IATA has launched a digital information portal to improve the welfare and safety of live animals transported by air.
LAR Verify allows airlines, shippers and freight forwarders to access accurate operator- and destination-specific requirements as defined by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which have formed the basis for the worldwide transport of live animals by air for more than 50 years.
The new portal offers an automated compliance solution for live animal shipments, streamlining planning, booking, acceptance and handling.
IATA said there were close to 200,000 live animal shipments globally in 2024 – up 11% since 2019.
“The volume of specialised cargo – live animals in particular – continues to grow,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s global head of cargo. “To manage this opportunity safely and efficiently, a single digital portal that provides access to relevant LAR regulations and facilitates data sharing is mission critical. As envisioned by IATA’s ONE Record initiative, the release of LAR Verify is a key milestone towards achieving a single source of truth for live animal shipments.”
IATA explained that LAR Verify can be embedded into cargo management systems, making it easier to integrate into existing workflows. It provides details on state and operator regulations, including on the export, import, transit and transfer of live animals; documentation requirements such as import licences per destination; and animal classification along with technical standards such as container requirements and labelling.
LAR Verify also gives live updates on regional embargoes and trade regulations, including requirements around managing disease outbreaks.
Finally, through an API, shippers and freight forwarders can upload any required documents for airline verification. Once all documents are correct, airlines can issue a physical acceptance of the cargo; this way there is no need to move live animals until their travel is confirmed, IATA said.
