Dangerous goods are transported by all modes of transport and there are regulations that govern the methods and processes that must be followed for each. In Autumn’s issue of Truck and Track we focussed on the regulations for Road and Rail (ADR and RID respectively). 

Of course, nearly every shipment of dangerous goods (DG) will start its journey on the road but many, especially small or urgent consignments, will be carried by aircraft. 

It is now 100 years since the first commercial flight and 75 years since the Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as Chicago Convention) was signed by 52 states – an amazing feat in 1944 considering that many of the signatory states were still under occupation. The event established the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization (later known simply as ICAO) and provided “the basic framework for the progressive, safe and orderly development of civil aviation on a global scale.” In 1947 ICAO became part of the family of UN organisations.

Many international regulations have subsequently been drafted but it was not until 1st January 1984 that ICAO Annex 18, “The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air to the Chicago Convention” became applicable. Subsequently renamed the ICAO Technical Instructions, the TI is published every two years in line with the revisions to the other modes.

ICAO has input from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) when compiling the annexes to the Chicago Convention. IATA is the trade association of the world’s airlines and, whilst not all airlines are members, it defines many of the standards that apply industry-wide, particularly in the area of dangerous goods. 

Indeed, IATA first published their “Regulations relating to the carriage of restricted articles by air” back in 1956. These images are from the 1964, 9th Edition – the oldest that we could get our hands on. It was just 124 pages (now nearly 1,200!) and it came with a cover letter explaining the changes from the 8th Edition.

Now known as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) it has been published virtually every year since and the 61st edition has now been released. 

At Labeline, we are often asked why there is a new edition of the DGR each year when all the other modes are published every biennial. The main reason is that the manual needs to be updated to keep pace with all the State and Operator Variations that are constantly being issued or revised. Occasionally, the UN may also update the recommendations mid-term. To avoid fines, delays and complications with shipments it is imperative that the current rules are applied.

Unlike the ADR (road) and the IMDG Code (sea), there is no transition period for air. Therefore, consignors, carriers and operators need to be aware of these changes before they come into effect on 1st January each year. 

Furthermore, as with all modes, addenda and amendments are issued between publications and it is important that anyone involved in DG is aware of these. The best way to ensure that you are kept up to date is to purchase all your regulatory publications from an authorised reseller – one that will distribute these updates when they are issued. 

Labeline is IATA’s only authorised reseller in UK and Ireland and, for the 11th successive year, has just been awarded IATA’s top reseller worldwide. 

In December 2019 the 1st Addendum to the 61st Edition of the IATA DGR was published, and it lists an unusually large number of amendments. These changes are mainly Operator Variations, but it can be crucial to know what these are to ensure compliance and prevent shipments from being delayed en route. The addendum can be downloaded, in full, from the Labeline website or by subscribing to the company’s newsletter.

If you are consigning on a regular basis you could probably save time, and minimise the risk of generating non-compliant DG documents, by using the world-renowned DGOffice software. 

DGOffice simplifies the classification process and makes the calculations to enable users to quickly produce dangerous goods documentation that always complies with current regulations. As it is updated stealthily, and in a timely manner, there is no need to download updates when the regulations change - it is all done automatically. DGOffice has e-Freight already installed and it is compatible with both their own paperless system and that which is being developed by IATA. The software can also be integrated into, or be linked to SAP, and other ERP systems. For more information on DGOffice and the future of paperless transfer of DG data refer to this column in the Summer 2019 edition of Truck & Track and / or contact Labeline.

In the lead-up to the 2021 DG regulations being published for all modes (ADR, IATA DGR, IMDG Code etc.), Labeline will again be hosting the Biennial Dangerous Goods Roadshow. The first leg of the 2020 event will be at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow on 15th September. This luxurious venue staged the successful London shows in 2016 and 2018. The 2nd leg will be held at the equally well-appointed Radisson Blu Hotel overlooking East Midlands Airport.

Priced at only £135 per delegate, and now with CPD accreditation, this not-for-profit event is designed to provide a full day’s training for DG professionals and all those involved in packing, handling, loading, consigning and transporting of dangerous goods by all modes. 

Ensure that you are purchasing genuine DG publications products look for these logos when purchasing.

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