The 68th Edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR 2027) incorporates all revisions from the 2027-2028 Edition of the Technical Instructions developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel, as well as revisions adopted by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board. The new version introduces multiple major changes in areas including sodium-ion battery transport management, lithium battery passenger carry rules, and packaging & marking requirements, which will have far-reaching impacts on air transport compliance work for battery and new energy industry chain enterprises.

This article focuses on core changes in the 68th Edition DGR closely related to the battery, energy storage and new energy industry, interpreting regulatory requirements item by item to help enterprises prepare for compliance in advance.

1. Overview of the 68th Edition DGR

The 68th Edition DGR is the latest version of IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations, applicable to international air transport of dangerous goods in 2027. This version incorporates all revisions from the 2027-2028 Edition of ICAO Technical Instructions, as well as revision resolutions of the IATA Dangerous Goods Board.

From the perspective of the battery and new energy industry, the most important changes in this version include three aspects: First, sodium-ion batteries are officially included in the air dangerous goods transport management system as an independent category, with dedicated UN numbers, classification clauses and packaging requirements added. Second, lithium battery passenger carry rules are significantly tightened, with adjustments to power bank quantity limits and spare battery caps. Third, more than 20 packing instructions and special provisions have been systematically supplemented around sodium-ion batteries and hybrid batteries.

Quick Overview of Core Changes

▶ Sodium-ion batteries: New dedicated UN 3564 added, expanded exception scope for data recorders ▶ Hybrid batteries: New classification judgment clause for lithium-ion + sodium-ion hybrid batteries ▶ Power banks: Maximum 2 per passenger, spare battery cap reduced from 20 to 18 ▶ Wheelchairs / mobility aids: Lithium battery limit changed to "300Wh per device" ▶ Lithium metal batteries: New UN 3563 (installed in cargo transport units) ▶ Packing instructions: Over 20 revisions, button cells excluded from quantity limits

2. Sodium-Ion Batteries: Officially Included in Air Transport Management System

The 68th Edition DGR provides systematic supplements for the transport management of sodium-ion batteries, marking that sodium-ion batteries, as an independent battery category, have officially entered the international air dangerous goods transport regulatory framework. The core changes related to sodium-ion batteries are as follows:

2.1 New UN Numbers

The following entries are added to the Dangerous Goods List, providing dedicated transport numbers for sodium-ion batteries:

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2.2 Expanded Exception Scope for Data Recorders

In the scope of application in Chapter 1, the exception clause for data recorders has been expanded to include specific sodium-ion batteries. This means sodium-ion batteries used in eligible data recorders may apply the exception clause under specific requirements, without being transported under full dangerous goods procedures.

2.3 Hybrid Battery Classification Judgment

New clause 3.9.2.6.1(h) is added in Chapter 3 Classification, applicable to the classification judgment of hybrid batteries composed of lithium-ion cells and sodium-ion cells. Meanwhile, new special provision A235 clarifies the classification requirements for hybrid batteries containing both sodium-ion cells and lithium cells or batteries.

This change responds to the industry's compliance demand for the "lithium-sodium hybrid" battery technology route, providing a clear classification basis for battery products adopting hybrid chemical systems.

2.4 Special Provision Supplements

Multiple existing special provisions have added applicable descriptions related to sodium-ion batteries: ◆ Special provision updates: Clauses A107, A185, A213, A225 and A228 all add applicable descriptions related to lithium/sodium batteries ◆ A214 adds supplementary guidance, distinguishing the classification and differences between battery-powered vehicles and battery-powered equipment ◆ A235 is a brand new clause, specifically targeting classification requirements for batteries composed of a mix of sodium-ion cells and lithium cells/batteries

2.5 Packing Instruction Revisions

Multiple packing instructions have added requirements related to sodium-ion batteries, involving numbers including: 130, 200, 220, 222, 378, 459, 497, 570, 603, 650, 950, 951, 952, 955, 962, Y963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 972, 975 and 978. Multiple revisions to packing instructions also involve textual revisions for prototype batteries.

Energy Storage Testing Reminder

After sodium-ion batteries are officially included in the DGR management system, relevant enterprises shall confirm that products have completed classification and packaging testing according to the new version of packing instructions before air transport. Energy Storage Testing can provide technical services such as sodium-ion battery UN 38.3 testing, classification appraisal and packaging performance verification.

