Anyone who handles dangerous goods by air knows this truth: details matter. A single missing or incorrect Special Handling Code on an air waybill can trigger delays, rejections, or serious compliance issues. As air cargo regulations evolve, systems must keep pace, or teams are left scrambling.
That’s why the latest update aligning CargoWise Dangerous Goods handling with the 67th Edition (2026) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is more than a routine enhancement. It directly affects how dangerous goods shipments, especially vehicles, are identified, communicated, and accepted across the air cargo network.
Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and what logistics teams should do next.
Why the IATA DGR 2026 Update Matters for Air Freight?
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations are updated annually to reflect changes in how hazardous materials are classified, transported, and communicated. The 67th Edition, effective for 2026, brings greater clarity around vehicles and infectious substances, two areas that have historically caused confusion.
For air freight operators, airlines, and handlers, Special Handling Codes are not optional labels. They are part of the standardized IMP (Interline Message Procedure) messaging used to communicate critical shipment details electronically. If those codes are wrong or missing, airlines may reject the shipment before it ever leaves the ground.
By updating its Dangerous Goods reference data, CargoWise ensures that Special Handling Codes used in air messaging stay compliant with current IATA rules, reducing operational risk for forwarders.
What’s New in the IATA DGR 2026 Special Handling Codes?
The most notable additions in the 2026 update focus on vehicles, reflecting the growing volume of electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles moving by air.
The new Special Handling Codes now supported in CargoWise include:
RVB – Vehicle, Battery Powered
Applies to vehicles classified under UN 3556, UN 3557, and UN 3558.
RVF – Vehicle, Flammable, Gas or Liquid Powered
Covers vehicles powered by flammable gas or liquid, including fuel cell vehicles.
RVH – Vehicle, Hybrid
Used for hybrid vehicles classified under UN 3166.
RVO – Vehicle Other
Applies to vehicles classified under UN 3171.
These distinctions are important because airlines assess risk differently depending on how a vehicle is powered. Grouping everything under a generic vehicle label is no longer acceptable under current regulations.
A Key Change to the RIS Code You Shouldn’t Miss
Alongside the new vehicle codes, there’s also an update to an existing one. The description for RIS has been revised.
Previously, RIS was described as “Infectious Substance (UN 2814 or UN 2900)”. Under the 2026 DGR, it has been simplified to:
RIS – Infectious Substance
While this may seem like a minor wording change, it aligns with updated regulatory language and avoids unnecessary restriction to specific UN numbers. For compliance teams, this helps ensure consistency between classification, documentation, and air messaging.
How CargoWise Applies these Codes Automatically?
One of the biggest operational advantages of this update is automation. The Special Handling Codes defined in the IATA DGR 2026 are pre-populated in CargoWise reference data.
Teams can view and manage these codes under:
Maintain → Reference Files → Dangerous Goods → Standard = IAT
Once dangerous goods are correctly classified at the shipment level, CargoWise automatically populates the relevant Special Handling Codes in key areas of air operations, including:
Air Consolidation → Details → Docs tab
Consol → AWB → Special Handling Code grid
This means the codes flow directly onto the electronic air waybill (eAWB) without manual re-entry, reducing the risk of errors and omissions.
Why is this Automation a Big Deal for DG Teams?
Manual handling of Special Handling Codes is one of the most common sources of air cargo compliance issues. It relies on staff remembering which code applies to which UN number, vehicle type, or substance.
By embedding the updated IATA logic into CargoWise, the system acts as a compliance safeguard. As long as dangerous goods are set up correctly, the right handling codes follow automatically.
That doesn’t remove responsibility from the operator, but it significantly reduces reliance on memory, spreadsheets, or outdated reference charts.
Still Flexible When You Need It
While automation handles most scenarios, CargoWise still allows Special Handling Codes to be manually reviewed or adjusted where required. This is important for edge cases, airline-specific requirements, or operational exceptions.
The key point is control without compromise. Automation handles the standard, while experienced teams retain the ability to intervene when needed.
The Growing Importance of Vehicle Classification in Air Cargo
Electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles are no longer niche cargo. As global trade evolves, these shipments are becoming more frequent and more regulated.
Airlines are particularly sensitive to lithium batteries, fuel systems, and mixed power sources. Using the correct Special Handling Code is not just about regulatory compliance; it directly impacts whether an airline will accept the cargo.
The introduction of RVB, RVF, RVH, and RVO reflects how granular dangerous goods classification has become, and why systems must evolve alongside regulations.
What Logistics Teams Should Review Now?
Even with CargoWise updated, teams shouldn’t treat this as a “set and forget” change. It’s a good moment to review how dangerous goods are handled operationally.
That includes checking whether vehicle shipments are classified correctly, whether staff understand the differences between the new codes, and whether internal DG workflows align with current IATA guidance.
It’s also an opportunity to validate that air messaging, eAWB processes, and airline communication are working smoothly under the new rules.
Why Partner Support Matters for DG Compliance?
Dangerous goods compliance isn’t just about system updates. It’s about how those updates are implemented, understood, and embedded into daily workflows.
A CargoWise service partner can help review your DG setup, validate Special Handling Code behavior, and ensure your air shipments remain compliant as regulations change. This is especially valuable for organizations handling vehicles, infectious substances, or high-risk cargo on a regular basis.
Conclusion
The IATA DGR 2026 updates reinforce a simple reality: air cargo compliance is getting more detailed, not less. New vehicle classifications and revised handling codes mean accuracy matters more than ever.
By aligning Dangerous Goods Special Handling Codes with the latest regulations, CargoWise helps logistics teams stay compliant without adding manual effort. But technology works best when paired with the right expertise.
If you want to make sure your Dangerous Goods setup is aligned with the IATA DGR 2026 or need help reviewing vehicle classifications and air messaging, schedule a call with a CargoWise service partner today. We can walk you through the changes, validate your configuration, and schedule a call to ensure your DG operations are ready for what’s next.
