The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for enhanced cooperation among all parties in the air freight supply chain to reduce the risks associated with undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods. This appeal comes as regulatory bodies discuss the role of current security screening procedures in the aviation sector. IATA emphasizes that while security screening is an important layer of protection, it is not a comprehensive solution to dealing with undeclared dangerous goods.
According to IATA, regulations for dangerous goods allow for the safe transportation of these materials by air, but approximately 80% of incidents related to dangerous goods reported in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or hidden items. Lithium batteries, along with other concealed hazardous materials such as e-cigarettes and undeclared aerosol products, have been prominent in these incidents.
Brendan Sullivan, IATA's Global Head of Cargo, stated that dangerous goods are transported safely by air every day, but risks emerge when these items enter the supply chain without being declared or with incorrect descriptions. He stressed that each party in the supply chain has a role in detecting and stopping such cases as early as possible. Sullivan noted that security screening primarily focuses on terrorist threats, making it just one layer of protection against non-compliant shipments.
Sullivan advocated for a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that begins at the earliest point in the supply chain, rather than relying solely on airport screening procedures. IATA pointed out that current air freight security screening systems are designed mainly to detect explosives and other security threats, not to identify the full range of materials classified as dangerous goods.
In a white paper titled "Safety and Security in the Air Freight Supply Chain," IATA urged governments to enhance oversight and enforce the transportation of dangerous goods across all stages of the supply chain. The association also encouraged manufacturers and e-commerce platforms to ensure that dangerous goods are correctly identified, classified, and certified when necessary.
IATA called on shippers, freight forwarders, and postal service operators to improve training and acceptance procedures for shipments, utilizing customer and shipment data to identify higher-risk cargo before it reaches airports. The association also urged airlines and ground service providers to strengthen verification processes before loading shipments.
IATA's recommendations aim to mitigate the risks associated with undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods in air freight. By fostering cooperation and implementing a multi-layered approach, the association seeks to enhance the overall safety and security of the air freight supply chain. Key stakeholders are expected to play a crucial role in the successful implementation of these measures.
Key points
- IATA reports that 80% of dangerous goods incidents in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or hidden items.
- The association advocates for a multi-layered approach to mitigate risks associated with undeclared dangerous goods.
- IATA urges governments, manufacturers, and air freight stakeholders to enhance cooperation and oversight to improve safety and security in the air freight supply chain.
