IATA Posts Addendum I to the 58th Edition DGR

This week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the first Addendum to the 58^th Edition Dangerous Goods Regulations, or DGR.

In addition to extensive revisions to the IATA DGR operator variations and editorial amendments, Addendum I makes updates to the requirements for shipping consumer commodities, aerosols, lithium batteries, and more.

Consumer Commodities Shipped by Air

This addendum to the DGR adds UN 3334, “Aviation regulated liquid, n.o.s.” and UN 3335, “Aviation Regulated Solid, n.o.s.” to the list of substances accepted for air transport under Packing Instruction Y963 for ID 8000, “Consumer commodities.”

Shipping Aerosols by Air

Addendum I includes 3 notable updates for businesses that ship aerosols by air:
 

• Removes the requirement that packagings containing aerosols shipped as limited quantity (UN 2037) meet PG II standards. 
• Removes the words “self-closing” from the definition of “aerosols” at IATA DGR 3.2.5.1.
• For UN 1950, “Aerosols, non-flammable (tear gas devices), IATA has lowered the net quantity per package from 150 kg to 50 kg.

Lithium Batteries by Air Updates

No dangerous goods regulatory update would be complete without some changes for lithium battery shippers. Here’s what’s new if you ship or carry lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries by airplane:

As we discussed in a post in December 2016, UPS and FedEx now accept spare lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) and lithium-metal batteries (UN 3090) for air transport only when prepared under Section IA or IB of the relevant packing instruction (965 or 968). 

In addition, UPS requires preapproval for shipments of UN 3090 (standalone lithium metal batteries) shipped by air. 

WATCH THE VIDEO: New FedEx and UPS Rules for Lithium Batteries

FedEx operator variation FX-05 has been amended to include the following instruction—“Effective July 1, 2017. When the lithium battery handling label (IATA Figure 7.4H) is applied to packages and overpacks for Section IB and II lithium battery shipments, the applicable UN number(s) must be marked on the package adjacent to the lithium battery handling label.“

Like ICAO’s recent Addendum No. 2 to the Technical Instructions, IATA has added the requirement that, when packed in checked baggage, all lithium battery powered portable electronics must be completely switched off and protected from damage. 

Questions about shipping lithium batteries? Get full DG training to ship lithium batteries LIVE on June 27. This expert-led webinar covers everything you need to know to ship lithium batteries under the latest 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code standards—whether you ship spares, batteries in equipment, or batteries with equipment; excepted or fully regulated; domestic or international; by ground, air, and vessel! 

Updates to the IATA DGR 4.2 Table

This addendum amends the Table 4.2 entries for the following UN numbers: 1790, 2978, and 2977. For UN 1790, IATA has updated the Proper Shipping Name to read “Hydrofluoric acid 60% or less hydrogen fluoride” instead of “…60% strength” 
For UN 2978 and 2977, IATA updated the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) code from “7L” to “7CP.”
To see the full text of Addendum I to the 58^th Edition IATA DGR, click here.

What Is the IATA DGR?

The IATA DGR is the manual used by airlines and hazardous materials shippers around the world to help ensure the safe packaging and transport of hazardous materials or “dangerous goods.” The DGR combines the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods, or TI, with variations and additional requirements set by individual nations and airlines.

IATA publishes a new edition of the DGR each fall, and the new edition takes effect on January 1 of the following year. The current edition, the 58^th, has been in effect for hazmat air shippers since January 1, 2017. 

Hazmat Training to Meet 49 CFR 172.704. IATA DGR 1.5, and IMDG 1.3.1

Be confident your employees know their responsibilities for 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code compliance! Initial and recurrent online courses are available to help you meet DOT’s 3-year training mandate for hazmat employees at 49 CFR 172.704. The IATA DGR requires hazmat training for air shippers once every 24 months (IATA DGR 1.5).

Through interactive exercises, tutorials, and professionally narrated lessons, learn a step-by-step approach to classify, name, package, mark, label, load, unload, and document your hazmat/DG ground, air, and vessel shipments.
 

Tags: hazmat, IATA, IATA DGR, new rules, shipping