IATA, ICAO eye aligned global standards for dangerous goods

by Payload Asia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have solidified their cooperation to ensure the safe carriage of dangerous goods by air.

The two organisations forged an agreement at the IATA executive offices in Geneva during a recent 3-day ICAO visit in the Swiss capital, which was graced by secretary-general Juan Carlos Salazar.

Since 1956, IATA has been on top of issuing guidance and consistently updating global standards on handling dangerous goods on aircraft. In January 1984, ICAO formalised this at regulatory level with the adoption of ICAO Annex 18, which set the early principles for the global transport of dangerous goods.

All detailed instructions needed for the safe international transport of dangerous goods by air can be found under “Technical Instructions For The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air,” which build upon Annex 18 and provide guidance to states for inspection and oversight.

IATA works beyond bureaucracy and with the wider aviation industry to develop applicable tools and operational recommendations based on government-level Technical Instructions from ICAO. These make up the Dangerous Goods Regulations, a set of global standards for the entire logistics chain, which include manufacturers, shippers, airlines, freight forwarders and ground handlers.

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.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, pinpointed the importance of strict adherence to global standards and guidelines to guarantee the safe transport of such shipments.

“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,” Walsh noted.