IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations)
Last updated: June 14, 2026
- IATA DGR is the global standard for shipping dangerous goods by air — stricter than the IMDG Code for sea freight
- Fewer DG classes accepted by air, smaller quantity limits, and more stringent packaging requirements
- UN3536 BESS is not accepted under IATA DGR — lithium battery size limits make large-scale BESS air-prohibited
IATA DGR (International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations) is the global standard for shipping dangerous goods by air. Stricter than the IMDG Code in many categories — fewer DG classes are accepted, quantity limits per package are smaller, and packaging must meet more stringent drop and pressure differential tests. Not all cargo that can ship by sea can ship by air.
Chinese: 国际航空运输协会危险品规则 (Guójì hángkōng yùnshū xiéhuì wéixiǎnpǐn guīzé)
IATA DGR vs. IMDG Code: Key Differences
(1) Accepted DG classes: IATA DGR prohibits certain Class 1 explosives, Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible, and Class 4.3 dangerous-when-wet substances. (2) Quantity limits: IATA DGR imposes strict per-package quantity limits — a shipment that is routine by sea may be prohibited by air due to package size. (3) Packaging: air freight packaging must pass pressure differential tests (simulating altitude) and more severe drop tests. (4) Passenger vs. cargo aircraft: many DG goods can fly on dedicated cargo aircraft but not on passenger flights. (5) Lithium batteries: UN3480 standalone lithium batteries are cargo-aircraft-only under IATA DGR; by sea under IMDG they face fewer restrictions. (6) UN3536 BESS: sea-only under IMDG — not accepted at all under IATA DGR.
Practical Example
A Qingdao electronics company needs to ship 50kg of lithium-ion battery packs (UN3480) to a customer in Germany urgently. The batteries can fly on a cargo aircraft (not passenger) under IATA DGR Section IB, with each package containing no more than 10kg of batteries, state of charge at 30% or less, and UN38.3 test reports. Great Hensen books cargo-aircraft-only space, ensures packaging meets IATA PI965 Section IB requirements, and prepares the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. Total transit time: 4 days door-to-door vs. 33 days by sea — at approximately 8x the freight cost.
Related Terms
- IMDG Code — the equivalent standard for DG by sea
- MSDS — required for both IATA DGR and IMDG Code shipments
- UN3536 — BESS shipping (sea-only, not accepted under IATA DGR)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between IATA DGR and the IMDG Code?
IATA DGR is stricter: fewer DG classes accepted, smaller quantity limits per package, more stringent packaging (pressure differential tests for altitude), passenger aircraft restrictions, and UN3536 BESS is sea-only. See our DG freight FAQ for more comparisons.
Can I ship lithium batteries by air under IATA DGR?
Yes, but with restrictions. UN3480 (standalone batteries) is cargo-aircraft-only — prohibited on passenger aircraft. UN3481 (batteries with equipment) and UN3171 (vehicle batteries) face state-of-charge limits (typically ≤30%). All shipments require UN38.3 test reports. Airlines may impose additional restrictions beyond IATA DGR.
Which DG goods are prohibited by air under IATA DGR?
Prohibited: most Class 1 explosives (except Division 1.4S), Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible, Class 4.3 dangerous-when-wet, organic peroxides requiring temperature control, Category A infectious substances, and any substance not explicitly listed in the IATA DGR dangerous goods list. Check with our DG team for your specific cargo.
Need Logistics Help?
We advise on air freight DG eligibility and handle the Shipper's Declaration under IATA DGR.
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