IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 65th Edition (2024) – Key Updates Summary

Regulatory Hierarchy:

The global standard for dangerous goods transport is set by the UN Model Regulations. For air transport, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) then publishes the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which provides the detailed, operational rules for the airline industry. The ICAO TI is updated biennially, while the IATA DGR is published annually. The 65th Edition of the IATA DGR became effective on January 1, 2024.

Section 2 Limitations - Battery-powered mobility aids and state variations

Section 2: Limitations - Battery-Powered Mobility Aids & State/Operator Variations

Significant Changes in DGR 65th Edition:

Section 2 – Limitations:

2.3 (Passenger/Crew Carried): Revised provisions for battery-powered mobility aids, referencing end-to-end carriage guidance.
2.8.1 (State Variations) & 2.8.3 (Operator Variations): Updated to include new variations from Argentina, the Philippines, China Postal Airlines, Ruili Airlines, etc., and significant changes to variations from Poland and EgyptAir.

Section 5 – Packing:

5.2.0.9: Non-refillable cylinders for flammable gas are now limited to a water capacity ≤ 1.25 L.
Packing Instruction 952: Revised to include reference to "equipment."
Packing Instruction 954: Clarified that an overpack containing packages with dry ice must be marked on the outside with the total net quantity of dry ice in the overpack.

Section 5: Packing - Non-refillable Cylinders & Dry Ice Marking Requirements

Section 6 – Packaging Specifications:

6.0.3: Requirements and format for the UN specification marking on packages have been clarified.

Section 6: Packaging Specifications - UN Specification Marking Format

Section 7 – Marking & Labeling:

7.1.7 (Overpack Marking): Revised to mandate that an overpack containing dry ice must always be marked with the total weight of dry ice within it.

Section 7 Marking and Labeling - Overpack marking requirements

Section 7: Marking & Labeling - Overpack Dry Ice Marking Requirements

Section 8 – Documentation:

8.1.6.9.2: A note was added stating there is no requirement to show the type, number, and net quantity of inner packagings within a combination packaging on the Shipper's Declaration.

Section 8: Documentation - Shipper's Declaration Requirements

Section 10 – Radioactive Material:

10.8.3.9.1 & 10.8.6: Added new examples for describing radioactive material with a subsidiary risk and for declaring packages within an overpack.

Section 10: Radioactive Material - New Examples for Declaration

Appendices:

Updated lists for Competent Authorities (App. D), UN Packaging Suppliers/Test Facilities (App. E), and IATA Training Schools (App. F).

Appendices D, E & F: Updated Lists for 65th Edition

Forward Look:

Appendix H of DGR 65 previews potential changes for the 66th Edition, including items like fire extinguisher cartridges, sodium-ion batteries, and gallium products. IATA's focus areas include enhancing lithium battery transport safety, adapting to e-commerce, advancing Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), supporting digitalization of rules, and reducing carbon emissions.

Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only. For complete regulatory compliance, always refer to the official IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 65th Edition and consult with qualified dangerous goods professionals.