Adapting to 2025: Your Guide to New Air Cargo and Ground Handling Regulations

2025 is set to bring major changes to air cargo and ground handling regulations. From transporting dangerous goods to handling live animals and perishable items, these updates will affect everyone in the supply chain, including airlines, freight forwarders, shippers, and manufacturers.

In this article, we break down the most important updates from the latest IATA manuals, look at how it might affect your day-to-day tasks, and provide resources to help you stay compliant.

 

KEY REGULATORY CHANGES

#1 Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

The 66th Edition of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations includes significant changes:

• Sodium-Ion Battery Regulations: The introduction of new UN numbers, shipping names, and packing instructions for sodium-ion batteries addresses the growing use of this technology. These updates ensure that sodium-ion batteries are transported safely, with specific guidelines tailored to their chemical properties. If you work more frequently with battery transportation, you need to refer to the BSR.
• Updated Definitions: Expanded classifications now encompass a broader range of hazardous materials, including certain explosives, flammable solids, and fire suppressant devices. This ensures that emerging substances are appropriately regulated to maintain safety standards.
• Revised Marking System: The traditional lithium battery mark has been updated to a more inclusive ‘BATTERY mark,’ now covering both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. This change simplifies labelling requirements and reduces confusion during the shipping process.

These updates are crucial for businesses shipping hazardous materials safely and legally.

 

How will this affect your day-to-day tasks:

The updates in the 66th Edition of IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) will impact freight forwarding office roles by increasing the focus on compliance and accuracy. Staff will need to familiarise themselves with new UN numbers, packing instructions, and the updated ‘BATTERY mark’ for lithium and sodium-ion batteries. Daily tasks will involve more detailed checks of shipping documents, including Dangerous Goods Declarations and labels, to ensure compliance with expanded classifications. Additional training will be required to stay updated on the new regulations, and clearer communication with clients and carriers will be crucial to avoid delays or fines.

Learn more here: What is new in the 2025 IATA Dangerous Goods Manual Video

#2 Live Animals Regulations (LAR)

Ensuring humane and safe transport for live animals is at the heart of the 51st Edition of the Live Animals Regulations. Key updates include:

• Reorganisation of Appendices: To enhance clarity, general information regarding States and Operators has been reorganised into new sections, making it easier for stakeholders to locate pertinent information.
• Protected Species Guidelines: References to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species databases have been updated. This ensures compliance with the latest conservation statuses and legal protections for various species. Enhanced Checklists and Requirements: An Excess Baggage Live Animal Acceptance checklist has been introduced to standardise procedures, and container requirements have been updated to reflect best practices in animal welfare during transport.

Some key work tasks that may change:

• New Checklists: Use the Excess Baggage Live Animal Acceptance checklist for every shipment.
• Protected Species Checks: Verify species compliance with updated CITES and IUCN guidelines.
• Container Compliance: Ensure containers meet revised animal welfare standards.
• Quicker Information Access: Familiarise yourself with the reorganised appendices for faster reference.

Find more details: What’s new in the 2025 IATA Live Animal Regulations Video

#3 Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR)

For those handling temperature-sensitive goods, the 24th Edition of PCR introduces:

• Alignment and Restructuring: The PCR has been harmonised with the Temperature Control and Live Animals Regulations to provide a cohesive approach to handling sensitive cargo. This alignment facilitates easier cross-referencing and application of standards.
• New Chapters: Sections focusing on booking procedures, shipment tracking, monitoring, and risk management have been added. These additions aim to enhance the reliability and safety of perishable goods during transit.
• Enhanced Guidelines: Clarifications have been made regarding shipper responsibilities, the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) packaging, requirements for leak-proof packaging, and the appropriate use of dry ice as a refrigerant. These guidelines help prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with safety standards.

These changes will help minimise losses and maintain the integrity of perishable goods in transit.

How These Changes Could Impact Your Week

The 24th Edition of the Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) is all about improving how temperature-sensitive goods are managed. Here’s how your working week might shift:

1. Syncing Standards: With regulations now aligned across temperature control and live animal handling, you’ll need to cross-reference processes more often for consistency.
2. New Focus Areas: Chapters on tracking and risk management mean more time spent ensuring shipments are monitored and potential issues are mitigated.
3. Tighter Packaging Checks: You’ll need to confirm that packaging meets updated standards for leak-proofing and proper dry ice use.

View the full guide here: What is new in the 2025 IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations Video

#4 Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)

The 13th Edition features:

• Documentation Overhaul: Clearer Air Waybill instructions and restructured chapters have been implemented.
• Updated Handling Procedures: Comprehensive revisions and restructuring of key chapters have been made.
• Glossary and Nomenclature: New definitions, technical abbreviations, and cargo handling codes have been introduced.

These changes aim to enhance the safe and efficient transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo.

To stay compliant, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with:

• Updated Terminology: Learn the new terms and technical abbreviations to ensure accuracy in documentation and communication.
• Revised Handling Codes: Understand the updated codes for temperature-controlled cargo to apply them correctly in shipments.
• Structured Documentation: Follow the restructured Air Waybill and chapter layouts for clear and efficient processing of temperature-sensitive goods.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Temperature Control Regulations?

#5 Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) 

The 5th Edition of the Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) introduces new guidelines for the transportation of human and pet remains. Updated procedures and enhanced documentation requirements ensure shipments are handled respectfully and in compliance with legal standards.

