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Looking ahead to IATA 2021

By September 9, 2020September 14th, 2020IATA and ICAO, Regulation Updates

It’s that time of year, and I am not talking about enjoying your favorite pumpkin spice latte! The IATA Dangerous Goods 62nd edition release is just around the corner. This go-to manual for shipper’s who transport Dangerous Goods by Air becomes mandatory January 1, 2021.

Why should you buy the 62nd edition when you already have a 61st edition? First, it is an ICAO year. This means that all of the amendments made by ICAO for the 2021-2022 edition of the Technical Instructions will be included in this edition. Second, the IATA and ICAO regulations are not available online. There is no way for you to confirm that there are not specific changes to your products. Nobody wants the hassle of a frustrated package!

What’s new?

Section 1: Lists changes to the exceptions, training requirements and dangerous goods security.

Section 2: Lists changes for dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew, as well as dangerous goods by post.

Section 3: Classification changes for Category A infectious substances and assignment of packing groups for corrosives.

Section 4: List of Dangerous Goods is updated to include new UN numbers and proper shipping names. Special provisions have several changes and some new additions as well.

Section 5: Over twenty instructions have been updated or changed.

Section 6: Clarifications for the size of UN marks on packagings, revisions to capacity for aerosols, as well as new provisions for design types.

Section 7: UN/ID number height has been clarified, and minimum dimensions have been added to the lithium battery mark.

Section 8: How multiple overpacks are described has changed, as well as the declaration statement when signed electronically.

Section 9: Mandatory requirement to include transportation of Dangerous Goods as part of their safety risk assessment.

Section 10: Radioactive section is updated to add new radionuclides as well as terminology change from rational level to dose rate.

Appendices: There are a number of changes, deletions, and additions to the defined terms in the glossary.

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as well as the ICAO Technical Instructions will be available early this fall. Be confident that your dangerous goods shipments will be accepted for air transport in 2021 by placing your pre-order order now.

Find IATA’s full significant changes document here.

We have all the products, services and training you need to ensure your staff is properly trained and informed.


2021 (62nd Edition) IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations,
Perfect Bound, English

Shipping Dangerous Goods by Air Training
Karrie Ishmael, CDGP

Karrie Ishmael has been with ICC since 1988. She has contributed to ICC's growth in various capacities, including customer service, sales, and marketing. In her current role as ICC's Senior Regulatory Expert and SDS author, Karrie conducts hazardous materials training classes in 49 CFR, IATA, IMDG, TDG along with OSHA and WHMIS hazard communication courses. When not training, she writes safety data sheets for customers to comply with North American and European requirements. She actively participates in many associations, including DGAC, COSTHA and is the former chair of SCHC’s OSHA Alliance Committee.