Apple reportedly opposes stricter regulations restricting lithium-battery shipments by air, leading the US Department of Transportation to seek comments on whether the rules should be aligned with those of the UN, reports "Macworld UK" (http://macte.ch/zFyhX). Samsung is also against the regulations.

The reason for regulations regarding the aerial transportation of lithium-batteries is that they can spontaneously combust, the article adds. UN rules that go into effect Jan. 1, 2013, say pilots must be notified when lithium batteries are on a flight, shipments should be labelled as hazardous materials, and employees should have training in handling such cargo. The UN rules are supported by Airlines for America and the Rechargeable Battery Association, which, ironically, represents Apple and Samsung, as well as other companies.