Hazmat Insights

The International Air Transport Association (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’re shipping dangerous goods by air, the odds are you will need to comply with the IATA DGR.

The 68th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations incorporates amendments made by the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel in developing the content of the 2027–2028 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions, as well as changes adopted by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board. The following list highlights notable changes introduced in this edition but is not an exhaustive listing.

Upcoming changes

IATA updates their DGR every year, so it’s important to stay informed of any changes. Updates to the 68th Edition of the IATA DGR include:

• The instructions on how to use the DGRs have been amended to include:
  • The application of special provisions to specific shipments,
  • The selection of the correct packing instructions and packaging types, and
  • The rules for combining multiple dangerous goods in a single package (All Packed in One).
• Numerous changes modify dangerous goods allowed to be carried by passengers and crew.
• Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities now clarifies that the excepted quantity provisions only apply to substances and not articles.
• A new paragraph applies to the classification of hybrid batteries composed of lithium ion and sodium ion cells.
• The list of dangerous goods now includes the following new entries:
  • UN 3561 Chlorophenols, corrosive, toxic, solid, n.o.s.;
  • UN 3562 Chlorophenols, corrosive, solid, n.o.s.;
  • UN 3563 Lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport unit; and
  • UN 3564 Sodium ion batteries installed in cargo transport unit.
• Numerous special provisions related to batteries, battery powered vehicles, and battery powered equipment have been amended and added.
• Numerous changes in the packing instructions relate to the addition of sodium ion batteries and changes for prototype batteries.
• The previous battery mark with provision for a phone number has been phased out.
• Section 9 Handling includes changes for segregation of explosives based on compatibility groups.
• Table C.2 has been updated for the list of organic peroxides from the UN Model Regulations.

Mandatory compliance with the 68th Edition of the IATA DGR begins on January 1, 2027. Don’t get caught out in the cold, start preparing for the changes now.