IATA (International Air Transport Association) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have extended their collaboration in establishing and implementing global standards for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air.
Under this agreement, IATA collaborates with the aviation industry to develop practical tools and operational recommendations based on technical instructions agreed upon at the government level through ICAO. These recommendations and tools are then issued as the Dangerous Goods Regulations, serving as global standards applicable across the entire value chain – encompassing manufacturers, shippers, airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handlers, according to IATA.
The Dangerous Goods Regulations encompass operator variations, supporting documents, tools, guidelines, and notes that are crucial for ensuring a practical and consistent approach to the safe acceptance, inspection, handling, and transportation of dangerous goods on aircraft.
IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “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.”
The agreement was concluded at the IATA offices in Geneva during a visit by ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar.
Explaining the background to the agreement, IATA said that it began issuing guidance for the carriage of Dangerous Goods on aircraft back in 1956 and has been updating and devising standards ever since.
“A more formalised approach on this subject was taken at a regulatory level by the adoption of ICAO Annex 18 in January 1984,” IATA said.
“This outlines the broad principles for the international transport of dangerous goods. Technical Instructions For The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air amplify the basic provisions of Annex 18 and contain all the detailed instructions necessary for the safe international transport of dangerous goods by air. In addition, they provide guidance to States for inspection and oversight.”
