IATA updates cargo manuals with new battery rules amid surge in air shipments

The 2026 Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR) introduce stricter charge limits for lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment, a new compliance checklist for shippers of battery shipments, and more Designated Postal Operators authorized to accept equipment containing lithium batteries.

IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) have also been updated to improve animal welfare during transport. In 2024, over 200,000 non-domestic animal shipments were made. Updates include guidelines for attendants providing care during transit—incorporating standardized Competency-Based Training Assessment recommendations—the inclusion of Brazil as an adopter of LAR in 2025, new material and ventilation specifications for animal containers, and revised guidelines for poultry, pangolins, hooded raptors, and birds of prey.

The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) now features improvements aimed at operational efficiency and safety across passenger handling—including passengers requiring special support—as well as baggage and aircraft operations. New guidelines address unaccompanied minors, unruly or inadmissible passengers, those needing medical assistance; baggage tracking is now aligned with IATA Resolution 753; procedures have been updated regarding potable water management; and aircraft turnaround protocols have been revised.

Digital enhancements are also part of the latest manual updates. These include the launch of IATA’s online portal LAR Verify—which allows airlines, shippers and freight forwarders digital access to the LAR while providing automated compliance solutions—a comprehensive digital list of dangerous goods; and an improved battery classification tool that now includes sodium-ion batteries.

“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 critical to daily operations. This year’s IATA manuals updates reflect advancements in technology, digitalization, regulation, and customer needs that are critical for safer, more efficient, and increasingly sustainable operations,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Products and Services.