Section 2 - Limitations

Some dangerous goods can be transported by passenger and cargo aircraft, while other dangerous goods can only be transported by cargo aircraft. Additionally, some dangerous goods are too dangerous to be transported by any aircraft. The DGR establishes the limitations placed on dangerous goods that are allowed to be transported by air. States and operators can impose further restrictions.

DGR Subsection 2.1 - Forbidden Dangerous Goods

The DGR describes dangerous goods forbidden for air transport as any article or substance that, as presented for transport under normal conditions, is liable to:

• Explode
• Dangerously react
• Produce a flame or dangerous generation of heat
• Generate a dangerous emission of toxic, corrosive, or flammable gases or vapors

Dangerous goods that meet these criteria are forbidden to be carried on aircraft under any conditions. For a complete listing of forbidden goods, see Subsection 4.2 - List of Dangerous Goods.

DGR Subsection 2.2 - Hidden Dangerous Goods

Sometimes dangerous goods are included in cargo and declared under a general description, or passengers may attempt to carry such goods in their baggage. In these circumstances, the hazardous articles are not apparent. These are referred to as hidden dangerous goods, and they are covered in Subsection 2.2.

Operators' acceptance staff must be adequately trained to identify and detect dangerous goods presented as general cargo or hidden in passenger baggage. Cargo acceptance and passenger check-in staff should be familiar with commodities that often include hidden dangerous goods. This includes electrical equipment, household goods, and media equipment.

To learn more about IATA DGR visit our IATA DGR Refresher Online Training web page.