The World Shipping Council (WSC) is pushing for stronger controls on the declaration of lithium-ion batteries transported by sea, amid continuing concerns over battery-related fires and thermal-runaway incidents aboard containerships.
The industry body has highlighted the need for greater transparency around lithium battery cargo, particularly shipments that may qualify for exemptions under Special Provision 188 (SP188) of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. WSC’s regulatory filings show that it submitted a position on SP188 exemptions in containerised transport on September 9.
Lithium-ion batteries are already regulated as dangerous goods because of their fire and thermal-runaway risks. The IMDG Code sets requirements covering their classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation and stowage.
The issue has gained urgency as lithium batteries become increasingly common in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and energy-storage equipment. Misdeclared or inadequately identified battery cargo can make it harder for carriers and crews to apply appropriate stowage, handling and emergency-response measures.
Several carriers have also introduced tighter declaration requirements. CMA CGM, for example, announced in July that all lithium-ion battery cargo, including shipments treated as non-dangerous under SP188, must be declared and tagged in its booking and cargo processes.
India is also strengthening its maritime safety framework. The Directorate General of Shipping issued a draft circular in June 2026 on implementing IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 and introducing additional safety measures for the carriage of lithium- and sodium-ion batteries by sea.
The WSC’s push comes as international regulators consider further changes to lithium battery classification and transport requirements, with proposals currently being discussed through the UN dangerous-goods process.
Stricter and more consistent declarations could give carriers better visibility of battery cargo and help reduce the risk of onboard fires while improving emergency preparedness across the container shipping sector.