Air Cargo Dangerous Goods Classes (IATA DGR Guide 2026)

Air cargo transportation is one of the most critical components of global trade thanks to its advantages in speed and safety. However, a portion of transported cargo falls under the category of dangerous goods (DG), which may pose risks to human health, flight safety, and the environment. Therefore, international aviation authorities have established strict regulations governing the transportation of such cargo.

The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is the primary reference document in this field. The DGR is prepared based on the technical instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and ensures the safe transport of dangerous goods in air transportation.

What Are Dangerous Goods?

According to IATA, dangerous goods are defined as “articles or substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment.” Under the DGR approach, each dangerous substance is classified according to its type of risk; specific packaging, labeling, and transportation conditions are applied for each class. This system ensures the standardization of safety throughout the supply chain.

Air Cargo Dangerous Goods Classes

According to current IATA DGR standards, dangerous goods are divided into 9 main classes based on their type of risk:

Class 1 – Explosives

These are substances that can cause an explosion by releasing high pressure, heat, and gas as a result of a sudden chemical reaction. Due to their risk level, these products are generally not transported on commercial passenger aircraft and can only be carried on cargo aircraft under special permits and procedures.

Examples: Dynamite, TNT, fireworks, ammunition, and flares.

Class 2 – Gases

These are gases under pressure, in compressed, liquefied, or dissolved form. In case of leakage, they pose risks such as fire, poisoning, freezing, or suffocation.

Examples: Propane (flammable gas), nitrogen or argon (non-flammable/non-toxic gas), chlorine (toxic gas), and aerosol sprays.

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids

These are liquids with low flash points that can easily vaporize and ignite. Temperature control and proper ventilation are critically important during transport.

Examples: Gasoline, alcohol (ethanol), acetone, paints, and industrial solvents.

Class 4 – Flammable Solids

These are solid substances that can easily ignite due to external factors such as friction, moisture, or heat, or release flammable gases when in contact with water.

Examples: Matches, sulfur, magnesium, and sodium (water-reactive substances).

Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Although these substances are not directly flammable, they can cause a fire to start by releasing oxygen or significantly intensify an existing fire.

Examples: Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers, pool chemicals, and resins containing organic peroxides.

Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances

These are chemical or biological substances that may cause harmful, disease-causing, or fatal effects on human or animal health.

Examples: Pesticides (agricultural chemicals), cyanide compounds, medical samples, and clinical waste.

Class 7 – Radioactive Materials

These are substances that emit radiation above a certain level and require special shielding and packaging.

Examples: Medical radioisotopes, uranium, and components of industrial measurement devices containing radiation.

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances

These are chemicals that can cause damage to living tissues (chemical burns) or, in case of leakage, may inflict structural damage to the aircraft’s metal body and other cargo.

Examples: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acidic battery fluids, and caustic soda.

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

This class includes all other substances and articles that do not fully fall into any of the above 8 classes but may still pose safety risks during air transport.

Examples: Lithium batteries, power banks, dry ice, magnetic materials, and vehicle airbag modules.

Lithium Battery and Power Bank Rules According to IATA DGR 2026

With the regulations introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization in 2026, significant changes have been implemented regarding the transport of power banks and lithium batteries. Rules have been tightened to prevent thermal runaway and fire risks, particularly associated with low-quality or non-standard power banks in airline operations.

One of the key changes is that power banks are now evaluated as a separate category from spare batteries. Additionally, passengers and crew are generally allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks for personal use, while charging power banks during flight has been prohibited and using them to charge other electronic devices onboard is not recommended.

For lithium batteries transported as cargo, the State of Charge (SoC) limits are now closely monitored. In particular, a 30% charge limit is applied to shipments where lithium-ion batteries are transported on their own, aiming to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.

Furthermore, for all lithium battery shipments, it has become mandatory for manufacturers or authorized entities to provide test summaries demonstrating successful completion of UN 38.3 tests, as specified in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.

Who Prepares the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)?

The complete and accurate preparation of the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) is entirely the legal responsibility of the shipper (the cargo owner/exporter). The following information must be included correctly:

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Dangerous goods class or subsidiary risks
• Packing group
• Net and gross weight of dangerous goods, number and type of packages
• Full address of the shipper and consignee, along with emergency contact details

What Happens If the Dangerous Goods Declaration Is Missing or Incorrect?

Any missing or incorrect information in dangerous goods documentation or labeling can lead to serious disruptions in the supply chain. In case of incorrect declaration, the cargo may be immediately rejected by the airline, significant delays may occur at customs, and substantial fines may be imposed on the shipper.

If the substance is not correctly identified, improper handling and storage conditions may arise, leading to safety risks such as fire or leakage. Additionally, there is a risk that damages occurring under such conditions may fall outside insurance coverage.

The Importance of Managing Dangerous Goods in Air Cargo Transportation

Managing dangerous goods in compliance with international regulations and with a professional approach in air cargo transportation:

• Ensures flight safety and protects human life.
• Minimizes operational risks and disruptions.
• Prevents legal penalties by ensuring full compliance with global regulations.
• Guarantees the continuity and transparency of the supply chain.

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