With sodium‑ion batteries and lithium‑sodium hybrid batteries gradually achieving industrial‑scale application, major revisions have been rolled out for international aviation dangerous goods regulations. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Edition 68 (2027 Version) has been officially released. This regulation incorporates all revisions of the ICAO Technical Instructions 2027‑2028 and revisions from the IATA Dangerous Goods Committee. The new rules not only complete the compliance framework for air transportation of new‑type batteries, but also significantly tighten clauses governing batteries carried by passengers. They will exert direct impacts on battery manufacturers, foreign‑trade exporters, cross‑border logistics providers and airlines. This edition is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.
1. New‑type Batteries Officially Included in Aviation Dangerous Goods Regulatory System
For emerging sodium‑ion batteries and lithium‑sodium hybrid batteries, DGR Edition 68 adds classification rules, UN numbers and supporting packaging requirements, filling previous regulatory gaps in this field.
1.1 Two new UN numbers for battery products added
UN 3563: Lithium‑metal batteries integrally installed inside freight units
UN 3564: Sodium‑ion batteries integrally installed inside freight units
1.2 Clear classification basis for lithium‑sodium hybrid batteries
New Clause 3.9.2.6.1 (h) and Special Provision A235 provide classification determination logic for hybrid batteries containing both lithium‑ion cells and sodium‑ion cells, addressing the long‑standing pain point of lacking clear regulatory guidance for mixed‑chemistry batteries.
1.3 Expanded scope of exception provisions
The transport exemption scope for airborne data recorders is expanded. Qualified sodium‑ion batteries can apply exception provisions and are exempt from full‑set dangerous‑goods transport procedures.
1.4 Multiple special provisions adapted for sodium/lithium batteries
Existing special provisions including A107, A185, A213, A225 and A228 are revised with additional applicability notes for sodium‑ion batteries.
2. Significantly Tightened Rules for Batteries Carried by Passengers and Crew
Chapter 2.3 carries out structural adjustments for dangerous goods carried by passengers and crew, bringing critical changes for power banks, spare batteries and battery‑powered mobility aids.
2.1 Hard‑line limits set for power banks
Lithium‑ion power banks with rated energy above 100 Wh are prohibited from being carried by passengers and crew. This control also applies to equipment issued by police authorities.
A fixed maximum of 2 power banks may be carried; carriers are not allowed to relax this restriction. The quantity limit for spare batteries is reduced from 20 to 18; airlines may relax the spare‑battery quantity limit at their discretion.
