- The DGR updates annually; the IMDG Code every two years – the IMDG 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24) is mandatory from 1 January 2026.
- DG training must be refreshed every 24 months for everyone who prepares or accepts DG consignments.
- UN3563/3564 are the air-transport equivalents of UN3536 for batteries installed in cargo transport units – UN3536 remains the sea entry.
In this guide
If you ship lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols, or any classified hazardous material by air, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is the single operational standard that determines whether your consignment moves or gets rejected at the ramp. This guide cuts through the manual’s 1,100+ pages to give you the structure, the latest mandatory changes for 2026, and the practical compliance decisions that air freight forwarders and DG export compliance officers face every day. By the end of this page, you will know exactly which DGR sections govern your shipment, what changed on January 1, 2026, and how to verify that your training, documentation, and packaging meet the current requirements [source: www.iata.org] [source: www.greathensen.com].
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Overview starts with a simple fact: the DGR is incorporated by reference into most airline conditions of carriage. More than 200 airlines worldwide recognize the DGR as the only operational guide for dangerous goods by air, and it is updated annually to align with the ICAO Technical Instructions (Doc 9284) [source: www.iata.org]. For a freight forwarder or a DG shipper, using the current edition is not a best practice – it is a condition of acceptance. The 67th edition (2026) runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and the 1st addendum to that edition also took effect on the same date [source: regulations.certivo.com] [source: info.expeditors.com].
This page covers the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations DGR manual section by section, the key 2025/2026 regulatory changes that directly affect lithium battery and documentation procedures, and the training requirements under DGR Section 1.5. We also address the most frequent operational question: how air (IATA DGR) and sea (IMDG Code) differ for the same UN-numbered product, and how to use the electronic version of the DGR effectively. Every claim about the regulations is drawn from IATA publications and official addenda – not from interpretation alone [source: www.iata.org].
DGR Manual Structure: 10 Sections That Govern Every DG Air Shipment
| Section | Title | What It Covers | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applicability | Who must comply; shipper, operator, and agent responsibilities; training requirements (1.5) | Every shipment – confirms whether DGR applies to your operation |
| 2 | Limitations | Forbidden goods, state and operator variations, dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew, excepted quantities | Before booking – check if your destination country or airline has additional restrictions |
| 3 | Classification | Hazard classes, divisions, packing groups, and UN numbers | Product evaluation – determines the correct UN number and hazard communication |
| 4 | Identification | List of dangerous goods (the "blue pages") with proper shipping names, UN numbers, and packing group assignments | Every shipment – look up your product’s entry and applicable special provisions |
| 5 | Packing | General packing requirements and packing instructions by UN number | Packaging design and procurement – tells you which packing instruction applies |
| 6 | Packaging Specifications and Performance Tests | UN-spec packaging standards, testing requirements, and specification codes | Packaging certification – verifies your packaging meets the required performance level |
| 7 | Marking and Labelling | Required marks, labels, and their placement on packages | Final packaging – confirms your box or drum displays the correct hazard labels |
| 8 | Documentation | Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), Air Waybill, and other required documents | Before tendering to the airline – makes sure paperwork matches the package |
| 9 | Handling | Loading, storage, segregation, and incident procedures | Operations – guides ground handling and load planning |
| 10 | Radioactive Material | Specific provisions for Class 7 radioactive shipments | Only for radioactive consignments – separate rules within the same framework |
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations DGR is organized into 10 primary sections, plus appendices and an index, running approximately 1,100 pages in the 67th edition (2026). For a freight forwarder or compliance officer, knowing which section to consult for a given task is the difference between a 15-minute documentation review and a 90-minute wild goose chase through the manual. Below is the section breakdown every DG shipper needs to memorize – or at least bookmark.
Beyond these 10 sections, the DGR includes appendices covering glossary terms, safety data sheet references, and operator variation lists. The 67th edition also added marginal symbols in Appendix B.2 to help users quickly locate lithium battery and infectious substance provisions. For most DG shippers, Sections 3 (Classification), 4 (Identification), 5 (Packing), 7 (Marking/Labelling), and 8 (Documentation) account for roughly 80% of daily reference activity.
