Key Updates in the IATA 66th Edition Addendum: What You Need to Know

On 30th April 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a 30-page addendum to the 66th Edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), introducing important amendments. These include several operator- and state-level variations, in addition to changes relevant to companies involved in the shipping and handling of sodium ion batteries, and other hazardous goods.

Below, we highlight three changes that freight forwarders, shippers, and compliance professionals need to be aware of.

IATA has updated numerous sections of the DGR to include sodium ion batteries alongside lithium ion batteries. While these changes are primarily clarifications, they now formally recognise sodium ion batteries under similar handling rules.

Example Update:

Section 5.0.1.5 on Overpacks has been revised. Sodium ion batteries prepared under Packing Instruction (PI) 976 are now not permitted in overpacks that contain:

• Class/division 1 (except 1.4S),

• Division 2.1 (flammable gases),

• Class 3 (flammable liquids),

• Division 4.1 (flammable solids), or

• Division 5.1 (oxidizers),

This mirrors the restrictions that already apply to lithium ion batteries under PIs 965 and 968, Sections IA and IB.

The addendum also brings two new variations of existing UN numbers to the Dangerous Goods List:

• UN3423 and

• UN1835

Additionally, updates have been made to UN3551 and UN3552, which relate to sodium ion batteries packed with or contained in equipment.

Special Provision Adjustment:

Special Provision A181 no longer applies to UN3552. This change reflects that A181 was originally written with lithium batteries in mind, specifically lithium batteries contained in equipment, combined with lithium batteries packed with equipment.

Another noteworthy amendment is to Section 1.6, which deals with training requirements for shippers of small batteries packed with or contained in equipment. The update clarifies that the adequate instruction requirements for Section II battery shipments (those under PIs 966, 967, 969, 970) now also apply to the relevant PI associated with Sodium ion batteries (PI 977 and PI 978).

Staying up to date and embracing changes is the most effective way to ensure your goods move without delay, avoid costly disruptions, and maintain smooth operations across international air routes.

If you are shipping sodium ion batteries, the changes are significant as the regulations are altered.

The full addendum to the 66th Edition of the DGR can be viewed on the IATA website here.

At Peter East Associates, we help businesses stay on top of evolving air cargo compliance requirements. From battery shipping training to dangerous goods audits, our team ensures your processes align with the latest regulations.