IATA Launches DG Digital to Fully Digitalize Dangerous Goods Declarations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched DG Digital, IATA’s digital Dangerous Goods Declaration solution, as a feature of DG AutoCheck.

What It Is
- DG Digital is a new tool integrated into DG AutoCheck that fully digitalizes the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) process.
- It covers more than 3,800 dangerous items (e.g., lithium batteries, explosives, chemicals).

Why It Matters
- Currently, 95% of DGDs are paper-based, requiring scanning and PDF conversion before validation.
- With DG Digital, declarations are created and transmitted digitally from shipper to airline, eliminating manual steps.
- Benefits include:
- Faster document sharing
- Improved safety
- Fewer rejected shipments
- Lower risk of fines

Trial Results
- Trials in Japan (with ANA, JAL, and six freight forwarders) showed only 0.5% rejection rate, compared to the global average of 4.5%.
- This demonstrates significant efficiency and safety improvements.

Industry Context
- Dangerous goods shipments are growing rapidly, especially due to lithium battery demand.
- DG AutoCheck has already processed over 1 million checks since 2019, with one-third completed in 2025 alone.

Leadership Insight
- Frederic Leger, IATA’s SVP of Product & Services, emphasized that DG Digital reduces complexity and ensures all stakeholders have access to the same validated document, streamlining the supply chain.

In short, DG Digital is a major step toward standardized, transparent, and safer air cargo logistics, cutting down inefficiencies and boosting compliance.