The changes mainly relate to the transportation of aerosols and radioactive substances, as well as the transportation of battery-powered mobility aids such as wheelchairs on aircraft. A new annex provides information for the first time on planned innovations for 2025 and 2026. After all, it is about future technologies such as the safety of sodium-ion batteries.
Some of the changes made are based on proposals from the IATA committee, others on suggestions from individual countries such as the Philippines, Poland and Argentina. The most important changes in chapter 2.3. of the DGR relate to battery-powered mobility aids carried by passengers or the crew of the aircraft. These changes are particularly relevant for airlines, ground handling staff and airports. The new instructions for the transportation of mobility aids ensure that everyone involved can offer passengers with reduced mobility a perfect service with optimum safety.
In Chapter 5, the topic of “Packaging” has been extensively expanded. In particular, specifications regarding the capacity of aerosols with flammable gases have been added.
The changes in Chapter 10 concern radioactive material. New examples have been added that show how radioactive material that represents a subsidiary risk should be described on the “Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods” (DGD). In addition to the correct shipping name, the exact chemical and technical description of the transported goods must now also be specified.
The previous Annex H "Dangerous goods training guide" is now a separate document
The previous Annex H of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations is now available as a separate document under the title “Dangerous Goods Training Guide”. In accordance with the current regulations on competency-based training and assessment (CBTA), it is used for training in the handling of dangerous goods.
A new Annex H provides information on future changes for 2025
A new Annex H of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations provides information on the extensive additions that will come into force on January 1, 2025. These changes result both from the 23rd revision of the UN Model Regulations and from the changes that had been adopted by the ICAO Dangerous Goods Committee by then. These are amendments to the technical instructions adopted by the members of ICAO Dangerous Goods for 2025 and 2026.
For example, there will be a large number of new UN numbers. Perhaps the most important new provisions are those relating to sodium-ion batteries. This is an innovative and increasingly widespread technology. We have already reported on these new battery technologies and their risks several times here on the blog. The UN subcommittee has examined them and adapted the regulations as far as possible to those for lithium-ion batteries.
Download the new IATA dangerous goods regulations
You can read all the corrections and changes on the IATA website and download a copy of the latest edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations. You will find the available language versions under the following links:
The IATA "Dangerous Goods Training Guidance" for download
As already mentioned, the former Annex H “Dangerous Goods Training Guidance” is available as a separate document and is also available in several languages. The links are as follows:
