Urgent Overhaul of India’s Aviation Dangerous Goods Regulations Explained

Key Takeaways

• India’s new Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules took effect June 19, 2025.
• Digital documentation and DGCA-certified staff now mandatory for all dangerous goods handlers.
• Six-month transition ends December 31, 2025; strict enforcement and penalties apply afterward.

India’s aviation sector has just seen its most significant regulatory change in over a decade. On June 19, 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation enacted the new Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2025. This update replaces the older 2003 rules and comes after several high-profile safety incidents and growing international pressure. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now has stronger powers and clearer guidelines to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for ongoing and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

The new Dangerous Goods Regulations in India overhaul every aspect of how hazardous materials are handled in the country’s aviation industry. The rules now closely follow the latest international standards, especially the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (66th Edition, effective January 1, 2025) and ICAO guidelines. The changes cover everything from how dangerous goods are classified and packaged to how they are documented and who is allowed to handle them.

Key Features and Changes in the 2025 Regulations

• Comprehensive Scope: The new rules apply to all dangerous goods carried by air, including their identification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response procedures.
• Alignment with International Standards: India’s rules now match the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO standards. This includes new UN numbers for hazardous materials, updated hazard labels, and revised shipping protocols for batteries.
• Expanded Definitions: The definition of dangerous goods is now broader. It covers new types of batteries (like sodium-ion), infectious substances, and goods that are harmful to the environment.
• Digital Documentation: All dangerous goods shipments must now use electronic Dangerous Goods Declarations (e-DGD) and keep digital records. This makes it easier to track shipments and check compliance.
• Stricter Training and Certification: Anyone involved in handling dangerous goods—including ground handlers, marshallers, and maintenance staff—must have a valid DGCA-approved certificate. Annual refresher training is now required.
• Enhanced Enforcement: The DGCA can now carry out surprise inspections, impose immediate penalties, and even suspend operations for those who break the rules. Follow-up inspections are mandatory for violators.
• Mandatory Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Airlines must have formal agreements with ground handling agents. These agreements must clearly state who is responsible for dangerous goods at every stage.
• Transitional Provisions: There is a six-month transition period for some new requirements, especially those related to lithium and sodium-ion batteries. This period ends on December 31, 2025.

Who Is Affected by the New Rules?

The changes affect a wide range of stakeholders in India’s aviation sector:

• Airlines: Both Indian and foreign airlines flying to or from India must update their dangerous goods handling procedures, retrain staff, and switch to digital documentation.
• Ground Handling Agents: Companies that load, unload, or move goods at airports must ensure all staff are certified and that equipment is properly logged and maintained.
• Shippers and Freight Forwarders: Anyone sending dangerous goods by air must use the latest declaration forms, follow new packing instructions, and make sure shipments are correctly labeled.
• Foreign Operators: Airlines from other countries must comply with both Indian and international rules when operating in Indian airspace. They face increased inspections, especially after recent violations.
• DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation: These bodies are responsible for enforcing the new rules, conducting inspections, and handling penalties for non-compliance.

Effective Dates and Transition Periods

• June 19, 2025: The new Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2025, come into effect.
• December 31, 2025: The six-month transition period ends. After this date, all new requirements must be fully met, especially for lithium and sodium-ion battery shipments.

Required Actions for Stakeholders

To comply with the new Dangerous Goods Regulations, all affected parties must take the following steps:

1. Classification
– Identify and classify all dangerous goods according to the latest IATA DGR and Indian rules.
– Make sure new types of batteries and other hazardous materials are properly listed.

2. Packaging
– Use only approved packaging that meets updated instructions, especially for new battery types.
– Check that packaging is strong enough to prevent leaks or spills during transport.

3. Documentation
– Complete the electronic Dangerous Goods Declaration (e-DGD) for every shipment.
– Keep digital records of all dangerous goods shipments for easy tracking and audits.

4. Training
– Ensure every staff member involved in dangerous goods handling has a valid DGCA-approved certificate.
– Schedule and complete annual refresher training for all relevant staff.

5. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
– Set up formal agreements with all ground handling partners.
– Clearly define who is responsible for each part of the dangerous goods process.

6. Pre-Flight Checks
– Carry out mandatory acceptance checklists for every dangerous goods shipment before loading.
– Double-check that all documentation and labeling are correct.

7. Reporting
– Report any dangerous goods incidents or discrepancies to the DGCA immediately.
– Cooperate fully with any investigations or follow-up actions.

8. Audit and Inspection
– Be ready for unannounced DGCA inspections.
– Implement any corrective actions required by inspectors without delay.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

If you have a pending application or are planning to ship dangerous goods by air in India, here’s what you need to know:

• Pending Shipments: If your shipment is scheduled before December 31, 2025, you may still have some flexibility under the transition rules. However, you must start moving to the new digital documentation and training requirements right away.
• New Applications: Any new applications or shipments after June 19, 2025, must follow the new rules. This includes using the e-DGD, updated packaging, and ensuring all staff are certified.
• Foreign Airlines: If you are a foreign operator, you must comply with both Indian and international rules. The DGCA is now watching foreign carriers more closely, especially after recent violations by Turkish Airlines.
• Ongoing Compliance: After December 31, 2025, there will be no grace period. All shipments must fully comply with the new Dangerous Goods Regulations, or risk suspension, fines, or other penalties.