Update Cycle: Annual Editions with Addenda
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations is updated annually, with each edition effective from January 1 through December 31 of that year. The 67th edition (2026) took effect on January 1, 2026 and remains valid until December 31, 2026. Unlike the IMDG Code, which updates every two years (currently the 41st Amendment, 2022), the DGR follows a 12-month cycle to stay aligned with the ICAO Technical Instructions.
IATA also publishes addenda to the base edition. Addendum 1 to the 67th Edition was issued on January 1, 2026, the same day the edition took effect. This addendum contains amendments addressing data loggers, cargo tracking devices, lithium and sodium-ion battery shipping requirements, and spare battery provisions under Section 2. Users of the print manual must insert a copy of the addendum into their manuals; digital editions receive updates automatically.
Practical takeaway for procurement and compliance: If you are buying DGR manuals for your team in mid-2026, you need the 67th edition plus Addendum 1. The 66th edition (2025) is no longer valid for shipments after December 31, 2025. Airlines and ground handlers check the edition date on the Shipper's Declaration – an out-of-date manual reference is a valid reason to reject your consignment.
Key 2025/2026 Changes: What Actually Matters for Your DG Shipments
| Code | Meaning | Applicable UN Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| RVB | Vehicle, Battery Powered | UN 3556, UN 3557, UN 3558 |
| RVF | Vehicle, Flammable, gas or liquid powered | Including fuel cells |
| RVH | Vehicle, Hybrid | Hybrid vehicles under UN 3166 |
| VRO | Vehicle, Other | UN 3171 |
The 67th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (2026) is not a minor clerical update. It introduces new UN numbers, makes previously recommended safety measures mandatory, and adds an entirely new appendix that previews 2027 changes. For a freight forwarder or DG shipper, these are the changes that will stop a shipment at the acceptance counter if you miss them.
New UN Numbers for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion battery technology is moving from pilot lines to commercial shipments, and the DGR now has dedicated classifications. The 67th edition establishes UN 3551 (sodium ion batteries, standalone) and UN 3552 (sodium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment) for sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte. Sodium-ion batteries with aqueous alkali electrolyte continue to be transported under UN 2795 (Batteries, wet, filled with alkali). This is not optional – using the wrong UN number for a sodium-ion battery is a classification error that airlines will reject.
Mandatory 30% State of Charge (SoC) Limit – Expanded Scope
The 30% state of charge limit was previously a recommendation for certain lithium battery configurations. As of January 1, 2026, it is mandatory for additional configurations. The SoC ≤ 30% requirement now applies to:
- UN 3481 (lithium ion batteries packed with equipment, cells/batteries > 2.7 Wh) under Packing Instruction 966, Section II
- UN 3556 (vehicles, lithium ion battery powered, battery > 100 Wh)
- UN 3557 (lithium metal battery powered vehicles) and UN 3558 (sodium ion battery powered vehicles)
If you need to ship at a higher SoC, you must obtain written approval from the State of Origin and the State of the Operator. For most commercial shippers, that means securing permits or certificates of approval from the relevant competent authorities – a process that typically takes weeks, not days. Plan accordingly.
New UN Numbers for Batteries Installed in Cargo Transport Units
The DGR now distinguishes between standalone batteries and batteries installed in cargo transport units (CTUs). The 67th edition introduces:
- UN 3563 – Lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport unit
- UN 3564 – Sodium ion batteries installed in cargo transport unit
Note: UN3536 remains the sea-transport entry for lithium batteries installed in cargo transport units; UN3563/3564 are the air-transport equivalents introduced in the 67th edition of the IATA DGR.
These new classifications address the specific hazard considerations for large-scale battery installations in cargo containers, which are distinct from individual battery shipments.
Hybrid Vehicle Classifications Under UN 3166
For shippers of electric and hybrid vehicles, this is a critical clarification. The entries for UN 3166 (Vehicles, flammable gas powered and Vehicles, flammable liquid powered) now include the word "hybrid" as descriptive text. The word "hybrid" is not in bold print, meaning it is descriptive text rather than part of the formal shipping name. Practically, this means hybrid vehicles are identified by their flammable fuel source rather than as battery-powered vehicles – which affects which UN number you assign and which packing instructions apply.
New Cargo IMP Codes for Vehicles
Four new Cargo IMP codes have been added for 2026 to help airline handlers identify vehicles requiring special handling:
If you are tendering vehicles for air freight, your documentation must include the correct Cargo IMP code. The handler at the ramp uses these codes to determine segregation, stowage, and emergency response procedures.