3. Important Adjustments to Lithium Battery Transport Rules

3.1 Passenger-Carried Power Banks: Quantity Limit Clarified

Clause 2.3.5.8 has been significantly revised, clearly distinguishing between power banks and spare batteries, and setting specific quantity caps:

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Revised clause 2.3.1.4 also clarifies that lithium-ion power banks with a rated energy exceeding 100Wh are prohibited from being carried by passengers or crew members.

Important Reminder

The quantity limits for power banks and spare batteries are calculated independently. While carrying 2 power banks, passengers may still carry up to 18 spare batteries. However, carriers shall not allow more than 2 power banks, and this limit has no room for flexibility.

3.2 Wheelchair / Mobility Aid Lithium Batteries: Limit Calculation Method Changed

Clause 2.3.2.4 has been significantly revised for lithium battery-powered mobility aids, with the core change shifting from "battery-based limit" to "device-based limit": ◆ Calculation basis change: The limit calculation method is changed from "battery-based limit benchmark" to "device-based limit benchmark (300Wh per device)" ◆ For mobility aids with total installed battery energy exceeding 300Wh per device, additional requirements are added ◆ Clauses 2.3.2.2 and 2.3.2.3 are modified simultaneously, re-emphasizing that carrier approval must be obtained ◆ Battery limits for portable electronic devices are clearly calculated on a "per device" basis

3.3 New UN Number: Lithium Metal Batteries in Cargo Transport Units

UN 3563 "Lithium metal batteries installed in cargo transport units" is added to the Dangerous Goods List, providing a dedicated transport number for lithium metal batteries integrated in cargo transport units. This corresponds to UN 3564 for sodium-ion batteries.

3.4 Special Provision Revisions

Multiple special provisions related to lithium batteries have been revised: ◆ A88: Revised to eliminate uncertainty caused by the distinction between "low production" and "annual mass production" ◆ A26/A103: Expanded scope of application, adding heating machines in addition to refrigeration machines ◆ A214: Added supplementary guidance, distinguishing the classification and differences between battery-powered vehicles and battery-powered equipment ◆ Multiple clauses: A107, A185, A213, A225 and A228 all add applicable descriptions related to lithium/sodium batteries

3.5 Button Cells Excluded from Quantity Limits

For Part II of packing instructions 967, 970 and 978, when considering the limit of no more than 4 cells or 2 batteries per package, button cells inside equipment are not counted towards this quantity limit. This revision facilitates the transport of devices containing button batteries.

4. Structural Adjustments to Passenger Dangerous Goods Carry Rules

4.1 Table Split

The original Table 2.3.A has been split into three independent tables with clearer logic:

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4.2 New Clauses & Revisions

◆ Electrically isolated batteries: New clause 2.3.0.9 added to address the emerging concern of passengers carrying electrically isolated batteries ◆ Clause merger: Original 2.3.1.2 and 2.3.1.4 merged, with new note confirming the ban also applies to equipment issued by law enforcement agencies ◆ "For personal use" definition: New note explaining the connotation of "for personal use" in passenger and crew dangerous goods carry ◆ Approval requirements clarified: Subsections 2.3.2 to 2.3.4 add supplementary explanations, clarifying that such items may be carried only with carrier approval

4.3 Carrier Responsibility & Information Provision

Chapter 1 adds multiple supplements to carrier responsibilities: ◆ 1.4.2 clarifies that carrier operation manuals must be continuously maintained in the latest valid version, and supporting procedures for handling dangerous goods requiring approval must be established ◆ 1.4.3 adds a new paragraph requiring carriers to consider the possibility of fire from approved dangerous goods and the ability to control the situation before safe landing of the aircraft ◆ 1.4.4 requires carriers to formulate approval processing requirements for passengers applying to carry specific dangerous goods

4.4 Crew Power Bank Regulations

New content is added in Section 2.5: When crew members carry and use power banks for purposes related to aircraft operation, relevant requirements shall be specified in the operation manual or other manuals. Crew members carrying and using power banks for personal purposes shall comply with the general requirements in Section 2.3.

