The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents nearly 300 airlines. While the United Nations creates the model rules (the "Orange Book"), and ICAO sets the global standards, that airlines actually enforce.
Many shippers assume that if an item isn't radioactive or explosive, it’s fine. The biggest fines often come from forgotten items—like a laptop battery left in checked luggage being shipped as cargo, or a bottle of wine packed without proper absorbent material. iata dangerous good regulations
A single undeclared dangerous good can bring down an aircraft. That is not hyperbole; it has happened. The IATA DGR exists to prevent that. The biggest fines often come from forgotten items—like
This is the #1 trap. The IATA DGR is valid from January 1 to December 31 of the year printed on the cover. On January 1st, last year’s edition becomes obsolete. Using outdated packing instructions can invalidate your shipping papers and insurance. The IATA DGR exists to prevent that
Here is everything you need to know about the industry’s "must-have" guide for air transport.
The DGR tells you the standard rules. But specific airlines (Operators) and countries (States) have stricter rules. For example, some passenger airlines ban certain high-powered batteries entirely, even if the DGR says they are allowed. You must check the "Variations" section.
If you touch a shipping label, you have a legal responsibility to understand the basics. Respect the DGR—it might just save a life. Need a quick reference? Always remember the "Shipper’s Declaration" form is required for fully regulated dangerous goods. For "Excepted Quantities" (small amounts), you only need a document stating "Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities."