Foreign Airlines Seek DGCA Permits for Dangerous Goods Following New Regulation

Foreign airlines operating in India are currently securing approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to transport dangerous goods to and from the country. This regulatory shift follows the implementation of new civil aviation requirements that became effective last week.

The Civil Aviation Ministry initially notified rules regarding the carriage of dangerous goods in aircraft in February. Subsequently, the DGCA issued a civil aviation requirement in July, making it compulsory for all foreign carriers to obtain specific approval before transporting these materials.

Over the past few days, several international carriers have received the necessary clearances. Cathay Cargo, Etihad, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines have secured the DGCA nod, according to industry sources. Additionally, Lufthansa Cargo confirmed the extension of its dangerous goods permit from the relevant authorities, while Singapore Airlines stated that it has obtained the required approvals and that cargo operations are continuing as usual.

However, the transition period has caused temporary disruptions for other carriers. A few airlines have yet to complete their paperwork and have temporarily placed an embargo on the carriage of dangerous goods to and from India. An international logistics company informed customers that some airlines are currently not accepting these items, which could potentially delay shipments and led to brief concerns among shippers regarding booked cargo.

Despite these temporary hurdles, an executive associated with the mobile manufacturing industry confirmed that exports have not been impacted.

Under the newly implemented framework, dangerous goods are classified under multiple categories. These include explosives, gases, inflammables, corrosives, toxic substances, radioactive materials, and miscellaneous items such as batteries, vehicles, engines, and mobile phones. Each category maintains distinct packing and handling requirements.

To secure the permit, foreign airlines must submit comprehensive documentation detailing their authorisation processes, dangerous goods handling procedures, and staff training protocols. Carriers are also required to appoint a designated person to oversee regulatory compliance. The regulatory changes stem from past instances of misdeclared dangerous goods and handling incidents, with the DGCA aiming to establish clear accountability.

Reactions to the implementation timeline have been mixed. An executive working with a foreign airline stated that the regulator should have provided a longer compliance window. Conversely, industry observers noted that a draft was issued in June of last year, followed by finalized rules in February, leaving carriers adequate time to prepare.

"Regulatory compliance in the aviation sector is critical for maintaining safety standards, particularly when handling sensitive or classified cargo. While new mandates can introduce short-term operational friction and paperwork delays for international carriers, structured compliance ultimately protects the supply chain from long-term risks. Businesses dependent on cross-border logistics must proactively align with evolving regulatory frameworks to ensure seamless operations." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes