Are You Up To Speed with the Latest IATA Changes?

The International Air Transport Association has recently published the second codicil to 2014’s 55th Edition of Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Of course, both the second and first installment of the publication is mandatory across the board as of January 1, 2014.

Interestingly, there have been quite a few adjustments made to the regulatory standards. The following is a brief summary of those adjustments.

Most of the 55^th Edition covers labeling and acceptable transport items. For example, the addendum states that all shipments to and from the US must have a proper emergency telephone number along with their declaration documents.

Emergency response information is also a requirement for any hazardous materials. Additional amendments to the DGR include:

·      State Variation USG-05 was modernized to include the US Department of Transportation policies on fireworks, which are considered hazardous materials.

·      Alteration of the Emergency Response Guide code for lithium-ion batteries from “9FZ” to “9F”.

·      The State Variation USG-04 was updated to coincide with the terms and conditions in 49 CFR 172. 101, Appendix A.

The International Air Transport Association made US specific amendments a priority throughout the appendix. With recent changes in the security of the United States borders, obviously new transportation requirements are essential.

In addition to those listed above, according to GA-06, all combination packaging that contain dangerous liquid goods must also contain sufficient absorbent material to absorb all of the internal liquid.

Also, most passenger airplanes will no longer carry any dangerous liquids or flammable materials such as lithium-ion batteries. This is due in part because of the risk it puts flyers in.

The addendum also illuminates the proper way to label dangerous goods that don’t fall into any specific or given category. It states, “the hazardous substance shall be shipped under the basic dangerous goods description UN 3082”.

Proper labeling is the theme throughout the addendum along with a few new prohibitions for dangerous goods.

The FAA has special agents out there checking packages and inspecting the operations of a number of shippers.  Is your team up to speed with the latest requirements and regulations?  Transporation Compliance Associates, Inc. provides IATA Dangerous Goods Training and consulting services designed around your operation.  Contact us or call, toll free, 855-637-9566 to speak with our experts today!