Sodium-ion batteries are now banned from being brought onto airplanes, Elecom announces; Japan’s transport ministry says “they were never allowed in the first place”

Elecom said mobile batteries and handheld fans using sodium-ion batteries cannot be brought onto aircraft or checked in.

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said the rule was not new; it was already prohibited and was only clarified in a Jan. 24 update.

The ministry added that ICAO does not yet have a specific handling standard for sodium-ion batteries.

The gap between manufacturer guidance and government interpretation could affect traveler awareness and airport checks.