IATA updates manuals on dangerous goods restrictions, others

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2025 edition of key industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, incorporating over 350 changes and revisions needed to align with evolving industry standards and state and operator variations.

In the highlights, Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) have 10 additional new goods, such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Three new entries for battery-powered vehicles, depending on the type of battery providing the power and additional safety mitigation, are being introduced with the “State of Charge” at which batteries are shipped.

On Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR), previously called the lithium battery shipping regulations, this manual has been expanded to include other battery types, such as Sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolytes; wet, spillable batteries filled with acid or alkali, and non-spillable and other lightly regulated batteries.

Supplementing the information contained in the manuals, IATA’s ONE Source platform offers free industry access to validate aviation capabilities and infrastructure—including temperature-controlled rooms and special handling facilities—further improving the handling of special cargo shipments.

Key stakeholders in the aviation value chain—including airlines, airports, ground service providers, freight forwarders, shippers, and manufacturers—rely on IATA standards to promote safe, sustainable and efficient operations. In addition to IATA’s standard-setting work, the IATA manuals reflect the Standards and Recommended Practices agreed by governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other recognized standard-setting bodies.

IATA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Products and Services, Frederic Leger, noted that global standards have made flying safe and reliable.

“For eight decades, IATA’s member airlines have worked with the industry value chain, including regulators, on standard setting and best practices which are critical to daily operations.

“This year’s IATA manual offering includes over 350 changes, many of which reflect the constantly modernising technology, regulations and evolving customer needs, along with the industry’s priorities of digitalization and sustainability,” Leger said.