✈️ IATA DGR 68th Edition (2027): What’s Changing?
IATA has released the Significant Changes and Amendments in the 68th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), applicable from 1 January 2027.
The 68th Edition incorporates amendments from the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel for the 2027–2028 ICAO Technical Instructions, together with changes adopted by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board.
Here are some of the key changes to be aware of:
- Passenger & Crew Provisions – Section 2.3
The passenger provisions have been significantly revised, including clearer requirements regarding operator approval, personal use, mobility aids, portable electronic devices and batteries.
- Power Banks
Power banks are now explicitly distinguished from spare batteries.
Passengers and crew are limited to a maximum of 2 power banks, and power banks containing lithium ion batteries exceeding 100 Wh are forbidden from being carried by passengers or crew.
The previous allowance of 20 spare batteries is reduced to 18. Operators may permit more than 18 spare batteries but cannot permit more than 2 power banks.
- Operator Responsibilities & Fire Risk
Operators are required to consider dangerous goods requiring operator approval, including the potential for a fire and the ability to control the situation until a safe landing.
- Lithium & Sodium-ion Batteries
The 68th Edition introduces further provisions addressing sodium-ion batteries, including new entries, Special Provisions and classification provisions for hybrid batteries containing lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells.
- New Dangerous Goods Entries
New UN entries include:
- UN 3563 – Lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport unit
- UN 3564 – Sodium ion batteries installed in cargo transport unit
- Packing Instructions
A number of Packing Instructions have been amended, with many changes related to sodium-ion batteries and prototype batteries.
- Marking & Labelling
The previous battery mark containing a telephone number has been phased out. IATA also clarifies requirements for overpack markings and the placement of the battery mark when other hazard labels are required.
- State & Operator Variations
Significant changes or new variations have been recorded for 17 States. A number of Operator Variations have also been revised or removed to improve consistency.
- Classification & Special Provisions
There are further updates affecting explosives, aerosols, infectious substances, hybrid batteries, organic substances and several Special Provisions.
The 68th Edition of the IATA DGR will be effective from 1 January 2027.
This is not an exhaustive list of changes. Professionals involved in Dangerous Goods should review the complete 68th Edition and the applicable State and Operator Variations before applying the new requirements.
JK Aviation will continue to share practical updates on IATA DGR, lithium batteries and air cargo safety.
Safety starts with the right knowledge.
