The DGCA’s new Civil Aviation Requirement, effective 17 July 2026, now requires every foreign operator moving dangerous goods to or from India to secure prior approval before shipment.
Understanding the New CAR Section 11, Series B, Part I
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India, issued a fresh Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) under Section 11, Series B, Part I, which becomes effective on 17 July 2026. This regulation specifically targets dangerous goods—commonly referred to as HAZ cargo—handled by foreign operators on routes to or from India. The core requirement is clear: prior approval from the DGCA must be secured before any such shipment is dispatched.
Why Prior Approval Is Critical
Dangerous goods pose unique risks in the air transport environment. The DGCA’s move aligns India with global best practices, ensuring that every shipment is vetted for compliance with safety, handling, and documentation standards. For freight forwarders, airlines, and shippers, this means an additional compliance checkpoint that cannot be overlooked.
Steps to Secure DGCA Prior Approval
Our team at Oceanic Express LLP has mapped out a streamlined process to help you meet the new requirement without disrupting your supply chain:
- Pre‑flight Confirmation: Contact the airline well in advance to confirm their acceptance of the HAZ cargo under the new rule.
- Documentation Review: Ensure the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), packing instructions, and safety data sheets are up‑to‑date and match the DGCA format.
- Application Submission: Submit the electronic prior‑approval request through the DGCA portal, attaching all required documents.
- Approval Tracking: Monitor the status of your application; the DGCA typically responds within 48 hours for standard shipments.
- Final Clearance: Once approval is granted, forward the reference number to the airline and retain a copy for customs clearance.
Impact on Common Dangerous Goods Categories
The new CAR covers all classes of dangerous goods, from Class 1 explosives to Class 9 miscellaneous hazardous materials. Below are the categories most frequently shipped by Indian exporters and importers:
- Battery packs and lithium‑ion cells (Class 9)
- Pharmaceuticals requiring temperature control with hazardous preservatives (Class 6.2)
- Flammable liquids such as solvents and paints (Class 3)
- Compressed gases used in medical and industrial applications (Class 2)
Each category demands specific packaging, labeling, and handling procedures, all of which must be reflected in the prior‑approval request.
How Oceanic Express LLP Supports Your Compliance Journey
We have invested in dedicated compliance specialists who stay current with DGCA updates. Our services include:
- End‑to‑end documentation preparation and verification.
- Direct liaison with airlines to confirm acceptance of HAZ cargo.
- Electronic submission of prior‑approval applications on your behalf.
- Real‑time tracking of approval status and proactive alerts.
- Post‑approval support for customs clearance and cargo handling at Indian airports.
By partnering with Oceanic Express LLP, you mitigate the risk of shipment delays and ensure that your dangerous‑goods consignments comply fully with the DGCA’s new mandate.
Looking Ahead: Future Regulatory Trends
The aviation industry is moving toward tighter integration of safety data and digital approvals. While the current CAR focuses on prior approval, we anticipate further enhancements such as mandatory electronic tracking of HAZ cargo throughout the flight. Staying ahead of these trends will require a proactive compliance strategy—something Oceanic Express LLP is prepared to deliver.
We encourage all our clients to review their upcoming shipments and initiate the prior‑approval process as early as possible. Early engagement with the airline and our compliance team will smooth the path to a successful, on‑time delivery.
For detailed guidance, personalized assistance, or to start your DGCA prior‑approval request, contact Oceanic Express LLP today at +91‑9830041358 or +91‑9831034014. Our experts are ready to ensure your dangerous‑goods shipments meet every regulatory requirement.