IATA DGR Shipper's Pre-Flight Checklist 2026

Use this checklist before every dangerous goods air shipment. Each item maps to a common Notice of Discrepancy (NOD) rejection category. A missed checkbox = a grounded shipment. Review all 12 points for every consignment, every time - no exceptions.

Classification

UN Number identified and verified Look up your substance in the IATA DGR Dangerous Goods List (DGL). Confirm UN number, proper shipping name, class/division, and packing group. If not listed, it may be forbidden or require special approval.

DGR §3.0
Proper Shipping Name used exactly as listed in DGL Do not abbreviate or paraphrase. "Lithium Ion Batteries" and "Lithium Ion Battery" are different entries. Subsidiary hazard noted if applicable.

DGR §3.1
Passenger aircraft (PAX) vs Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) confirmed Check column Y/N in DGL. CAO goods cannot travel on passenger flights. If your booking is on a passenger aircraft, verify the DGL "Y" column is not blank or "Forbidden".

DGR §2.8

Packaging

UN-specification outer packaging confirmed for this Packing Instruction (PI) Outer packaging must bear the UN specification mark: UN symbol, package type code, performance standard (X/Y/Z), maximum gross mass, year, country, manufacturer. Verify it matches the PI in DGL column.

DGR §6.0
Inner packaging material and compatibility checked Liquids: adequate absorbent material (enough to absorb full contents). Glass/plastic inners properly cushioned. Incompatible materials (e.g. oxidizers + flammables) segregated.

DGR §6.1
Quantity per package does not exceed PI limits Check both the passenger aircraft limit AND cargo aircraft limit. Net quantity per inner and per outer must both be within the applicable PI column limit. Common failure: net vs gross confusion.

DGR §3.9

Labelling & Marking

Correct hazard label(s) on each package Primary hazard class label + subsidiary hazard label(s) if required. Minimum 100mm × 100mm. Labels must not be covered, folded, or obscured. Color and diamond shape must match IATA DGR Table 5.2 exactly.

DGR §7.2
UN number and Proper Shipping Name marked on outer surface Must appear on every package. UN number format: "UN XXXX". Net quantity or net mass and number of packages marked. Orientation arrows on liquids (two, opposite sides).

DGR §7.1
CAO label applied if cargo-aircraft-only Black-bordered "Cargo Aircraft Only" label (120mm × 110mm min) on every package. Required whenever DGL shows "Forbidden" in the passenger column.

DGR §7.2.5

Documentation

Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) completed Use current IATA format. Fill all mandatory fields: shipper/consignee, airport of departure/destination, aircraft type, UN number, proper shipping name, class, PG, quantity, packing instruction reference, and authorization.

DGR §8.1
Edition cited on DGD is current: IATA DGR 67th Edition (2026) This is the single most common NOD reason. Citing an outdated edition (65th, 66th) results in automatic rejection. Update your templates now.

DGR §8.1.6
24/7 emergency response contact on DGD A reachable emergency phone number (not a voicemail box) must appear on the DGD. CANUTEC (Canada): 1-613-996-6666. CHEMTREC (US/Intl): 1-800-424-9300. Or your authorized provider's number.

DGR §8.1.6.11

Special Categories (apply if relevant)

🔋 Lithium Batteries

Section IB, II, or Exception - determine by Wh (cells) or Wh+g (batteries)
State of charge ≤30% for Section IB if shipped alone
PI 965/966/967 (ion) or PI 968/969/970 (metal) confirmed
"Lithium Battery" handling label on outer - min 120mm × 110mm
Quantity limits: max 2 devices (Section IB / PAX)
Check airline-specific DG approvals - many restrict beyond IATA minimums

🧊 Dry Ice (UN1845)

Max 2.5 kg per package for PAX; no limit CAO (check airline)
Packaging allows CO₂ to vent - no sealed/airtight containers
Net weight of dry ice marked on package
Class 9 label applied
DGD required if >2.5 kg
Perishable commodity (contents) declared separately if applicable

🧬 Biological (UN3373 / UN2814)

Category A (UN2814/2900) vs Category B (UN3373) - correctly determined
PI 650 triple packaging: primary → secondary → rigid outer
Absorbent material between primary and secondary
Biological Substance Cat. B mark on outer (50mm × 50mm min)
IATA P650 compliance statement on outer package
Quantity limits: 4L/4kg per package (Cat. B)

Top 5 NOD Rejection Reasons at YYZ

#	Rejection Cause	Typical Fix	Type
1	Outdated DGR edition cited on DGD	Update template to IATA DGR 67th Ed. (2026)	Docs
2	Quantity exceeds PI limit for PAX aircraft	Split shipment or reroute to CAO flight	Repack
3	Wrong or missing hazard label / size <100mm	Replace labels on-site; AÉRO-DG carries stock	Labels
4	Non-UN-spec outer packaging used	Repack into certified UN-spec box or drum	Repack
5	Emergency phone unreachable or missing on DGD	Add CANUTEC (613-996-6666) to DGD template	Docs

🚨 Shipment rejected at YYZ? AÉRO-DG Solutions dispatches on-site within 2 hours - repacking, relabelling, and corrected DGD. Call +1 (437) 436-8348 immediately.