IATA Releases Updated Operator Variations for 2017 DGR

Posted on 12/28/2016 by Roger Marks

The Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) yesterday shared an update from the International Air Transport Association, or IATA, regarding revisions to the Operator Variations for hazardous materials/dangerous goods air shipments. This update is not a formal addendum, according to IATA, and makes no changes to the regulatory provisions in the 58^th Edition DGR.

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2017

However, if you ship with FedEx Express or UPS Air, be advised that the 2017 DGR operator variations hold some crucial updates. Earlier this month, Lion News reported on some major updates to Operator Variations from FedEx Express and UPS Air, which affect the shipment of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries by air.

VIDEO: See the changes for lithium batteries by air via FedEx Express and UPS in 2017.

UPS IATA DGR Operator Variations

Starting January 1, 2017, UPS will no longer accept stand-alone lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries prepared under Section II of the applicable IATA packing instruction (PI). Instead, these shipments must be prepared under Section IA or IB of the IATA PI.

This language has been added in a number of places within the UPS operator variations.

FedEx Express IATA DGR Operator Variations

FedEx will also stop accepting stand-alone Section II lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries as of January 1, 2017. These shipments must now be prepared under Section IA or Section IB packing instructions for “fully regulated” lithium batteries.

FedEx Express has updated operator variation FX-05 to clarify that “when the lithium battery handling label is applied to packages/overpacks for Section IB and Section II shipments, the applicable UN numbers must be marked on the package adjacent to the lithium battery handling label.”

See the updates to the IATA Operator Variations for 2017 here.

Need a copy of the 58^th Edition IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for 2017? The new DGR is now available in the Lion.com bookstore.

Lithium Battery Training for Ground, Air, and Ocean Shippers

The Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course covers hazmat general and security awareness, as well as the specific requirements for classifying, naming, packaging, marking, labeling, loading, unloading, and documenting lithium battery shipments for ground, air, or ocean transport. Add the Lithium Battery Safety Online Course for free when you sign up here.

Tags: Air, hazmat, IATA, new rules, shipments

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.