The Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) are the standards used by most of the airline industry throughout the world. If you intend to ship hazardous materials (aka: Dangerous Goods), either domestically (within the US) or internationally by air, you will likely be required to comply with the IATA DGR. A challenge to compliance is that it is updated annually; therefore the 54th Edition, in use in 2013, is no longer acceptable for compliance in 2014. So, throw out your 2013 version of the International Air Transportation Association Dangerous Goods Regulations and replace it with the 55th Edition. Each new Edition includes changes from the previous, and it is up to you to ensure you are in compliance with the latest Edition. The purpose of this article is to summarize the main changes to the 2014 IATA DGR and direct you to a more thorough evaluation of the changes.
I suggest the following in order to ensure compliance with the 2014 IATA DGR:
- Review the summarized list below as a guide to identifying the main changes.
- Read the more thorough list compiled in the introduction to the 55th Edition of the IATA DGR. The list is meant to assist in the identification of significant changes to the 55th Edition. It should not be considered an exhaustive list.
- Explore the applicable section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, or sub-subparagraph of the 55th Edition (2014) of the IATA DGR. You’ll have to buy this.
1-Applicability
1.4-Operator Responsibilities
A recommendation was inserted into 1.4.2 for how operators should provide information to the pilot-in-command.
1.5-Training Requirements
Changes to descriptions of personnel that require training.
2-Limitations
2.3-Dangerous Goods Carried by Passengers or Crew
A clarification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on medical devices in checked baggage.
3-Classification
3.3.3.1-Determination of packing group for viscous liquids.
4-Identification
4.2-List of Dangerous Goods
New forbidden entries to the Dangerous Goods List.
4.4-Special Provisions
Changes to A4, A5, & A806
5-Packing
Packing Instructions
Revisions to packing instructions for lithium batteries
7-Marking & Labelling
7.1.5.5-Clarification of IATA’s position on use of the surface limited quantity mark for air transport.
7.2.4.7.1-Clarification of dimensions for lithium battery handling label.
8-Documentation
Modification of documentation requirements for lithium batteries.
8.1.6.9.2-Clarification that alternative spelling is acceptable for other than proper shipping names has been added.
8.1.P-New example of Shipper’s Declaration for lithium ion batteries.
9-Handling
Provisions for radioactive material moved to Section 10.
9.5.1.1.1-New requirement (added in 2013) for the information on the NOTOC to be provided to the personnel responsible for operational control becomes effective 1.1.14.
10-Radioactive Material
10.3.11.1.5-Clarification provided for classifying empty Type B packages.
10.8.3.9.2-Step 8-Clarification on documentation for overpacks of radioactive material.
Appendix A-Glossary
Appendix D-Contact details for competent authorities updated.
Appendix E-Changes made to the list of UN Specification Packaging Suppliers (E.1) and the Package Testing Facilities (E.2).
Appendix F-Revisions to list of Sales Agents (F.2), IATA Accredited Training Schools (F.3-F.5) and IATA Authorised Training Centres (F.6).
Appendix H-New Appendix H. Provides detail of changes to come into affect 1.1.15, includes:
- Addition of new provisions for adsorbed gases.
- Addition of new proper shipping names for air bag inflators, air bag modules, and seat-belt pretensioners.
- Addition of new provisions for Uranium hexafluoride in excepted packages.
- New and modified special provisions.
- Clarification of the minimum dimensions and format of dangerous goods marks and labels.
- Modifications to Section 10-Radioactive Material to align with new provisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
This list is meant only as a guide to the many modification and revisions to the 55th Edition (2014) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Make certain that you are in compliance with all applicable regulations (international and domestic) before you offer a hazardous material/dangerous good for transportation by air. Contact me if you require assistance with the training requirements of Subsection 1.5 of the IATA DGR.