The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is comprised of about 290 airlines, which make up 83% of global air transportation. IATA requires its members, and anyone using their services, to comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) when shipping dangerous goods (hazardous materials). So, if you are shipping dangerous goods by air, the odds are, you will need to comply with the IATA DGR.
Upcoming Changes
IATA updates their DGR every year, so it’s important to stay informed of any changes. Updates to the 64th Edition of the IATA DGR, include:
- Clarifying requirements for excepted quantities of dangerous goods.
- Adding new States and amending variations for existing States for the List of State Variations.
- Revising classification provisions for self-reactive substances, organic peroxides, and corrosives.
- Removing the lithium battery test summary requirement for button cells installed in equipment.
- Changing numerous items in the Dangerous Goods List and special provisions sections.
- Revising several references for Packing Instructions, including those for lithium batteries.
- Removing of the phone number requirement on the lithium battery mark.
- Extending the transitional period for the dangerous goods statement on the air waybill by two years, until December 31, 2024.
- Removing Appendix H (guidance for competency-based training) from the DGR and creating a stand-alone document.
Mandatory compliance with the 64th Edition of the IATA DGR begins on January 1, 2023. Don’t get caught out in the cold, start preparing for the changes now.