Essential Updates: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, 67th Edition (Effective 2026)

What Global Shippers and Logistics Partners Need to Know

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 67th Revised Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), the global standard for shipping hazardous materials by air. Incorporating all amendments from the ICAO Technical Instructions (2025-2026 edition) and changes adopted by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board, the new edition is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Summary of Key Changes for the Logistics Industry:

General Principles:

The introduction has been updated to elaborate on supply chain security concepts and the responsibilities of all parties involved in handling and transporting dangerous goods.

Passenger and Crew Baggage:

Provides new recommendations concerning the use and charging of portable chargers and spare batteries in the aircraft cabin, with corresponding updates to the relevant restriction table.

State and Operator Variations:

The lists of State (e.g., Thailand, France, UK) and Carrier variations have been updated. Several common carrier variations have been editorially standardized for format without changing their intent. Examples include prohibitions on dangerous goods in mail, restrictions on certain explosives, and requirements for additional outer packaging when liquids are shipped in single plastic drums/jerricans.

Identification and Classification:

• Two new entries with the notation "hybrid" have been added under UN 3166 (Vehicle) in the Dangerous Goods List, supplementing existing entries to facilitate better risk assessment for hybrid electric vehicles.
• Special Provisions A1, A199, and A226 have been revised or removed.

Documentation (Shipper's Declaration):

Clarifies that information specified in 8.2.3 is not required to be repeated on the declaration if it is already stated in compliance with other sections of the regulations.

Operations:

Revised the acceptance checklist notes and provided clearer cross-references for ULD handling label requirements.

New Appendix H (Future Changes):

A significant addition, this appendix previews changes anticipated for January 1, 2027. Key previews include:

• New UN numbers for lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport units (UN 3563) and sodium ion batteries installed in cargo transport units (UN 3564)
• Revised guidance for classifying infectious substances
• Updates to several packing instructions and segregation rules

Implications and Recommended Actions:

All supply chain stakeholders—shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and carriers—must proactively prepare. Actions should include acquiring the new manual, updating internal procedures and checklists, and ensuring relevant personnel are trained on the 67th Edition requirements well before the January 2026 effective date to ensure compliance and avoid shipment delays.