The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published the 67th edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). If you ship via aircraft utilizing a carrier that is an IATA member (e.g. FedEx), you must follow the current version of their rules. The DGR is available for purchase from the Agency itself or from a list of reliable independent resellers in both digital and printed formats.
DGR Significant Changes
The list of IATA DGR Significant Changes and Amendments in the 67th Edition (2026) is currently only available in English, but versions in additional languages are coming soon. A “What’s New” video explaining the 2026 changes, along with options to download this list and/or the full 2026 table of contents with additional sample pages in various languages, can be found on the Dangerous Goods Regulations website.
This year’s updates include new entries for shipping hybrid vehicles, clarification for passengers traveling with power bank batteries, additional restrictions on Class 1 explosives, new requirements for preparing liquid dangerous goods in certain single packagings, and more. In many cases, such as for the transport of dry ice, limited and excepted quantities, and hazardous waste, the rules were “amended for standardization.” In other words, the technical content wasn’t altered, but it was made more concise and/or clearer.
The current version of the DGR also features Appendix H, which outlines proposed changes that are likely to be incorporated by IATA in the 68th edition of the DGR for 2027. Expected updates include, but are not limited to, modifications to existing proper shipping names, packing instructions, and special provisions; four new UN identification numbers; and additional guidance for classifying infectious substances. These revisions will be based on the current United Nations (UN) Model Regulations Rev. 24 and rules that will be adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and published in the 2027–2028 edition of the Technical Instructions For The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, commonly referred to as the ICAO Technical Instructions.
CFR vs. TI vs. DGR
All laws in the United States are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). CFR Title 49 [49 CFR], which contains all the rules from the Department of Transportation (DOT), governs hazardous materials (hazmat) transport by all modes in commerce in the United States. When preparing, transporting, or performing packaging qualification functions for shipments of hazmat in the US, all applicable rules in 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter I, Subchapter C, known as the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) apply.
When shipping via aircraft internationally, the DOT authorizes following the ICAO Technical Instructions (TI) instead of the HMR, as long as certain conditions and limitations are met. The ICAO TI are updated every two years and go into effect on January 1 in odd numbered years.
IATA uses the ICAO TI as a basis for the DGR, then incorporates additional rules their member airlines feel are necessary for the safe international transport of dangerous goods by air. The DOT will only enforce the requirements established by the HMR and the ICAO TI, and not those mandated only by IATA. However, an IATA member carrier may refuse to accept or ship a package if it is not prepared according to the current DGR.
Hazmat Employees
By DOT’s definition, hazmat employees are those that affect the safety of hazardous materials in transport. Personnel who are manufacturing, testing, or refurbishing authorized packagings, along with anyone who is offering or transporting shipments by any mode, are considered hazmat employees. Workers who are only responsible for preparing or signing shipping papers, including hazardous waste manifests and shipper’s declarations for air transport, meet the criteria as well.
Hazmat employees are those who perform any of the pre-transport functions listed below.
- Classifying hazmat
- Selecting a proper shipping name/description
- Preparing the hazardous material for packaging (e.g., filling and closing inner containers such as bottles, tubes, vials, and ampules)
- Packaging
- Marking and/or labeling
- Loading and/or unloading
- Placarding or offering placards
Managers making decisions regarding hazardous materials shipping operations, and supervisors of staff members who perform any of the duties mentioned here, fall under the definition of hazmat employees too.
Employee Training
All hazmat employes are subject to the HMR. Per 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H, they must be trained:
- Initially within 90 days of assignment.
- When the regulations change with regard to the employee’s duties.
- When the employee’s duties change with regard to the regulations.
Refresher training must occur within three years. At a minimum, both initial and refresher training must cover general awareness /familiarization, function specific topics, and hazmat security awareness.
Employees involved in the transportation of dangerous goods via an IATA member carrier must follow the new version of the DGR, effective January 1, each year, and should receive training prior to performing dangerous goods air shipping tasks. Because the DGR is substantially updated every other year, after the new ICAO TI are adopted, refresher training is required at least every two years.
For help determining which hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation regulations apply to you, or what training your organization needs—contact us!
This blog was written by Kim E. Folger, Safety Partners’ Senior Training and Development Manager.
