IATA DGR 67th Edition Takes Effect: New Lithium Battery Rules Reshape Southeast Asia Dangerous Goods Logistics

IATA DGR 67th Edition Marks New Era in Global Dangerous Goods Compliance

January 1, 2026 marked the formal implementation of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 67th edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), ushering in a new compliance era for global air transport of hazardous materials. The revised regulations introduce significant changes in classification, packaging, and transport procedures, with particularly stringent requirements for lithium batteries and hybrid vehicle shipments. For Chinese logistics companies operating in Southeast Asia, this transformation represents not only rising compliance costs but also a fundamental reshuffling of regional supply chain competition dynamics.

The core driver behind this revision stems from the 24th revised edition of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, with IATA proactively incorporating multiple technical amendments through Appendix H. Notably, while full enforcement of certain provisions extends to 2027, major carriers and ports have begun accepting shipments according to the new standards since January 2026. This means companies failing to adapt promptly face direct risks of cargo rejection, delays, and even penalties.

Lithium Battery Transport: State of Charge Limits Become Critical Compliance Threshold

The 67th edition DGR establishes clear upper limits on the State of Charge (SoC) for lithium battery shipments—arguably the most operationally impactful amendment in this revision. According to the new regulations, vehicles equipped with lithium ion, lithium metal, or sodium ion batteries (UN 3556, 3557, and 3558) must not exceed 30% of rated capacity or 25% of indicated capacity during transport. This restriction directly affects air export processes for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and related products.

For lithium ion batteries exceeding 2.7Wh transported with equipment, the charge level similarly cannot exceed 30%. If this limit is surpassed, shippers must obtain written approval, and shipments are restricted to cargo aircraft only. This regulation profoundly impacts Southeast Asia’s burgeoning electric vehicle supply chain—Thailand, as ASEAN’s EV manufacturing hub, produced over 500,000 electric vehicles in 2025, with substantial battery components requiring air freight for rapid turnover. Post-implementation, companies must redesign packaging solutions, update operational manuals, and ensure personnel receive DGR 67th edition training certification.