IATA seeks stronger controls over dangerous air cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders in the air cargo supply chain to address the risks associated with undeclared and misdeclared dangerous goods. According to the association, around 80% of incidents involving dangerous goods reported to IATA in the first half of 2025 involved undeclared or concealed hazardous materials, such as lithium batteries, e-cigarettes, and aerosols.

This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current aviation security screening processes in identifying dangerous goods before they are loaded onto aircraft.

IATA emphasized that while security screening remains crucial, it is not designed to detect the full range of dangerous goods and should not be considered the primary solution. The organization stressed that dangerous goods are transported safely by air daily, but risks arise when they are not declared correctly or enter the system undeclared. Every part of the supply chain must play a role in identifying and stopping such incidents as soon as possible.

Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, stated that a comprehensive multi-layer approach, starting as early as possible in the supply chain, is essential. Existing cargo security screening systems are primarily designed to detect explosives and other security threats, not the full range of dangerous goods. While well-established Dangerous Goods Regulations provide a framework for the safe transportation of hazardous materials by air, compliance remains a significant concern.

The association urged governments to strengthen oversight and enforcement of dangerous goods requirements throughout the cargo supply chain. Manufacturers, online marketplaces, shippers, freight forwarders, and postal operators were advised to ensure accurate product identification, certification, and information. Shippers and ground handlers were also encouraged to improve staff training, cargo acceptance controls, and utilize customer and shipment data to identify higher-risk cargo before reaching the airport.

IATA further recommended that airlines and ground handlers strengthen checks before cargo is loaded onto aircraft, and airports should improve coordination and information sharing among the cargo community to promptly address potential risks. The association stressed that addressing these risks requires a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders, rather than relying solely on airport security screening.

These recommendations come amid ongoing discussions among regulators about the effectiveness of existing aviation security screening processes in preventing dangerous goods incidents. The measures outlined in IATA’s white paper aim to ensure that hazardous materials are correctly declared and handled before entering the air transport system, thereby reducing risks associated with concealed or incorrectly declared cargo.