The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published its updated 2025 manuals, which incorporate the latest industry standards. These updates are crucial for stakeholders in the aviation value chain, including airlines, airports, ground service providers, freight forwarders, shippers, and manufacturers. They rely on IATA standards to ensure safe, sustainable, and efficient operations.
The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) manual now includes ten new dangerous goods such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. There are also three new entries for battery-powered vehicles based on the type of battery used. Additionally, new safety measures are introduced regarding the “State of Charge” at which batteries are shipped.
The Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR), previously known as lithium battery shipping regulations, have been expanded to cover other battery types like sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte and wet spillable batteries filled with acid or alkali.
Updates to the Live Animals Regulations (LAR) include references to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) species databases. There are also updated specifications for animal transport containers.
The Airport Handling Manual (AHM) incorporates changes related to contactless travel and digitalized travel documentation. Policies concerning unruly passengers and travel document checks have also been revised.
Additionally, a reference to IEnvA (IATA Environmental Assessment) is included for environmental management purposes. Updates to the IATA Training Passport aim at recognizing ground handling skills across employers.
In the Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM), there are new best practices and guidance for repatriating human and pet remains by air. References have been added for IATA Cargo iQ and ONE Record.
Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Products and Services stated: “Global standards have made flying safe and reliable. For eight decades IATA’s member airlines have worked with the industry value chain, including regulators, on standard setting and best practices which are critical to daily operations. This year’s IATA manual offering includes over 350 changes, many of which reflect the constantly modernizing technology, regulations and evolving customer needs along with the industry’s priorities of digitalization and sustainability.”
These manuals are available both digitally and in printed form. The association has also released reports that provide an overview of developments in aviation infrastructure aimed at improving special cargo shipments handling.
For further information or inquiries about these updates, contact Corporate Communications at IATA.
