Direct answer
The IATA Dangerous Goods Code (DGR) is the main industry operating manual for air dangerous goods transport, based on the ICAO technical rules and incorporating the operational requirements of airlines. In 2026, version 67 was applied and entered into force from 1 January to 31 December 2026; They should also be used to reconcile recent errors, additions, country differences and operator differences.
Why is air transport more demanding?
The air cargo compartment environment, changes in pressure, limited emergency space and high transport speed within unit time can have higher consequences for the classification of dangerous goods, quantitative limitations, packaging and document errors. Thus, the same goods are acceptable by sea and not by air.
Core responsibility of the consignor
- (a) The correct identification and classification of dangerous goods;
- Use of an accurate UN number and correct shipping name;
- Select to apply the packing description and control the quantity per package;
- Use of compliance packaging, labelling and labelling;
- (b) To properly fill out and sign a declaration of dangerous goods, as necessary;
- Ensure that participants complete training consistent with their responsibilities;
- Check country differences, airline differences and destination restrictions.
The commissioning of the consignor does not automatically transfer the full liability of the consignor. MSDS, formulation, quantity and condition of goods provided by the consignor must be true and complete.
Basic process for one shipment of dangerous goods by air
- Submission of the latest version of MSDS and cargo information.
- UN numbers, categories, packing classes and subsidiary hazards are identified.
- Check passenger/cargo aircraft restrictions, packing instructions and single package limits.
- Prepare internal and external packaging, adsorbing buffers, markings and labels.
- Preparation of commercial documents and applicable declaration of dangerous goods.
- Carrier pre-approval submitted and modified with feedback.
- Completion of shipment inspection, tracking and destination clearance cooperation.
Common reasons for refusal to accept
- (a) Section 14 of the MSDS is missing or contradicts other sections;
- An error in UN number, correct shipping name or packing class;
- (a) The net content of the package exceeds the applicable limit;
- (a) The UN packing type or packing pattern is not applicable;
- Inconsistencies in labelling, marking or declaration;
- Failure to reconcile airline differences and destination restrictions;
- Lithium batteries lack applicable UN38.3 test summaries or key parameters.
FAQ
Is it true that IATA DGR will be accepted by the airline?
Not necessarily. Airline companies can implement more stringent operator differences than the underlying rules, and additional restrictions may also be imposed on routes, aircraft types, trans-shipment airports and destination countries.
Do all dangerous goods have to be filled in a declaration of dangerous goods?
Not all of them are the same. Some exceptions, a limited number or a specific entry may be subject to different documentation requirements and must be confirmed by specific UN entries and packing instructions.
Official References
- ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, 67th Edition, effective 1 Jan–31 Dec 2026
- IATA 67th Edition Significant Changes and published addenda
This is an introductory note and does not replace the original IATA DGR, training or carrier audit. GENORDA provided a preliminary assessment of the vote upon receipt of the full information.