. Those above 160 Wh are prohibited and must be discarded before entering the aircraft;

- It is prohibited to recharge power banks on board the aircraft;

- It is suggested that power banks are not used to charge other electronics on board the aircraft;

- Power banks must be protected against short circuits, with insulated terminals or in the original packaging.

Anac recommends that passengers contact airlines before boarding with power banks. This is because each company can adopt more rigorous measures, based on their operational risk assessments.

Source: Antena 1