The rules empower DGCA to grant approval to certain dangerous goods shipments and perform more stringent inspections than before
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Fahroni
The Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed graded penalties of up to ₹1 crore for violations in the transport of dangerous goods, such as flammable substances, gases, lithium batteries, and radioactive materials, among others. The draft of the new rules, which has been released for public comments, also lays higher emphasis on training and assessment of persons handling dangerous goods.
The handling and transport of dangerous goods is regulated as per government rules of 2003. Airlines and freight forwarders also refer to International Air Transport Association norms for guidance.
These stipulate measures for packing and labelling and also lay down the responsibilities of shippers and airlines in handling and carriage of dangerous goods. The new rules classify severity of violations and propose penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 crore on individuals and organisations. Thus, a level 1 offence that deals with non-compliance with training-related rule, will attract a penalty of ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh; the carriage of dangerous goods without regulatory approval will attract penalty of ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore.
“The Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2025, seems to be a complete overhaul of the 2003 regulations, thereby incorporating formidable changes to be more in conformity with modern safety requirements,” said advocate Nitin Sarin, managing partner, Sarin & Co.
“The rules empower DGCA to grant approval to certain dangerous goods shipments and perform more stringent inspections than before,” he added. Under the proposed rules, operator certification for carriage of dangerous goods will remain valid for five years, thus increasing stability of the new regime.
The rule also lays greater emphasis on training and assessment of staff engaged in the handling dangerous goods.
“The new rules are aligned with ICAO technical instructions on safe transport of dangerous goods. With expansion of Indian aircraft fleet hiring and training requirements will increase. While the 2003 rules recognised training programmes, there was no recognition for training organisations which is provided in the 2025 rules,” said Radharaman Panicker, a certified dangerous goods practitioner and MD, Dangerous Goods Management India Pvt Ltd.
‘Not fair’
J Krishnan, former president of Air Cargo Agents Association of India, has suggested that penalties should be levied uniformly for offences, and the amount should not vary based on organisation employee strength as is the case now. “ The principle of fairness is missing now,” he added.
Published on July 2, 2025
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