Key Highlights
New rules seek to overhaul how hazardous cargo is transported by air in India:
- Certification-driven safety regime replaces older compliance model.
- Mandatory DGCA certification for Indian & foreign carriers.
- Stricter reporting, labeling, and penalties for undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods.
What Are the New Dangerous Goods Rules?
On February 17, 2026, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2026, to regulate hazardous materials on all flights to, from, within, and over India. These substances include items capable of posing risks to health, aircraft safety, property, or the environment.
These updated rules are now part of modern aviation safety standards, replacing the older 2003 framework that mainly focused on compliance with international norms rather than firm oversight.
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Why These Rules Matter
These rules aim to modernize aviation safety in India by shifting from a tick-box compliance system to a responsibility-based, certification framework. This means:
- Stronger safety enforcement with defined oversight cycles.
- Certification requirements for operators to handle dangerous goods.
- Detailed reporting procedures for undeclared or misdeclared hazardous items.
- Enhanced DGCA powers to investigate and enforce against lapses.
In simple terms: Airlines, shippers, and freight companies now face stricter rules when moving hazardous goods on aircraft, improving safety and accountability across the aviation sector.
Certification & Authorization Explained
Under the new regime:
Certification for Indian Operators
Any Indian airline or cargo operator that wants to carry dangerous goods must first obtain DGCA certification. This certification confirms the operator meets safety, packaging, identification, and handling standards.
Foreign Carriers’ Requirements
Foreign airlines must now secure prior authorization from the DGCA before transporting hazardous materials to or from India — even if they are certified by their home aviation authority.
What Counts as “Dangerous Goods”?
Dangerous goods include any article or substance that could endanger:
- Health or life
- Aircraft safety
- Property
- Environment
These might include things like:
- Flammable liquids
- Corrosive materials
- Radioactive substances
- Batteries and pressurized gases
Misclassification or failure to declare these items can lead to investigation and enforcement actions.
Stricter Reporting & Penalties
The updated rules detail step-by-step reporting procedures when dangerous goods are:
- Undeclared
- Misdeclared
- Improperly packed or labeled
Operators must act immediately or face consequences ranging from investigation to fines. DGCA now has explicit authority to initiate oversight actions.
Impact for Airlines and Cargo Handlers
These changes will affect multiple stakeholders across India’s aviation ecosystem:
- Airlines: Need verified certification and compliant documentation.
- Shippers: Must ensure packaging, labeling, and declarations meet standards.
- Freight Forwarders: Must enforce proper handling procedures.
- Cargo handlers: Face stricter procedural and reporting requirements.
All parties involved with dangerous goods must update workflows to avoid exposure to enforcement actions.
How the New Rules Differ From 2003 Regulations
Previous rules mainly aligned with standard international compliance. The 2026 rules:
- Emphasize accountability over simple compliance.
- Make certification mandatory rather than optional.
- Provide structured enforcement powers for DGCA.
- Impose clearer oversight mechanisms and reporting duties.
This shift marks a significant regulatory transformation in aviation safety.
What Happens Next?
The DGCA will likely issue:
- Detailed technical instructions
- Guidelines on classification, packing, and labeling
- Training requirements for personnel
Stakeholders must update systems and procedures within strict timelines to remain compliant.
