IATA Calls for Stronger Controls on Dangerous Goods Across the Air Cargo Supply Chain

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for stronger coordination among stakeholders across the air cargo supply chain to reduce the risks posed by undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods.

In a newly published white paper, IATA proposes a multilayered approach, with controls implemented from the earliest stages of the supply chain and maintained throughout the transportation process. According to the association, this approach should complement existing security screening measures rather than relying on a single layer of control.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, said dangerous goods are safely transported by air every day when they are properly declared and handled in accordance with regulations. Risks arise when such items enter the system without being declared or when the information provided is inaccurate.

“Dangerous goods are transported safely by air every day. The risk comes when they enter the system undeclared or incorrectly declared.”

IATA emphasizes that security screening is an important layer of protection, but not the primary solution to this issue. Current screening procedures are primarily designed to detect security threats such as explosives and are not intended to comprehensively identify all types of dangerous goods.

“IATA stresses that security screening is an important layer of protection, but not a primary solution.”

According to Sullivan, controls need to begin as early as possible in the supply chain, with responsibility shared among multiple stakeholders.

“Every part of the supply chain has a role to play in identifying and stopping such incidents as soon as possible. Security screening, which is primarily focused on terror threats, is one layer of protection against rogue shippers, but it is not a complete solution.”

He said this provides the basis for implementing a multilayered control system rather than focusing on a single point in the supply chain.

“A comprehensive multi-layer approach beginning as far upstream the supply chain as possible is essential.”

Lithium Batteries and Other Undeclared Dangerous Goods

IATA said the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) provide the framework for ensuring that properly declared and handled shipments can be transported safely by air. However, undeclared or concealed items remain a significant source of risk.

Around 80% of dangerous goods incidents reported to IATA in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or concealed goods. Among the items most commonly detected were undeclared lithium batteries, electronic cigarettes and aerosols.

“Lithium batteries and other concealed hazardous commodities, such as undeclared e-Cigarettes and aerosols, were among the products most commonly identified.”

According to IATA, cargo screening can provide additional opportunities to detect irregularities and identify some undeclared dangerous goods shipments. However, the effectiveness of this layer of control is limited because current screening systems are primarily designed to serve aviation security objectives.

IATA therefore believes that dangerous goods should be identified before cargo reaches the airport, through acceptance procedures, shipment data and product information, with checks continuing at subsequent stages of the supply chain.

IATA Proposes a Multilayered Approach

In its white paper “Safety and Security in the Cargo Supply Chain,” IATA sets out recommendations for different stakeholder groups across the air cargo supply chain:

●    Governments: Strengthen oversight and enforcement of dangerous goods regulations across the entire supply chain.

●    Manufacturers and e-commerce platforms: Ensure that dangerous goods are accurately identified, classified and certified where required, while providing complete product information.

●    Shippers, freight forwarders and postal operators: Strengthen training, reinforce cargo acceptance procedures and make effective use of customer and shipment data to identify high-risk shipments before they reach the airport.

●    Airlines and ground handling companies: Increase checks before cargo is loaded onto aircraft.

●    Airports: Improve coordination and information sharing among stakeholders within the air cargo community.

The approach places greater emphasis on identifying and controlling risks at the beginning of the supply chain, rather than waiting until cargo reaches airport security screening. According to IATA, coordination among stakeholders is essential to preventing undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods from entering the air transport system.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Air Cargo News)

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