In a document detailing key updates to the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) taking effect January 1, 2026, IATA includes this note in the section concerning dangerous goods handling and acceptance of DG cargo:
- “9.1.3—Acceptance Checklist and Note 4—the reference to minor discrepancies and differences have been amended.
- The examples in the note do not reflect the trivial reasons being given for rejection.
- Additional guidance material will be published on the IATA website.”
Link: Significant Changes and Amendments in the 2026 IATA DGR (67th Edition)
Shippers of hazardous materials by air who experience cargo rejection for reasons they believe are questionable, should consult the memo on this issue released in February 2025.
IATA Memo on Wrongful Rejections of Hazmat
Posted on 2/21/2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued a memo in February to correct a misconception held by some carriers that caused dangerous goods shipments to be rejected over “trivial” documentation issues. IATA is concerned about the perception among air carriers that the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) form presented by shippers must be identical to the example(s) shown in the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
This is not the case.
- The memo clarifies that small variations in “format” on the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) do not violate IATA’s requirements, provided they do not compromise safety.
- In the memo, IATA specifically calls attention to the text found in the DGR, Part 9.1.3 Note 4, which reads:
“Minor discrepancies… are not considered as errors if they do not compromise safety and should not be considered a reason for rejecting a consignment.”
Dangerous Goods Declaration—Rejections for Minor Discrepancies. IATA. February 5, 2025.
Many air carrier personnel use a dangerous goods acceptance checklist to verify compliance with the IATA regulations. These checklists refer to the DGD being in “IATA format.” This does not mean that the document must be identical to the examples in the DGR, however.
Minor Discrepancies on a DG Declaration
The memo highlights several “inconsequential” DGD formatting variations used by shippers, stressing that these are not errors and not reasons to hold up a hazmat package:
- Inclusion of additional information, e.g., the title of the signer or the place of signing
- Use of a different font size or font style
- Use of dashed lines instead of solid lines
- Use of the word “risk” instead of “hazard”
IATA ends the guidance to hazmat air carriers with this note, in bold text:
“The process of accepting dangerous goods is an important function that contributes to aviation safety. Rejecting shipments for trivial reasons may have adverse consequences for business, commerce, and safety.” Thanks to our good friends at Lion Technology for bringing this to our attention!