Background: Why the Overhaul Was Needed

The push for new Dangerous Goods Regulations in India came after several serious incidents and international criticism. In May and June 2025, DGCA inspections at major airports found that Turkish Airlines had carried explosives without proper permission, failed to provide required documentation, and allowed unqualified staff to handle dangerous goods. There were also missing agreements with ground handlers and poor equipment checks.

These violations led to immediate action by the DGCA, which ordered compliance and began closer monitoring of all foreign airlines. Around the same time, the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel Working Group met in Delhi and called out India’s regulatory gaps, urging quick reforms.

Industry and Expert Reactions

Aviation safety experts and industry groups have welcomed the new rules. They point out that India’s air cargo sector is growing quickly, and dangerous goods shipments—especially batteries and chemicals—are becoming more common and complex. The new regulations are seen as a much-needed step to keep up with international best practices and prevent accidents.

International bodies like ICAO and IATA have praised India for aligning its rules with global standards. However, they also stress that strong enforcement and regular updates are essential to keep the system safe.

Practical Implications for Different Groups

For Airlines:
– Must review and update all dangerous goods handling protocols.
– Retrain all staff involved in dangerous goods operations.
– Switch to digital documentation and record-keeping.
– Risk suspension or fines for non-compliance.

For Ground Handling Agents:
– Need to formalize SLAs with airlines.
– Ensure all staff are certified and trained.
– Keep strict logs of equipment and procedures.

For Shippers and Freight Forwarders:
– Use the latest dangerous goods declaration forms.
– Follow new packing and labeling instructions.
– Make sure all shipments are properly classified.

For Foreign Operators:
– Must meet both Indian and international standards.
– Face increased inspections and monitoring.

For Regulators:
– DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation must enforce the new rules.
– Conduct regular and surprise inspections.
– Handle penalties and corrective actions for violations.

Step-by-Step Compliance Process (Effective June 19, 2025):

1. Classify all dangerous goods using the latest IATA DGR and Indian rules.
2. Package goods according to updated instructions, especially for new battery types.
3. Document every shipment with an electronic DG Declaration (e-DGD).
4. Train all staff and keep certifications up to date.
5. Set up SLAs with all ground handling partners.
6. Check every shipment before flight using acceptance checklists.
7. Report any incidents to the DGCA right away.
8. Cooperate with inspections and make any required changes.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Changes

The DGCA has promised to review the Dangerous Goods Regulations every year, with input from industry stakeholders and the public. India will also continue to work with international bodies like ICAO and the United Nations to keep its rules up to date with global best practices. More changes may come after further meetings and as new types of dangerous goods emerge.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most current information, official forms, and guidance, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s Dangerous Goods Division. This site provides updates, contact details, and links to the latest regulations. You can also reach the DGCA Dangerous Goods Cell by phone at +91-11-24622495 or by email at [email protected].

Summary of Immediate Actions Required

• Review and update all dangerous goods policies, procedures, and training to comply with the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2025.
• Switch to digital documentation and ensure all staff are DGCA-certified.
• Formalize SLAs with ground handling agents and keep strict records.
• Prepare for inspections and act quickly on any required changes.
• Meet all new requirements by December 31, 2025, to avoid penalties.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these sweeping changes bring India’s Dangerous Goods Regulations in line with international standards, but success depends on strong enforcement and ongoing vigilance. All stakeholders must act now to ensure safety, compliance, and smooth operations in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.

For more details on the new rules and official guidance, visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s website. This is the best place to find authoritative updates and resources related to dangerous goods in India’s aviation industry.

By understanding these changes and taking the right steps, airlines, shippers, and ground handlers can protect their operations, avoid penalties, and help keep India’s skies safe for everyone.

Learn Today

Dangerous Goods → Items or substances that pose risks during air transport, including explosives, chemicals, and batteries.
DGCA → Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s regulatory authority for aviation safety and enforcement.
e-DGD → Electronic Dangerous Goods Declaration, a mandatory digital form documenting hazardous cargo shipments.
IATA DGR → International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations, global standards for air hazardous materials transport.
Service Level Agreement (SLA) → A formal contract assigning responsibilities between airlines and ground handling agents for cargo safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

India’s 2025 Dangerous Goods Regulations overhaul aviation safety, adopting global standards and stricter DGCA enforcement. Mandatory digital documentation and certified training start June 19 with a six-month transition. Airlines, ground handlers, and shippers must comply fully by December 31 to avoid penalties and ensure safe hazardous materials transport.
— By VisaVerge.com