5. Revisions to Packaging & Marking Requirements

5.1 Battery Mark Update

The marking and labeling section in Chapter 7 has made important updates to battery marks: ◆ Old mark phased out: The previous version of the battery mark with a telephone number field has been phased out ◆ Transition period handling: Old version marks shall not be the sole basis for rejecting packages ◆ Usage recommendation: Shippers are advised to use the current version of the battery mark ◆ Affixing position: If goods need to be affixed with both a battery mark and other hazard labels (except Class 9 battery hazard labels), the battery mark shall be placed on the same side of the box as other hazard labels

5.2 Overpack Marking

The marking requirements for overpacks have been revised and clarified: It is not necessary to replicate every mark on inner packages on the overpack. From a safety perspective, overpack marks are used to reflect the total quantity of dangerous goods contained inside. Supporting examples have been provided.

5.3 Batch Revision of Packing Instructions

Chapter 5 has revised the following packing instructions: 130, 200, 220, 222, 378, 459, 497, 570, 603, 650, 950, 951, 952, 955, 962, Y963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 972, 975 and 978.

The revisions mainly involve adding sodium-ion battery related requirements, prototype battery textual revisions, and button cells excluded from quantity limits.

5.4 Packaging Specification Performance Testing

The revisions in Chapter 6 aim to be consistent with the UN Model Regulations, applicable to all modes of transport.

6. Other Important Changes

6.1 New Dangerous Goods Entries

In addition to the battery-related entries above, the following entries are added to the Dangerous Goods List: ◆ UN 3561, Chlorophenols, corrosive, toxic, solid, n.o.s. ◆ UN 3562, Chlorophenols, corrosive, solid, n.o.s. ◆ New entry for magnetic resonance imaging equipment, providing cross-references to the corresponding "article" entry and special provision A236

6.2 New Special Provisions

◆ A236: Provides support to facilitate the transport of modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment ◆ A239: Content copied from A801, and A801 is simultaneously repealed ◆ A808: Applicable to decommissioned UN numbers and proper shipping names, retained in the Dangerous Goods List for two years

6.3 Classification Clause Revisions

◆ Minor revision to the classification definition of explosives in 3.1.1 ◆ Revision to secondary hazard classification in 3.2.5.2.5, new aerosol content prohibition clause added in 3.2.5.2.6 ◆ 3.6.2.2.2.1.3 clarifies that national entities may provide additional guidance on infectious substance classification ◆ 3.11.4 adds content for specific organic substance samples transported as Class C self-reactive substances

6.4 State Variations & Carrier Variations

For state variations in 2.8.1, Argentina, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Ukraine have been modified according to ISO country codes, with a total of 17 important changes or significant new variations recorded in countries or regions.

For carrier variations in 2.8.3, multiple revisions in this edition are only textual editing adjustments, without changing the original meaning of clauses. Variations that duplicate existing provisions are deleted. The expression involving COMAT in carrier variations is deleted, and a new note is added in subsection 2.5.2 for explanation. In 2027, IATA will prepare the 69th Edition DGR to further clean up carrier variation clauses that do not meet the standards in Section 2.8.3.2.

6.5 Other Chapter Revisions

◆ Chapter 1 adds exception clause for blood and blood components for transfusion purposes ◆ 2.6.2.2 clarifies that excepted quantity requirements only apply to substances, not articles ◆ Step 6 of sequence 2 in 8.1.6.9.2 of Chapter 8 is restructured with clearer logic ◆ Chapter 9 updates explosive segregation requirements based on compatibility groups ◆ The terminology section in Appendix A is adjusted in line with the UN Model Regulations ◆ The organic peroxide list in Table C.2 of Appendix C is updated according to the UN Model Regulations

7. Enterprise Response Recommendations

The 68th Edition DGR is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027 (subject to official IATA announcement). For battery and new energy industry chain enterprises, the following response measures are recommended:

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Energy Storage Testing Reminder

Energy Storage Testing can provide enterprises with the following technical support: battery UN 38.3 testing, sodium-ion battery classification appraisal, packaging performance verification, dangerous goods transport safety assessment, etc. Enterprises are advised to complete product baseline testing before the 68th Edition DGR takes effect to ensure seamless compliance transition for transport.

Closing Remarks

The release of the 68th Edition DGR marks that the international air dangerous goods transport management system is accelerating its response to emerging battery technologies. The official inclusion of sodium-ion batteries, the addition of hybrid battery classification clauses, and the tightening of passenger carry rules all reflect the regulatory level's continuous attention to safe battery transport.

For battery and new energy enterprises, timely mastering regulatory changes, carrying out compliance testing in advance, and establishing a sound transport safety management system are not only necessary measures to meet regulatory requirements, but also key links to ensure the global circulation competitiveness of products.

About Energy Storage Testing

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