Navigating the Changes: Key Updates in IATA DGR 64th Edition for International Chemical & Dangerous Goods Shipping

As your international logistics partner based in Shenzhen, we are committed to ensuring the safe and compliant movement of your goods, especially chemicals and dangerous goods, within the global supply chain. The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 64th revised edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) came into force on 1 January 2023. Understanding these changes is critical for the smooth transportation of your air cargo (and connected logistics segments). Below is a summary of the most significant amendments from an international logistics specialist's perspective.

Highlights of Key Amendments

Enhanced Safety for Lithium Battery Shipments

• Lithium Batteries Shipped Alone (PI 965, PI 968): New rules require each package to be capable of withstanding a 3-meter stack test, aligning with requirements for limited quantity packages to ensure safety during transport and storage.
• Batteries Contained in Equipment: The mandatory requirement to make available a test summary for button cells installed in equipment (e.g., on circuit boards) has been removed, simplifying documentation for some products.
• Lithium Battery Mark: The mark no longer requires a telephone number. A transition period allows the use of marks conforming to the 63rd edition until 31 December 2026.

Significant Reclassification and Packaging Changes for Specific Goods

• Ethyl Bromide (UN 1891): Its primary hazard class has been changed from Division 6.1 (Toxic) to Class 3 (Flammable Liquid) with a subsidiary risk of 6.1. This alters labeling, packing group assignment, and potentially segregation requirements. Verify the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and transport documents.
• Wet Batteries / Sodium Cells (UN 2794, 2795, 3292): The maximum net quantity per package on cargo aircraft has changed from "No Limit" to 400 kg, requiring UN specification packaging.
• New Dangerous Goods Entry: UN 3550 Cobalt dihydroxide powder (Class 6.1, Toxic) has been added, requiring transport under Packing Group II.

Refined Packaging and Handling Requirements

• Aerosols: Regulations are streamlined. Standard capacities are now 1,000 mL for metal aerosols and receptacles and 500 mL for plastic receptacles. Relevant packing instructions (e.g., PI 203) have been updated.
• Vehicles, Engines & Machinery containing Lithium Batteries (UN 3166, 3171, 3528-3530, etc.):
  • Transport is forbidden if the lithium batteries within are damaged or defective.
  • New Special Provision A154 has been added, which may entail additional handling or declaration steps.
  • Items containing pre-production prototype or low-production-run lithium cells/batteries may be shipped on cargo aircraft with approvals from relevant authorities.
• Documentation Transition Period: The transition period for using the previous format of the dangerous goods statement on the Air Waybill (AWB) has been extended until 31 December 2024.

Updates to Special Provisions and Exemptions

Several new Special Provisions provide clear pathways for shipping under specific conditions:

• A221: Allows nitrogen-oxygen mixtures within a specified range (19.5% - 23.5% oxygen by volume) to be transported as UN 1002 (Air, compressed) without a Division 5.1 (Oxidizing) subsidiary risk label.
• A223: Self-inflating / non-self-inflating life-saving appliances (UN 2990, 3072) packed in strong, rigid outer packagings may be shipped as "not restricted" cargo.
• A224 & A225: Provide packing instructions for articles containing environmentally hazardous substances (UN 3548) and non-flammable, non-toxic gases (UN 3538), respectively, allowing transport on passenger and cargo aircraft when conditions are met.

Implications for Our Partnership

These revisions reflect the ongoing evolution of global dangerous goods safety standards, addressing practical concerns and enhancing safety. Our specialist team has completed training on these updates, and we have adapted our operational procedures and checking systems accordingly.

Recommended Actions

• Shippers / Consignors: Please promptly coordinate with your product suppliers or manufacturing departments to ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS), classification, packaging, and documentation for all dangerous goods comply with the 64th Edition DGR.
• Buyers / Importers: When contracting with your Chinese suppliers, consider including a clause stating that "goods must comply with the latest international transport regulations (e.g., IATA DGR, IMDG Code)" to clarify compliance responsibility.