The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a warning that relying solely on cargo screening is insufficient to effectively counter the threat of undeclared dangerous goods in air cargo. Incidents involving such undeclared items continue to dominate airfreight safety reports.
This challenge is exacerbated by the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing volume of lithium battery shipments, which inherently carry higher risks if not handled and declared correctly. Consequently, the responsibility for ensuring the safe transport of these goods is shifting more heavily onto all stakeholders within the global supply chain, from the initial shippers to freight forwarders, ground handlers, and airlines.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this means a heightened need for due diligence and robust internal processes. It underscores the importance of verifying shipper declarations, understanding the specific regulations for dangerous goods (especially lithium batteries), and ensuring proper packaging and labeling. Non-compliance could lead to significant penalties, operational delays, and safety risks. Forwarders must invest in training for their staff to accurately identify and manage dangerous goods, and to educate their clients on their obligations.
IATA's statement suggests a future where regulatory enforcement and industry best practices will increasingly focus on pre-screening and documentation accuracy rather than solely on physical detection at the airport.
