IATA and ICAO renew dangerous goods agreement for air cargo
22 / 01 / 2024
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IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have extended their cooperation for setting and implementing global standards for the safe carriage of dangerous goods by air.
The agreement sees IATA work with the aviation industry to develop the applicable practical tools and operational recommendations based on technical instructions agreed on at government level through ICAO.
These recommendations and tools are issued as the Dangerous Goods Regulations and are global standards applicable to the entire value chain – manufacturers, shippers, airlines, freight forwarders and ground handlers, IATA said.
“These regulations include operator variations, supporting documents, tools, guidelines and notes which are essential for a practical, consistent approach to the safe acceptance, inspection, handling and carriage of dangerous goods on aircraft,” the airline group explained.
IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “The safe carriage of dangerous goods has become common practice, thanks to the strict adherence to global standards and guidelines. Today’s agreement ensures that dangerous goods will continue to be handled according to the highest globally applicable standards.
“To this effect, IATA will continue its advocacy work with key stakeholders to maintain a globally aligned, and practically focused approach to the regulated transport of dangerous goods. This will lead to more efficient and robust supply chains whilst upholding aviation’s number one priority of safety.”
The agreement was concluded at the IATA offices in Geneva during a visit by ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar.
Explaining the background to the agreement, IATA said that it began issuing guidance for the carriage of Dangerous Goods on aircraft back in 1956 and has been updating and devising standards ever since.
“A more formalised approach on this subject was taken at a regulatory level by the adoption of ICAO Annex 18 in January 1984,” IATA said.
“This outlines the broad principles for the international transport of dangerous goods. Technical Instructions For The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air amplify the basic provisions of Annex 18 and contain all the detailed instructions necessary for the safe international transport of dangerous goods by air. In addition, they provide guidance to States for inspection and oversight.”