Appendix H: A Preview of 2027 Changes
For the first time, the DGR includes Appendix H, which lists changes expected to take effect in 2027 based on the UN TDG 24th Revised Edition. While these are not yet mandatory, they signal where the regulations are heading. Key items in Appendix H include:
- Classification guidance for hybrid batteries composed of both lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells – these will be regulated under lithium-ion battery classifications
- New entries for chlorophenols: UN 3561 (Chlorophenols, corrosive, toxic, solid, n.o.s.) and UN 3562 (Chlorophenols, corrosive, solid, n.o.s.)
- New special provision A236, which may exempt MRI equipment containing non-flammable, non-toxic gases under specific conditions
- Transport exemptions for blood and blood components transported for transfusion purposes
Forward-thinking compliance teams should begin reviewing these changes now, especially if they handle lithium-sodium hybrid batteries or chlorophenol-based products.
Addendum 1: Corrections and Clarifications
IATA published Addendum 1 to the 67th Edition on January 1, 2026, the same day the edition took effect. This addendum modifies the base 67th edition and addresses:
- Provisions for data loggers and cargo tracking devices containing lithium batteries (Section 1.2.7)
- Lithium and sodium-ion battery shipping requirements
- Spare battery provisions under Section 2
- Corrections to UN entries that were accidentally omitted from the print edition, including some UN 3166 hybrid vehicle entries
If you are using a print version of the 67th edition, you must insert the addendum into your manual. Digital editions typically receive these updates automatically.
Other Operational Changes
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Appendix A now includes a definition of SDS, and Appendix B.4 provides additional context on the background, purpose, and principles of SDS. This clarifies when an SDS is required for classification purposes.
- State and Operator Variations: Thailand has been added as a state with variations. UPS has prohibited UN 3551 (Sodium Ion Batteries) from shipping to, from, or within Europe. Always check the operator variation list before booking.
- Marginal Symbols: Appendix B.2 now includes marginal symbols to help users quickly locate lithium battery and infectious substance provisions.
- Passenger Power Banks: New restrictions apply to power banks carried by passengers – charging power banks from in-seat ports or using them to charge devices during takeoff or landing is prohibited.
For DG shippers, the most immediate action items are: (1) verify your lithium battery shipments comply with the expanded 30% SoC requirement, (2) update your UN number mappings for sodium-ion batteries, (3) review your vehicle classification procedures for hybrid units, and (4) insert Addendum 1 into your 67th edition manual if you use print [source: www.iata.org] [source: regulations.certivo.com] [source: info.expeditors.com] [source: www.reach24h.com].
: DGR vs. IMDG, Mandatory Use, Electronic Version, and Training Requirements
What is the difference between IATA DGR and IMDG Code for the same dangerous goods?
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations applies exclusively to air transport. The IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code applies to sea transport. For the same UN-numbered product, the classification (UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group) is typically identical because both regulations are aligned with the UN Model Regulations. However, the packing instructions, quantity limits, documentation requirements, and segregation rules differ significantly.
Example:
A shipment of UN 3480 (lithium ion batteries) by air under Packing Instruction 965 allows a maximum net quantity of 35 kg per package (Section IA) or 10 kg per package (Section IB); Section II was withdrawn from 2025.ttery capacity and packaging configuration. The same product by sea under the IMDG Code follows different stowage and segregation rules – including a mandatory 2.4-meter separation from foodstuffs – and does not require a Shipper's Declaration for excepted quantities. If you are a freight forwarder handling multimodal shipments, you must apply DGR for the air leg and IMDG Code for the ocean leg; they are not interchangeable. Another practical difference: the DGR is updated annually, while the IMDG Code is updated every two years (currently the 2024 Edition, Amendment 42-24, mandatory from 1 January 2026). This means the DGR often reflects new hazard classifications and UN numbers up to 12 months earlier than the IMDG Code. For sodium-ion batteries (UN 3551, UN 3552), the DGR introduced these in January 2026; the IMDG Code will catch up in the next amendment cycle.
Do I have to use the current year's DGR edition, or can I use the previous one?