Learn more: What’s new in the 2025 Compassionate Transportation Manual Video

#6 Airport Handling Manual (AHM)

The 45th Edition features:

• Documentation Overhaul: Clearer Air Waybill instructions and restructured chapters have been implemented.
• Updated Handling Procedures: Comprehensive revisions and restructuring of key chapters have been made.
• Glossary and Nomenclature: New definitions, technical abbreviations, and cargo handling codes have been introduced.

These changes aim to enhance the safe and efficient transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo and mean you’ll need to adjust several aspects of your daily work:

You’ll need to familiarise yourself with the revised Air Waybill (AWB) format to ensure documentation is accurate and meets the latest requirements. Updated handling procedures mean adopting new, more efficient protocols for managing cargo safely. Additionally, understanding the updated glossary and new cargo handling codes will be essential for clear communication and regulatory compliance. These changes emphasise precision and efficiency, so extra attention to detail and some additional training may be needed.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Airport Handling Manual?

#7 Security Management System Manual (SeMS): What’s New?

The 8th Edition of the Security Management System Manual (SeMS) focuses on enhancing aviation security measures:

• Risk-Based Security: Encourages proactive measures to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Improved Security Reporting: Updates protocols to enhance communication between airlines, authorities, and service providers.
• New Risk Assessment Tools: Introduces tools to measure security risks and monitor compliance.

How This Could Impact Your Role

If you work in operations or compliance, you’ll need to use the updated risk assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities in your organisation. You’ll also take on greater responsibility for submitting detailed and accurate security reports, ensuring compliance with evolving security protocols.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Security Management System Manual Video

#8 Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM): What’s New?

The 9th Edition of the Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) improves the efficiency and safety of cargo operations:

• Updated Loading and Unloading Procedures: Ensures safer, more consistent practices.
• Standardised Handling for Specialised Cargo: Provides clear guidelines for cargo with unique requirements.
• Enhanced Staff Training Recommendations: Focuses on up-to-date handling techniques.

How This Will Affect Your Role

You’ll need to follow the revised loading and unloading procedures, ensuring they are consistently applied. This could also involve updating internal training plans to reflect the latest best practices for specialised cargo handling, keeping your team compliant and efficient.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Cargo Handling Manual

#9 Unit Load Device Regulations (ULDR): What’s New?

The 13th Edition of the Unit Load Device Regulations (ULDR) sets new standards for ULD safety and maintenance:

• Improved Design Standards: Enhances compatibility and operational safety.
• Updated Maintenance Guidelines: Extends the lifespan of ULDs and ensures compliance.

How This Will Affect Your Role

If your role involves managing or inspecting ULDs, you’ll need to adopt the revised design and maintenance standards. This includes updating maintenance schedules, ensuring inspections meet the new safety guidelines, and coordinating with vendors to procure compliant ULDs.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Unit Load Device Regulations?

#10 Standard Procedures for Preloading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI): What’s New?

The 6th Edition of the PLACI Manual updates procedures for advance cargo submissions:

• Detailed Submission Requirements: Specifies mandatory data—including shipper and consignee details, cargo descriptions, and transport specifics—that must be submitted prior to loading.
• Improved Customs and Security Processes: Enhances efficiency and minimises risks through accurate and timely submissions.

How This Will Affect Your Role

If you’re a Documentation Specialist, Freight Forwarding Coordinator, or Customs Broker, you’ll need to ensure all required data is submitted accurately and within the required timeframe. This may involve adopting new software tools to automate submissions or updating workflows to meet stricter deadlines. For Compliance Officers or Export/Import Managers, the focus will be on ensuring adherence to the new regulations and resolving any data discrepancies with carriers and customs authorities to avoid delays or penalties.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Standard Procedures for Preloading Advance Cargo Information?

#11 Cargo-XML Toolkit (CXML): What’s New?

The 13th Edition of the Cargo-XML Toolkit (CXML) enhances electronic communication in cargo operations:

• Refined XML Standards: Improves the accuracy and consistency of cargo data exchanged across the supply chain.
• Integration Support: Provides resources to help organisations implement the updated standards seamlessly.

How This Will Affect Your Role

If you work as an IT Systems Administrator, Freight Technology Manager, or Data Specialist, you’ll be involved in implementing and testing updated XML standards in cargo management systems. This may include collaborating with IT teams to integrate new tools, ensuring accurate data exchange with shippers, carriers, and customs authorities, and resolving any technical issues during implementation. For roles like Logistics Coordinator or Operations Manager, the focus will be on ensuring smooth, real-time communication between all stakeholders while maintaining compliance with the new standards.

Learn more: What is new in the 2025 IATA Cargo-XML Toolkit?

 

Summary of Key Roles Affected by the 2025 Updates

The 2025 IATA manual updates impact several critical job roles across the air cargo and freight industries, including:

• Documentation Specialists: Responsible for preparing and submitting accurate shipping documents, ensuring compliance with new labelling, packing, and data requirements.
• Customs Brokers: Work closely with shippers and carriers to meet updated submission protocols for customs and security clearance.
• Freight Forwarding Coordinators: Oversee the end-to-end shipment process, ensuring all data aligns with the revised regulations.
• Export/Import Managers: Focus on maintaining compliance while addressing operational and documentation updates.
• IT Systems Administrators and Data Specialists: Integrate updated XML standards and ensure smooth electronic communication with stakeholders.
• Logistics Coordinators and Operations Managers: Manage workflows, ensuring seamless implementation of updated procedures across the supply chain.

 

FINAL THOUGHT