The Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has begun accepting public comments on changes to standards for mobile battery carry-on baggage through March 30 by text only via the e-Gov website, e-mail, or mail.
Japanese airlines have introduced new rules effective July 8, 2025, based on international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is stipulated that mobile batteries are not to be placed in the over-the-seat compartment (managed at hand or in the pocket in front of the seat) and must be used in a place where their condition can be checked at all times.
However, due to the increasing number of lithium battery-related fires on board aircraft around the world, the ICAO Council is expected to discuss and adopt an urgent revision of the international standard at its meeting in late March.
In accordance with this, Japan is also considering partial revision of the “Notification on Standards, etc. for Transportation of Explosives, etc. by Aircraft” and “Operation of the Notification on Standards, etc. for Transportation of Explosives, etc. by Aircraft and Article 194 of the Civil Aeronautics Law Enforcement Regulations”.
The new standard is scheduled to become effective in mid-April. The main proposed changes to the ICAO standard are as follows (additions only from previous years)
Two mobile batteries (limited to 160Wh or less) are allowed in carry-on baggage.
Do not charge the mobile battery on board an aircraft.
Do not charge other electronic devices from the mobile battery on board the aircraft.
© Source travel watch