New IATA-ICAO deal boosts safety in air hazardous goods transport

Monday, January 22, 2024

IATA & ICAO reinforce their commitment to safe air transport of hazardous goods, ensuring global standards with a new agreement.

The collaboration between the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been further strengthened with a recent agreement to continue their joint efforts in establishing and enforcing international norms for the secure transportation of hazardous materials by air. This pact was formalized during a meeting at IATA’s headquarters in Geneva, where ICAO’s Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the importance of increased cooperation between the two entities.

IATA has been a pioneer in formulating guidelines for transporting hazardous goods on airplanes since 1956, continuously refining and developing these standards. The collaboration took a more structured form when ICAO adopted Annex 18 in January 1984, setting out fundamental principles for the global movement of dangerous goods. The Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air build upon Annex 18’s foundation, offering comprehensive directions for their secure international transport. These instructions also serve as a guide for countries to conduct inspections and monitoring.

Utilizing the Technical Instructions established at the governmental level via ICAO, IATA collaborates with the aviation sector to create practical tools and operational advice. These are presented as the Dangerous Goods Regulations, which are universal standards relevant to all stakeholders in the supply chain, including producers, shippers, airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handling staff. The regulations consist of various operator-specific modifications, supporting documents, tools, guidelines, and notes crucial for a uniform and practical method to the safe handling, inspection, and transportation of dangerous goods on aircraft.

“The safe carriage of dangerous goods has become common practice, thanks to the strict adherence to global standards and guidelines. 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”, said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

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