Air Freight 2025: Key Government Updates & New Rules You Must Know

In 2025, the air freight industry is seeing significant regulatory changes, especially in India. These updates are helping streamline cargo movement, reduce costs, and align with global safety and sustainability standards. Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for shippers, freight forwarders, and logistics companies.


1.CBIC Simplifies Air Cargo Movement & Transshipment (India)

Waiver of Transshipment Permit Fee

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has abolished the ₹20 transshipment permit fee for air cargo movements. 

This change comes via Notification No. 30/2025-Customs (N.T.), effective from 24 April 2025. 

The waiver aims to reduce compliance burden and speed up cargo handling across customs stations. 

Simplified Procedure for Unit Load Devices (ULDs)

ULDs (special containers for air cargo) can now be temporarily imported outside customs areas under simpler conditions. 

Air carriers or console agents can use a continuity bond instead of more complex or repeated financial guarantees. 

Any tracking devices on ULDs need Unique Identity Numbers (UINs), and the devices must comply with security norms from BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security). 

Carriers or agents are required to provide proof of re-export of ULDs within a specified timeframe. 

This harmonizes air cargo ULD movement procedures with those used in shipping (marine containers), making the process more efficient. 

Digital Transshipment Process

Transshipment applications can now be filed online via ICEGATE, removing the need to physically visit customs service centers. 

This is a push toward digitization and “ease of doing business” for the air cargo sector. 

2.IATA Updates — Global Air Cargo Regulation

New IATA Manuals for 2025/2026

IATA (International Air Transport Association) has released its 2025 edition of cargo and ground operations manuals, which include 350+ changes. 

The 2026 version also brings major updates: ~100 revisions, including in Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR). 

Battery Shipping Rules Tightened

Due to the rising number of lithium battery shipments and incidents, new limits and packaging requirements are introduced. 

Now, sodium-ion batteries and newer hybrid battery chemistries are explicitly regulated in the updated rules. 

IATA also clarifies State of Charge (SOC) rules — how charged a battery can be when transported. 

Digital Tools for Compliance

IATA has launched a digital portal called LAR Verify to help airlines, shippers, and cargo players check compliance with the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) more easily. 

There’s also a digital dangerous-goods list and improved battery classification tools — making it easier to follow rules. 

3.New Aircraft Law in India – Bharatiya Vāyuyān Adhiniyam, 2024

The Bharatiya Vāyuyān Adhiniyam, 2024 (Indian Aircraft Act) has come into force from 1 January 2025. 

Wikipedia

This new law replaces the older Aircraft Act, 1934, and modernizes regulations for:

Aircraft design and manufacture

Maintenance and operation

Import and export of aircraft

This can potentially affect leasing, cargo aircraft operations, and maintenance regimes, making it more aligned with 21st-century aviation needs. 

4.What These Changes Mean for Air Freight Businesses

Lower Costs & Better Efficiency

Waiving of transshipment fees and simpler ULD rules reduce operating costs and administrative burden.

Digitized customs processes via ICEGATE make cargo movement smoother.

Better Risk & Security Management

Tighter rules for dangerous/battery cargo means safer shipments — but also more paperwork and checks.

Companies that ship batteries or lithium goods will need to update packaging and documentation processes.

Compliance Challenge

Freight forwarders, shippers, and airlines will need to stay updated with IATA’s manual changes and new national laws.

The tracking requirement (UINs) for ULD devices adds a layer of compliance responsibility.

Growth Opportunity

With simplified ULD import/export, perishable and high-value goods can be handled more efficiently — good for pharma, horticulture, and electronics exporters.

These reforms could attract more business in air cargo, especially for time-sensitive goods.

Conclusion

2025 is a transformative year for air freight in India and globally. Regulatory reforms from CBIC, updated IATA standards, and a modern aircraft law are shaping a more efficient, secure, and business-friendly air cargo ecosystem.

For logistics companies and freight forwarders, this is the time to adapt your operations — invest in compliance, digitize where possible, and leverage these new rules to reduce costs and increase speed.

If M.N Logistics (or your company) is in air freight, highlighting these updates in your blog not only informs your audience but also positions your business as knowledgeable and forward-looking.