DOT Restricts E-Cig Use on Aircraft

PHMSA 05-19 FR Li battery in check baggage.pdf

On May 19, 2016 (81 FR 31529), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the federal register to prohibit passengers and crewmembers from carrying battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems) in checked baggage and from charging these devices and their batteries on board the aircraft. However, these devices may continue to be carried in carry-on baggage. This action is consistent with the interim final rule (IFR) published in the Federal Register (80 FR 66817) on October 30, 2015, and a similar amendment in the 2015–2016 Edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI). This final rule amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Part 175) to maintain alignment with the ICAO TI. Furthermore, this final rule does not impact the existing rules on the transport of lithium batteries or other portable electronic devices that are transported for personal use in a passenger’s checked or carry-on baggage. This final rule is effective June 20, 2016.