You must use the current edition – the 67th edition (2026) – for any shipment tendered after January 1, 2026. Airlines and ground handlers verify the edition reference on the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD). If your DGD cites the 66th edition (2025) for a shipment date in February 2026, the airline will reject the consignment. This is not negotiable; it is written into the carrier's conditions of carriage. The DGR is not a reference manual that you "update when convenient." It is an operational document that governs acceptance. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations training requirement under Section 1.5 also stipulates that personnel must be trained using the current edition – training on an outdated manual does not meet the regulatory requirement.
How do I use the electronic version of the DGR effectively?
The electronic version of the DGR is available through IATA's digital platform, typically as a browser-based or PDF edition with a search function. For most compliance teams, the digital version offers significant operational advantages over the print manual: - Searchable text – quickly locate a UN number, packing instruction, or special provision by keyword - Automatic updates – addenda and corrections are applied without manual insertion - Anchored navigation – hyperlinked table of contents and cross-references to related sections - No page-turning delays – particularly helpful when checking operator variations at the acceptance counter The primary limitation of the electronic version is that it cannot be physically inserted into a print manual – but for most users, the search speed offsets the cost. IATA also offers a combined print-and-digital subscription for teams that need both formats. For procurement planning, consider whether your operation benefits more from the portability of print or the speed and update reliability of the electronic format. One operational caveat: if you use the electronic version on a tablet or laptop at the acceptance counter, make sure your device is charged and you have offline access if the ramp area has poor connectivity. Some forwarders keep a print version as backup specifically for this reason.
Who is required to complete IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations training, and how often?
Under DGR Section 1.5, all personnel involved in the preparation, handling, or acceptance of dangerous goods by air must be trained in accordance with the current edition. This includes: - Shippers and packers who classify, prepare, and sign the DGD - Forwarder staff who handle or process DG consignments - Airline acceptance and cargo handling staff - Ground handling agents The training must be completed every 24 months. IATA publishes a training syllabus for each DGR edition, and training providers must cover the specific changes for that edition. Recurrent training (refresher courses) is required within the same interval, and initial training is mandatory for new personnel before they perform any DG-related function. Most forwarders and shippers use IATA-accredited training providers, although in-house training programs can qualify if they follow the IATA syllabus and are documented. Some training providers offer blended learning – online theory plus in-person practical sessions – which is acceptable as long as the assessment covers the required knowledge areas.
What is the most common compliance error that airlines reject?
The single most common error is using incorrect documentation – specifically, an out-of-date Shipper's Declaration or a declaration that does not match the packaging and labelling. For the 2026 edition, the expanded 30% State of Charge (SoC) requirement for lithium battery shipments (UN 3480, UN 3481 under specific packing instructions) is a new rejection point. If your DGD does not declare the SoC or if the SoC exceeds 30% without a permit, the airline will refuse the package. Some forwarders also fail to verify operator variations – for example, UPS's prohibition on UN 3551 (sodium ion batteries) to/from Europe, which applies regardless of your DGR compliance. Always check the operator variation list in Section 2.8 before booking.
Can I ship dangerous goods by air without a DGR manual if I use a forwarder?
Yes, you can delegate the compliance responsibilities to a freight forwarder, but liability remains with the shipper. If the forwarder misclassifies your product or fails to apply the current edition correctly, the fine and legal liability fall on you as the consignor. Many shippers use forwarders for operational execution but still keep a current DGR manual and an in-house trained compliance officer to verify the forwarder's documentation. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations training requirement does not go away simply because you outsource – the regulations apply to the "person who offers the goods for transport," which is the shipper.
Where can I purchase the official IATA DGR manual?
The official IATA DGR manual (67th edition, 2026) is available directly from IATA's publishing portal, through authorized distributors, and via professional logistics association partners. For corporate procurement, IATA offers volume discounts and multi-user digital licenses. Ensure you are purchasing from an authorized seller – counterfeit or illegally copied manuals are a compliance risk because they may not contain the current addenda or may have missing pages.
Bottom line for buyers:
The IATA DGR is a mandatory operational document, not an optional reference. If you ship any dangerous goods by air, you need the current manual, your staff need current training, and your procedures must reflect the 67th edition and Addendum 1. The table below summarizes the core requirements for quick reference.
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Related Guides
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How BESS and battery cabinets are classified and shipped under UN3536.
Classes 2-9 FCL/LCL export service with carrier pre-approval.
Lane-specific DG rules for the China-Europe sea route.
Sources and references
All figures verified from public sources; freight rates marked indicative are confirmed at booking.