Standardizing the Dangerous Goods Variations 

 

For shippers, navigating hundreds of variations, often worded differently but conveying similar requirements, can be time-consuming and prone to misinterpretation. For operators, maintaining and updating variations in a consistent and meaningful way has become increasingly complex. Moreover, some variations add limited regulatory value. Duplications of existing rules or operator-specific procedures, better suited for internal manuals, reducing the overall usability of the DGR.

At a system level, the lack of standardization in the structure and wording of variations limits opportunities for digitalization. Variations written in free text, with inconsistent structure and terminology, are difficult to integrate into modern digital tools and automated workflows.

The State and Operator Variations Standardization Project is intended to be more than a technical update; it is a fundamental shift in developing a consistent approach to managing variations which are intended to assist in safety. By simplifying, standardizing, and digitalizing variations, IATA and its partners are not only improving the usability of the DGR but also enabling a more connected and efficient global cargo ecosystem.

Beyond that, IATA has developed and launched an Operator Variation Request Form on the IATA website, providing a standardized means for airlines to submit new or amended variations.