News Brief
The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 67th Edition, published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.
As the core standard for global air transport of dangerous goods, this revision not only systematically optimizes existing regulations but also introduces a new Appendix H, incorporating key technical changes from the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN TDG) 24th Revised Edition in advance.
In light of the rapid development of new energy batteries and the widespread adoption of vehicles utilizing multiple energy sources, the new DGR edition introduces updated classification, packaging, and transport requirements for sodium-ion batteries, hybrid technologies, and related components. These updates aim to enhance risk identification and safety management in the air transport of dangerous goods.
Based on the change documentation released by IATA, REACH24H has summarized the key updates in the 67th Edition of the DGR as follows.
Key Revisions in the 67th Edition of the DGR (Effective 2026)
Optimization of Vehicle Transport and Identification
Hybrid Power: The description of "hybrid" has been added to the entries for "vehicles powered by flammable gas" and "vehicles powered by flammable liquid" under UN 3166. This addition aims to clarify transport risks associated with hybrid vehicles (which include both internal combustion engines and batteries/fuel cells) and eliminate ambiguities.
Cargo IMP Code: Appendix B.2.2.4 has been updated to include new Cargo IMP codes specifically for vehicle transport.
Regulations for Passengers and Crew
New recommendations address the use of power banks and spare batteries for charging in the cabin.
Table 2.3.A has been updated to enhance safety protocols for lithium battery-powered devices used in the cabin.
Operational and Documentation Compliance
Definition of SDS: Appendix A (Glossary) now includes an entry for "Safety Data Sheet (SDS)," and Appendix B.4 includes additional details on the background, purpose, and fundamental principles of SDS.
Appendix H: Forward-Looking Technical Changes (Expected to Take Effect in 2027)
The newly added Appendix H in the 67th Edition details changes based on the UN TDG 24th Revised Edition. Although these changes are expected to take effect in 2027, REACH24H recommends that companies proactively focus on the following key points:
New Battery Classifications
Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Hybrid Batteries: A classification guide has been introduced for hybrid batteries composed of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, specifying that they should be regulated under lithium-ion battery-related classifications.
Batteries in Cargo Units: The original UN 3536 has been revised to specifically designate "lithium-ion batteries installed in cargo units." Additionally, new entries UN 3563 (lithium metal batteries installed in cargo units) and UN 3564 (sodium-ion batteries installed in cargo units) have been added.
New Dangerous Goods Entries
Chlorophenols: New entries UN 3561 and UN 3562 have been added, designating chlorophenols with varying hazard levels (corrosive/toxic).
Exemptions and Special Provisions
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Special Provision A236 has been added, allowing exemptions for MRI equipment (containing non-flammable, non-toxic gases) under specific conditions.
Blood Transport: Blood and blood components intended for transfusion purposes are now exempted from transport regulations under specific conditions.
Key Compliance Requirements Effective 2026 (Focus on Batteries)
The 66th Edition of the DGR provided a transition period for certain lithium battery transport restrictions. These requirements are recommended for early implementation in 2025 and will become mandatory on January 1, 2026.
State of Charge (SoC) Limits for Battery-Powered Vehicles (PI 952)
For vehicles powered by the following types of batteries, with a nominal watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, the battery's state of charge (SoC) must not exceed 30% of its nominal capacity or 25% of its indicated capacity at the time of transport:
UN 3556 (vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries)
UN 3557 (vehicles powered by lithium metal batteries)
UN 3558 (vehicles powered by sodium-ion batteries)
State of Charge (SoC) Limits for Lithium-Ion Batteries Packaged with Equipment (PI 966)
For lithium-ion battery cells and batteries with a nominal power >2.7 Wh transported under Part II of Packaging Instruction PI 966, the SoC must not exceed 30% of their nominal capacity.
If the shipper wishes to transport such battery cells or batteries with an SoC >30%, written approval must be secured from the competent authorities in both the country of origin and the carrier's country, and transport is limited to freighter aircraft only.
Compliance Recommendations for Enterprises
In response to the changes in the IATA DGR 67th Edition, REACH24H recommends the following measures for relevant enterprises:
Prepare for New Battery Compliance:
Closely monitor mandatory SoC requirements and the future battery classifications and new UN codes outlined in Appendix H. Companies involved in battery transport should proactively adjust testing, labeling, and packaging strategies to ensure compliance with the new UN codes and packaging requirements before the regulations are fully implemented.
Update Operational Documents (SOPs):
Freight forwarders and airlines should update internal operating manuals and checklists by January 1, 2026, particularly regarding the description requirements for UN 3166 vehicles and acceptance inspection standards.
Address State and Operator Variations:
The 67th Edition revises state variations (e.g., Thailand, France, and the UK) and certain operator variations. Companies should verify the specific requirements of the destination country and carrier before shipment.
Personnel Training:
Ensure that personnel involved in dangerous goods handling, acceptance, and declaration complete recurrent training for the 67th Edition, ensuring frontline staff fully understand the updated requirements.
Final Remarks
The release of the IATA DGR 67th Edition represents not only an annual update but also a significant step toward aligning with the UN TDG 24th Edition. For industry stakeholders, January 1, 2026, marks a critical milestone for mandatory implementation of the new regulations.
REACH24H advises enterprises to not only implement current compliance requirements but also utilize Appendix H to anticipate regulatory developments over the next two years. Early technical preparation and supply chain adjustments will ensure long-term safety and efficiency in air transport.
For more information and inquiries, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
