Many of us tender aircraft equipment powered by lithium batteries as rush AOG shipments. Recent updates to IATA Dangerous Goods regulations may affect some of those shipping procedures.
As you know, there are two categories of lithium batteries: rechargeable, such as those found in laptop computers and cell phones, and non-rechargeable (primary), such as those found in a number of aircraft parts. The rechargeable batteries are currently considered non-hazardous, and the primary batteries are considered to be dangerous goods and are subject to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations when transported by air. In the absence of exceptions, these batteries must be shipped in quantities that comply with the limitations contained in the Regulations. They must be contained in specification packaging displaying a Class 9 hazard label, in addition to markings that identify the applicable proper shipping name and UN number.
As of January 1st, 2009, the Proper Shipping Names and UN Numbers for lithium batteries and lithium batteries contained in equipment (such as AOG shipments) have completely changed, (see IATA DGR 2009 pages 219-220): 
The packing instructions have also changed. In addition, each package containing multiple lithium batteries loose or in equipment must bear the new lithium battery label (page 576):
There are exceptions to this requirement. But a note of caution is required for shippers who find it unnecessary to use the label: in order to get a package of lithium batteries onto an aircraft, it must pass the inspection of an airline dangerous goods checker. If the label is not provided, the verification process may result in wasted time that causes the shipment to miss the desired flight.
I hope this helps. If you folks have questions or comments about this issue or any other issue, please post them here as comments and I will answer them as best as I can.
