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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently introduced a new certification designed specifically for the transport of perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. The new certification ‘Center for Excellence for Perishable Logistics’ (CEIV Fresh) is aimed at improving the handling and transportation of perishable products by air.
The specific time and temperature requirements for food and plant products make the handling and transporting of perishable products challenging. The CEIV Fresh programme meets these exacting requirements primarily based on the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) which combines professional regulatory and operational input from industry and government experts.
Commenting on the importance of CEIV Fresh, Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, said, “Perishable goods is a growing market for air cargo. Ensuring that these delicate and short shelf-life products reach the customer unspoiled with minimal waste and loss is essential. Shippers will have assurance that CEIV Fresh certified companies are operating to the highest quality and standards in the transport of perishable products.”
Taking a community approach
IATA has revealed that Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Cathay Pacific, Cathay Pacific Services Limited (CPSL) and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) were the first organisations to pilot the CEIV Fresh program taking a community approach to certification. IATA believes that such community approach helps all the stakeholders involved in the handling and transport of perishable goods to align their needs and responsibilities.
Glyn Hughes, IATA global head of cargo, on the occasion commented on how a community approach is critical for standardization of processes. He said, “We took a community approach to developing CEIV Fresh recognising that the successful shipment requires the alignment of many stakeholders. Shippers can have peace of mind knowing that every entity handling their goods is operating to the same standards. Understanding the value of this to the success of its customers, the Airport Authority Hong Kong pioneered the world’s first CEIV Fresh certified airport community.”
