IATA seeks stronger controls over dangerous air cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain to address the risks associated with undeclared and misdeclared dangerous goods, according to a recent statement. The association reported that approximately 80% of dangerous goods incidents reported to them in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or hidden hazardous materials, encompassing lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and aerosols.

This development has raised concerns over the efficacy of current aviation security screening processes in identifying dangerous goods before they are loaded onto aircraft. In a statement, IATA emphasized that while security screening is crucial, it is not designed to detect the full spectrum of dangerous goods and should not be viewed as the primary solution.

IATA's Global Head of Cargo, Brendan Sullivan, stated that a comprehensive multi-layer approach, beginning as early as possible in the supply chain, is essential to prevent such incidents. IATA urged governments to strengthen oversight and enforcement of dangerous goods requirements, manufacturers and online marketplaces to ensure accurate identification and certification of dangerous goods, and shippers, freight forwarders, and postal operators to improve staff training and cargo acceptance controls.

The association also called for airlines and ground handlers to enhance cargo loading checks and for airports to improve coordination and information sharing within the cargo community. IATA maintains that a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders is necessary to address these risks effectively, rather than solely relying on airport security screening.

This recommendation follows ongoing discussions among regulators regarding the effectiveness of existing aviation security screening processes in preventing dangerous goods incidents.