IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): Guide

Introduction to IATA DGR

Air transport of dangerous goods is one of the most heavily regulated aspects of air freight. The IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) constitutes the global normative framework defining how hazardous materials can be safely transported by air. The specialists at Private Jets Connect break down the key points below.

Published annually by IATA and based on the Technical Instructions of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), the DGR is a document of over 1,000 pages covering all requirements applicable to air transport of hazardous materials.

Strict application of this regulation is a matter of aviation safety. A poorly packaged or misdeclared dangerous goods package can cause a fire, explosion, or toxic emission aboard an aircraft, endangering crew, passengers, and the aircraft itself.

The 9 Dangerous Goods Classes

Class 1: Explosives

Divisions 1.1 and 1.2 are prohibited on passenger flights and severely restricted on cargo flights. Divisions 1.3 and 1.4 are accepted under strict conditions.

Class 2: Gases

Small gas containers (aerosols, CO2 cartridges) are subject to specific rules based on their capacity and contents.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are among the most frequently air-transported dangerous goods:

• Paints and varnishes
• Solvents (acetone, toluene)
• Alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol)
• Certain perfumes and cosmetics
• Printing inks
• Resins and adhesives

The flash point determines the packing group and transport restrictions.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides

Organic peroxides are particularly dangerous due to their thermal instability.

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Class 6.2 includes biological samples transported for pharmaceutical clinical trials.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Radioactive material air transport is strictly regulated:

• Type A: small quantities (medical radio-isotopes)
• Type B: larger quantities (industrial sources)
• LSA (Low Specific Activity): low specific activity materials

Packages must comply with Transport Index (TI) and Criticality Safety Index (CSI) limits.

Class 8: Corrosive Substances

Corrosive substances attack living tissue and metals:

• Acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric)
• Bases (caustic soda, potash)
• Battery solutions (electrolyte)

Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Class 9 covers hazards that do not fall into other classes:

• Lithium batteries (Li-ion and Li-metal): the most topical DGR subject
• Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide)
• Motor vehicles (residual fuel)
• Magnetized materials
• Environmentally hazardous substances

Lithium Batteries: A Major Concern

Lithium batteries deserve particular attention as they are ubiquitous (phones, laptops, electric vehicles) and present thermal runaway risk:

Classification

Specific Requirements

• State of charge: standalone lithium-ion batteries must be at maximum 30% state of charge
• Packaging: protection against short circuits, rigid packaging
• Labeling: specific lithium battery handling label
• Documentation: mandatory mention on dangerous goods declaration

Dangerous Goods Packaging

UN Packaging Standards

All dangerous goods packaging must be UN-certified (UN marking):

• Packing groups: I (great danger), II (medium danger), III (minor danger)
• Package types: drums, jerricans, boxes, bags, composite packaging
• Tests: drop, leak-proof, internal pressure, stacking

Packing Instructions (PI)

The DGR contains specific Packing Instructions for each substance, referenced by PI number. Each PI specifies:

• Authorized packaging type
• Maximum quantity per package
• Acceptable packaging materials
• Overpack requirements

Labeling and Marking

Hazard Labels

The team at Private Jets Connect has seen growing demand in this segment and continuously adapts its solutions accordingly.

Each dangerous goods package must bear:

• Primary hazard label(s) (diamond, minimum 100 x 100 mm)
• Subsidiary risk labels if applicable
• UN number marking preceded by “UN” (e.g., UN1263 for paints)
• Proper shipping name in English

Handling Marks

Specific handling marks may be required:

• Orientation arrows for liquids
• “Cargo Aircraft Only” mark for restricted shipments
• Limited quantities (LQ) mark
• Excepted quantities (EQ) mark

Documentation

Shipper’s Declaration

The Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is the mandatory document for every dangerous goods air shipment. It must contain:

• Shipper and consignee identification
• UN number(s) and proper shipping name
• Hazard class and division
• Packing group
• Quantity and packaging type
• Packing instructions used
• Signed shipper certification

For a complete documentation overview, see our customs documentation guide.

NOTOC (Notification to Captain)

The aircraft commander must be informed of dangerous goods on board via the NOTOC (Notification to Captain), detailing materials carried and their location in the aircraft.

Mandatory Training

Personnel Categories

Everyone involved in dangerous goods air transport must receive certified training:

Renewal

DGR training must be renewed every 24 months (2 years). Examinations include MCQs and practical classification and packaging exercises.

Penalties and Liabilities

Penalties

DGR violations result in severe sanctions:

• Fines: up to $500,000 per violation (United States)
• Shipping bans: temporary or permanent suspension
• Criminal prosecution: for deliberate endangerment
• Civil liability: for damage caused by non-compliance

Incidents and Accidents

Dangerous goods incidents in air transport, while rare, can have catastrophic consequences. Lithium batteries are responsible for several serious incidents and the fatal UPS Flight 6 accident in 2010.

Conclusion

The IATA DGR is a pillar of aviation safety that must be mastered by all logistics chain stakeholders. Regulatory complexity should not be a deterrent but an incentive to invest in training and compliance.

For shippers who regularly transport dangerous goods, partnering with certified and experienced providers is the best guarantee of safety and compliance.

Need to transport dangerous goods by air cargo freight? Our experts guide you through regulatory compliance.

To go further with dedicated support, submit your request to Private Jets Connect.