Cathay Cargo and its terminal operator have received the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries or CEIV Li-batt certification. Both now hold the full set of CEIV certifications, joining CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals. 

The airline-specific accreditation joins Cathay Cargo’s existing mitigations for lithium-ion battery shipments, which include a full range of fire containment bags and fire-resistant containers. Cathay also has a Cargo Agent Operation Programme in place and an additional indemnity scheme for mislabelled dangerous goods. 

Cargo director Tom Owen said: “The safe carriage of lithium-ion batteries is a core focus of our cargo business and we have introduced a coherent and far-reaching series of safety protocols with our customers and operational teams to mitigate risks over the past few years.” 

The Cathay Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport also independently achieved its own CEIV Li-batt accreditation for cargo terminal operators. The group believes CEIV Li-batt addresses an important issue for the air cargo industry. 

“The incorrect charging, handling and mislabelling of shipments containing lithium-ion batteries can endanger people and property and has caused fires. This has become a bigger issue for the air-cargo industry as e-commerce continues to grow, increasing the incidence of undeclared or misdeclared shipments.” 

CEIV Li-batt formalises baseline standards to improve competency and quality management in the handling and carriage of lithium-ion batteries across the logistics supply chain. The accreditation is available to airlines, shippers, forwarders and cargo terminal operators.