IATA has released the 2027 editions of its cargo and ground operations manuals, updating standards for dangerous goods, batteries, live animals and airport handling as airlines and handlers face tighter compliance demands and a growing push toward digital workflows. The revisions also broaden guidance for biometric processing and autonomous ground support equipment, while IATA says its digital load verification tool is already cutting loading errors by more than 80%.
The updated material spans the Dangerous Goods Regulations, Battery Shipping Regulations, Live Animals Regulations and Airport Handling Manual. Changes include clearer packaging instructions for dangerous goods, new restrictions for spare batteries and power banks, and added requirements for lithium-battery-powered mobility aids above 300 Wh. The live animals guidance now includes specific pathogen-free laboratory animals, standardised terminology and revised cleaning and disinfection procedures for cargo compartments.
IATA has also expanded digital tools embedded in the manuals, including LAR Verify, e-Battery Shipping Regulations, DG Digital, an enhanced digital DGR and Digital Load Verification. Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president of products and services, linked the revisions to advances in technology, changing regulation and customer needs. The ground operations update brings new biometric guidance for contactless travel and further provisions for autonomous equipment near aircraft.